Fulham WI

Fulham WI February Meeting - 1 February from 7:30pm

Hello Ladies!
 
The February Fulham WI meeting will take place on Monday 1 February at 7:30pm.  Our speaker will be Christine Hodgson of the Chelsea Physic Garden.
 
Members will have to complete new membership forms for 2010 with their annual subs (£29.50) by the end of February or risk losing their membership.  These forms will be available at the February meeting.
 
 
SPEAKER

Christine Hodgson: Chelsea Physic Garden
The Chelsea Physic Garden is a jewel on our doorstep. Founded in 1673 as the Apothecaries’ Garden with the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants, Chelsea Physic Garden has been in continual cultivation ever since, maintaining its importance as a centre for education and  research.  Today, as well as being a fascinating oasis in stunning surroundings, the garden has developed a major role in public education focusing on the renewed interest in natural medicine.
We are delighted to be welcoming Christine Hodgson, an historian who is also a volunteer guide. Christine will be giving us an introduction to the garden and brightening up what is likely to be a dark winter evening with some wonderful pictures of the garden!

As always, the meeting will be in the upstairs room at the Peterborough/Southern Cross pub on the New Kings Road (on the junction of Wandsworth Bridge Road) nearest tube is Fulham Broadway.  Please find here a link to Streetmap for directions.  We look forward to welcoming new members and returning members alike.
 
EVENTS

Fulham WI Fencing Taster Session
Wednesday, 3 February from 7-9pm
 
A fun introduction to fencing - the ancient art of swordplay!  Only a normal level of fitness is required.  All equipment is provided. 
 
The cost is £20 per person,  cash or cheques payable to 'Central London Fencing Club.'  If you would like to attend, please email us with your contact details.  You will also be able to sign up and pay at the February meeting.
 
 
International Women's Day
Monday, 8 March from 10:30am - 2pm
 
This is an important day for many women all around the world. On this day, many people celebrate the achievements and strengths of women.  As part of the NFWI's Women Reaching Women project, this year we will celebrate International Women's Day by supporting Women for Women Internationals' "Join me on the Bridge" campaign. This campaign will bring women together by meeting on bridges all around the world to show that women everywhere are united in building the bridges of peace and development for our global future.
Together we aim to pressure the international community to fulfil its obligations to meet the Millennium Development Goals, promises made by world leaders in 2000. Each has specific targets, most of which are not on track to be fully achieved by 2015, meaning that millions more women die unnecessarily in childbirth, and millions of girls are denied the basic education which would improve their lives and the lives of future generations.

We don't want women and girls to be forgotten. To raise awareness, we will be leading a walk in London at 10:30am from Victoria Embankment Gardens to the Millennium Bridge where all participants will join together on the bridge for a photo opportunity at 12:00. Please do join us for this significant day and show your solidarity with women worldwide. Please bring either a white banner, sheet, piece of fabric or t-shirt (if you are artistic, painted with your vision of peace).  If you would like to attend, please email us with your contact details.

 
Theatre Group : Private Lives Starring Kim Cattrall
Tuesday, 9 March from 7:30pm
 
We are planning to see Private Lives starring Kim Cattrall at the Vaudeville Theatre.  We are unable to get group tickets as yet but are hoping to have them for around £35 - £40 each.  Please let us know if you would like to attend please email us your contact details.  You will also be able to sign up at the February meeting.
 
 
Fulham WI Archery Taster Session
Saturday, 27 March at 2pm
 
Fun, have-a-go, 1.5 hour archery session at an Islington venue.  Includes a safety briefing to start the session, insurance, equipment hire, individual instruction for each person to shoot the first three arrows, tips and advice from an archery instructor throughout the session. The session lasts for 1.5 hours and they've promised to get everyone hitting the target.
 
Friends are welcome.  The cost is £20 per person, cash or cheques payable to '2020 Archery.'  If you would like to attend, please email us your contact details.  You will also be able to sign up and pay at the February meeting.
 
 
Theatre Group Dates
We have se the following dates for 2010 theatre outings.  Please enter them into your diary and we will work out what we want to go and see nearer the time.
 
Tuesday 15th June
Tuesday 14th September
Tuesday 30th November

 

x Fulham WI Committee

http://www.fulhamwi.org.uk

Contact Us:

Fulham WI January Meeting - 4 January from 7:30pm

Happy New Year! 
 
The January Fulham WI meeting will take place on Monday 4 January at 7:30pm.  Our speakers will be Oliver Symons of the Royal Ballet and Christopher Millard of London Transport Police.

Members will have to complete new membership forms for 2010 with their annual subs (£29.50) by the end of February or risk losing their membership.  These forms will be available at the January and February meetings.
 
 
SPEAKERS

Oliver Symons: In and Around The Royal Ballet

Local Fulham resident Oliver Symons has been involved in dance, in one form or another, since 1954. He retired in 2001 after 36 years with The Royal Ballet, 15 as Ballet Master of ‘Ballet for All’, the remainder as Assistant Ballet Master with the Company at Covent Garden.  He appeared in a number of ballets, most notably as an Ugly Sister, Widow Simone and Mrs Tiggywinkle, as well as in many similar roles.  Oliver was a teacher for the Company and supervised its education programme for several years.

Prior to his career with The Royal Ballet Oliver was a founder member of Western Theatre Ballet, dancing with the company for seven years, following which he danced at the Zurich Opera House for a year.

Since his retirement Oliver has become an experienced raconteur, having given over 100 talks, so we look forward to hearing his tales entitled ‘In and Around The Royal Ballet’.

 

Christopher Millard from the London Transport Police will also be coming to give us all some quick tips on keeping safe on the tube.  He will briefly introduce our local British Transport Police Neighbourhood Policing Team, what their aims are and how they intend to achieve them.  He will also take any questions that we may have. 
 

As always, the meeting will be in the upstairs room at the Peterborough/Southern Cross pub on the New Kings Road (on the junction of Wandsworth Bridge Road) nearest tube is Fulham Broadway.  Please find here a link to Streetmap for directions. We look forward to welcoming new members and returning members alike.

EVENTS

Fulham WI Fencing Taster Session

Wednesday, 3 February from 7-9pm

 

A fun introduction to fencing - the ancient art of swordplay!  £20 per person, cheques payable to 'Central London Fencing Club.'  Only a normal level of fitness is required.  All equipment is provided.  Just wear tracksuit bottoms, a t-shirt, and trainers.  If you would like to attend, please email us with your contact details and 'Fencing Taster' in the subject line.

 

 

International Women's Day

Monday, 8 March from 10:30am - 2pm

 

This is an important day for many women all around the world. On this day, many people celebrate the achievements and strengths of women.  As part of the NFWI's Women Reaching Women project, this year we will celebrate International Women's Day by supporting Women for Women Internationals' "Join me on the Bridge" campaign. This campaign will bring women together by meeting on bridges all around the world to show that women everywhere are united in building the bridges of peace and development for our global future.

Together we aim to pressure the international community to fulfil its obligations to meet the Millennium Development Goals, promises made by world leaders in 2000. Each has specific targets, most of which are not on track to be fully achieved by 2015,
meaning that millions more women die unnecessarily in childbirth, and millions of girls are denied the basic education which would improve their lives and the lives of future generations.

We don't want women and girls to be forgotten. To raise awareness, we will be leading a walk in London at 10:30am from Victoria Embankment Gardens to the Millennium Bridge where all participants will join together on the bridge for a photo opportunity at 12:00. Please do join us for this significant day and show your solidarity with women worldwide. Please bring either a white banner, sheet, piece of fabric or t-shirt (if you are artistic, painted with your vision of peace).  If you would like to attend, please email us your details with the subject line 'International Women's Day.'

 

 

Fulham WI Archery Taster Session

Saturday, 27 March at 2pm

 

Fun, have-a-go, 1.5 hour archery session.  £20 per person, cheques payable to '2020 Archery.'  Includes a safety briefing to start the session, insurance, equipment hire, individual instruction for each person to shoot the first three arrows, tips and advice from an archery instructor throughout the session. The session lasts for 1.5 hours and they've promised to get everyone hitting the target.  Strictly no alcohol beforehand.  Please wear comfortable and footwear, warm clothes, no heels, no baggy sleeves.  Robin hood hats entirely optional!  Islington venue.  Friends welcome.

 

 

Theatre Group Dates
We have se the following dates for 2010 theatre outings.  Please enter them into your diary and we will work out what we want to go and see nearer the time.
 
Tuesday 9th March
Tuesday 15th June
Tuesday 14th September
Tuesday 30th November

 

 

x Fulham WI Committee

 

http://www.fulhamwi.org.uk

Contact Us:

Fulham WI December Meeting - 7 December from 7:30pm

The December Fulham WI meeting will take place on Monday 7 December at 7:30pm. 

 

The December meeting is a special edition.  Our speaker will be Clare Watson of Miss Dress, a stylist who will bring along high street fashions and tell us how we can wear them!  We will of course be holding our annual mince pie competition (possibly to be featured in the Mail on Sunday) and also a couple of people selling pretty things for Christmas presents and parties.  Additionally, we will supply a few bottles of wine to start the festive period! 

 

Members will have to complete new membership forms for 2010 with their annual subs (£29.50) by the end of February or risk losing their membership.  These forms will be available at the December, January, and February meetings.

 

 

SPEAKER

Clare Watson – Styling for the party season!

 

Clare Watson has been a stylist for 8 years. Since graduating with a degree in Fashion Promotion from the prestigious Surrey Institute of Art and Design, Clare has strived at carving herself a highly successful career as a fashion stylist.

 

She has travelled around the world working on both photographic shoots and film productions for a multitude of British and International media publications and advertising projects styling men, women and children. Her work has covered all areas from high end fashion magazines, mainstream commercials and celebrity shoots to personal shopping for individual clients. Some of her clients to date include; BBC, CDUK, Guardian Newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, Glamour Magazine, London ’s Liberty store and Timeout. She has also worked with the likes of Hollywood actresses Renee Zellwegger and Mandy Moore as well Duran Duran, Jamelia and Will Young.

 

Clare’s in-depth knowledge of fashion, coupled with her experience in styling normal everyday people prompted her to set up her own company; Miss Dress (http://www.miss-dress.com) to offer firsthand, the secrets of celebrity style, top fashion advice and styling know how and ultimately an individual service that shows anybody no matter what shape, size or situation how to look amazing any time of the day.

 

At our December meeting Clare will offer a very light hearted look at fashion, with an underlying tone of the importance style and ideas on how to revamp individuals’ looks. She will walk us through current trends, teach us how to dress to suit our shapes and leave us with top styling secret tricks on how to revamp an outfit in seconds. Clare will be bringing a selection of clothes and accessories with her, all be available from current stores, and will spend the evening preparing all of us for making a splash this Christmas!

 

A £25 discount off Miss Dress services will be offered to all FWI ladies attending on the evening.

 

As always, the meeting will be in the upstairs room at the Peterborough/Southern Cross pub on the New Kings Road (on the junction of Wandsworth Bridge Road) nearest tube is Fulham Broadway.  Please find here a link to Streetmap for directions. We look forward to welcoming new members and returning members alike.

 

 

EVENTS

The Wave Climate Change March – Saturday 5 December

11am

 

As you may be aware, there is a climate change march taking place in Central London on 5 December, which the WI is involved with.  The march is organised by the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, of which the WI is a founder member, and is timed to coincide with the UN climate change talks in Copenhagen.  They are really looking forward to seeing lots of WI members at the march.  Members are coming from around the country and it would be great to have a really fantastic showing from the London area.

What:    a march around the Houses of Parliament, starting from Grosvenor Square
When:   5 December, meet at 11am. The march should finish at around 3.30pm.
Where: meet in the event room, Mayfair Library, 25 South Audley Street, London, W1K 2PB
Why:     to draw attention to the dangers of runaway climate change and provide decision-makers with the grassroots mandate to take strong action at the UN Climate Change talks in Copenhagen
Wear:    something blue!!

 

Thrive Battersea Christmas Wreath Sale

This year’s charity Thrive Battersea are selling exclusive Christmas wreaths designed by Simon Lycett.  They will be available to order for £9.99 and order forms will be available at the December meeting.

 

Theatre Group Dates

We have se the following dates for 2010 theatre outings.  Please enter them into your diary and we will work out what we want to go and see nearer the time.

 

Tuesday 9^th March

Tuesday 15^th June

Tuesday 14^th September

Tuesday 30^th November

 

 

MERCHANTS

 

Jules Charms

Jules Charms is back with a brilliant new website www.charmnecklaces.co.uk, showcasing lots of lovely jewellery collections. Jules makes stunning sterling silver and gold plated charm necklaces, charm bracelets, charm earrings, charm bangles and button rings. Each piece is created with great charm and attention – so most designs are unique, funky and oh so wearable. Jules like to source lots of fabulous vintage, new and unusual beads, charms and pendants – it’s her love of all things trinkety that make Jules Charms what it is today. Jules takes personal commissions – whatever you would like, Jules can pretty much make it for you. She also does home jewellery parties and sets up shop in your office too. Check out the website for all the information and sign up to the monthly newsletter, to get exclusive offers and exciting news! www.charmnecklaces.co.uk

 

Laurel Wilson

“flights of fancy fascinators

feathers, flowers and fripperies for everyone!”

 

 

Using a variety of materials from opulent velvet and grosgrain ribbons, antique marcasite brooches, feathers (from free-range British poultry breeders wherever possible) to butterflies, bumblebees and hummingbirds, each of Laurel Wilson’s fascinators and headpieces is completely unique.

 

From statement pieces to show off at the office party to chic, understated embellishments for a Christmas wedding, there is something for everyone – including the younger members of the family who will be delighted by this year’s new collection of neon brights!

 

Laurel also makes bespoke headdresses and fascinators for weddings and special occasions so do feel free to come and chat to her during the evening.

 

Patchi’s and Flaxi’s

We are deligted to be welcoming back Natalie and her bespoke cushions! Many of you will remember Natalie from our Christmas meeting last year, or have met her at the Parson’s Green Fair this summer. Now is your opportunity to snaffle some of her wares as extra special Christmas presents or commission her to create something just for you!   Natalie is extremely excited to announce the launch of her new website www.patchisandflaxis.com  for her cushion company Patchi’s and Flaxi’s!

 

Natalie makes hand-made cushions by clashing different fabrics and textures together, such as silks, wools, velvets, felts and cottons, and adds beads and buttons, to achieve dynamic cushions. Natalie enjoys what she does so much, that she feels each cushion she makes has positive energy and karma behind it.

 

You can contact Natalie at natalie@patchisandflaxis.com or on her mobile 07532282058, to order Ready-Made Cushions and Personalised Cushions, for which you can choose the theme, the colour, the size, the fabric, including fabric which you already have or your old clothes, and to be piped and zipped.  Natalie can deliver your cushion to wherever you are, since her cushions have already travelled far and wide to Portugal, Ireland, Malta, Canada, Australia and Luxembourg.  With Natalie’s four years experience in Interior Design and recently having supplied a £13 million Belgravia home with stunning silk and velvet cushions, Natalie also offers Interior Design advice and property site visits,

 

You can see more Patchi’s and Flaxi’s cushions on some Sundays at Spitalfields Market in East London, on Etsy’s online store at  www.tinyurl.com/patchisandflaxis and at Pop-In’s funky hairdressers in Kennington, London.

  

x Fulham WI Committee

 

http://www.fulhamwi.org.uk

Contact Us:

November Meeting Details and Events

The November Fulham WI meeting will take place on Monday 2 November at 7:30pm.

NOVEMBER SPEAKER

For centuries people have told stories of encounters with ghosts and fascination with the subject continues to this day.  It is said that 1 out of 10 people believes they have seen a ghost, but what exactly does this mean?  What is a ghost, what do these experiences have in common, and why and how do people go looking for them? 

 

Rosie Murdie's talk will attempt to answer some of these questions and will include a history of the Ghost Club (the oldest paranormal association in England) and the speaker's own experience of hunting ghosts in locations such as Ham House in Richmond and The Kings Ams in Aylesbury.  There will also be a chance to hear some famous tales of ghosts who haunt the streets of London.

 

 

As always, the meeting will be in the upstairs room at the Peterborough/Southern Cross pub on the New Kings Road (on the junction of Wandsworth Bridge Road) nearest tube is Fulham Broadway.  Please find here a link to Streetmap for directions. We look forward to welcoming new members and returning members alike.

 

 

EVENTS

 

Thrive Volunteer Sunday - 1 November

 

This year's charity, Thrive, always welcomes new volunteers, either during the week to work alongside their disabled client gardeners or at weekends. From May to November they hold monthly volunteer Sundays (to work in the gardens) and weekly Saturday plant sales where volunteers man the plant stall.  The next Volunteer Sunday will be 1 November, and the ladies from Fulham WI will be there to help!

 

To confirm your interest, please email us with your contact details.

 

 

Holiday Gift-Making at Pottery Cafe - Thursday 19 November

7:30pm - 10pm

 

We will be spending the evening of 19 November painting pottery at the Pottery Cafe in Fulham.  Choose from the menu of handmade pottery, select your paints and sponges, and have a go!  If you aren't comfortable decorating freehand, don't worry - they have their own unique range of decorating sponges that are very easy to use.  You will be amazed how professional your finished item looks - perfect for personalised gift-giving.

 

There is a £5.95 studio fee (per person, per session - NOT per item) to cover all materials plus glazing and firing of your decorated items, which are charged separately.  A list of available pottery can be found on the website: http://www.pottery-cafe.com/index.html. 

 

Final numbers must be given by Monday, 2 November.  To book your place, please email us with your contact details.

 

 

Reclaim The Night - Saturday 21 November

from 6pm

As part of the NFWI's 'End Violence Against Women' campaign members have been invited to join other organisations working for women and to end violence on a march to demand justice for rape survivors.

According to the Reclaim the Night website: The British Crime Survey (2001) found that there are an estimated 47,000 rapes every year, around 40,000 attempted rapes and over 300,000 sexual assaults. Yet our conviction rate is the lowest it has ever been, one of the lowest in Europe, at only 5.3%. This means that more rapists were convicted in the 1970s when Reclaim The Night marches first started than they are now. Did you know that the maximum sentence possible for rape is life imprisonment? Probably not, because rarely are rapists even reported or convicted, let alone with a realistic sentence. This situation has to change.  This is a women-only march, details below:

Assemble 6pm (march to start promptly at 6.30pm)

Whitehall Place, Central London Map here

 

To confirm your attendance, please email us with your contact details.

 

 

ETC.

 

Keep Your Promise Campaign Petition

 

The following petition may be of interest to members of Fulham WI, as we have been active in the No More Violence Against Women campaign.

 

The Boris Keep Your Promise campaign is calling on the Mayor of London to meet his campaign pledge to fund four Rape Crisis Centres for London.  At present London's 4 million women are served by just one centre in Croydon, although plans are underway to develop a further Rape Crisis centre in Ealing. The campaign calls on the Mayor of London to meet his promise to provide immediate funding for four centres across the city. The mayor has previously thanked campaigners for raising the public profile of this goal. To sign the petition please visit: http://38degrees.org.uk/page/s/rapecrisis
For further details on the campaign please visit:
http://www.boriskeepyourpromise.org.uk/

 

 

ITV House Gift Opportunity

 

ITV’s hugely successful daytime show, ‘House Gift’ is returning for a brand new series.  They're looking for stylish homes to take part in this unique interior design challenge. Their three interior design gurus will find you three fabulous house gifts, and all you have to do is choose which one is perfect for your home.  Their challenge is to find something that fits your home, your challenge is to judge how well they’ve succeeded.  If you’re up for some fun, and you think you’d be great on TV, get in touch. Whether you live in a townhouse or a semi, a loft apartment or a basement flat - they'd love to hear from you. 

 

If you are interested, please reply to this email with your contact details

June Meeting: celebrating tea and poetry!

We had a kettle, we let it leak;
Our not replacing it made it worse,
We haven't had any tea for a week.
The bottom is out of the Universe!
- Rudyard Kipling

 

The June Fulham WI meeting will take place this Monday, June 1 starting at 7.30pm sharp in the upstairs function room at THE PETERBOROUGH (may have gone back to being called the Southern Cross) on the New King’s Road.

Please remember subs are overdue. Cheques should be made payable to Fulham WI for £29.00.

Please find here a link to Streetmap for directions:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srfx=525575&y=176750&z=&sv=525575,176750&st=OSGrid&lu=N&tl=~&ar=y&bi=~&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

June Speakers:

Henrietta Lovell – the ultimate Tea Lady!

She’s been called a couturier of tea – but Henrietta Lovell believes that fine tea should not be for the privileged few. Henrietta’s passion for tea began when she had to travel to China for work. Now a champion of the delights and range of teas from silver tip white tea to rarest oolong, Henrietta has just become Selfridge’s consultant on fine teas; she also runs the Rare Tea Company and is the proud winner of the 2009 Observer Food Monthly Award for best Independent Retailer. Henrietta will be joining us to discuss the art of making the perfect cup of tea; what to drink if you want to keep up your anti-oxidants but keep down your caffeine; and to explore the subtle possibilities that tea can offer.

Dayo Sowunmi – “At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet!”

The BBC has recently launched its Poetry Season – a passionate plea about why poetry matters. We have invited poet Dayo Sowunmi as an advocate for poetry in the modern age. Dayo will explore what poetry means to different people and how it has affected the world we live in. Plato’s quote: “At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet!” will form the overarching theme of his talk.

 

FWI News

FWI 2.0 – Facebook and Twitter

For those techno-savvy ladies, you’ll be happy to know that the FWI has gone all 2.0! We’ve had a facebook group for a while now, so we’ve moved on and set up a Twitter feed too. To follow us please got to www.twitter.com/fulhamwi All the latest news and events will be posted here in real time.
FWI Events – ALL EVENTS unless stated are open to family/friends

Book Club – Wednesday, June 10

We have chosen to read The Return by Victoria Hislop. We plan to discuss on June 10 at The Peterborough from 7.30 onwards.

FWI cake stall at Fair on the Green – Saturday, July 4

After successfully making around £900 last year we have decided to take a stall at the 2009 Fair on the Green. We are looking for volunteers to make cakes, bread, jam, chutney etc that we can sell on the stall and also those who would be interested in helping on the stall on the day. It was a fun time last year – and we are praying for sunshine again! The money raised from the cake stall will be split between our chose charity for 2009 and the FWI. Email fulhamwi@gmail.com if you are interested.

FWI Annual Ball – Saturday, July 11

After the success of our annual Christmas Balls we have decided to organise this years’ Ball in July. We will be holding the event at the University Women’s Club in Mayfair – it will be reception drinks, 3-course meal with ½ bottle of wine, disco and a casino. The theme is “Mid-summer Masquerade” – so get creative with those masks! The money raised from the Ball will be split between our chose charity for 2009 and the FWI.

Ticket Sales

There will be 140 – 160 tickets to sell at £50 each. We are currently setting up an online payment website for the ticket sales and will be sending a full email with details within the next couple of days, Tickets will be on sale at the June and July meetings. However to reserve your table (of 8 people) or individual tickets please email fulhamwi@gmail.com

Raffle prizes

We will also be having a raffle where we will be asking for help with prizes. If anyone can offer a raffle prize or know colleagues/friends/family who would be happy to donate a prize please let us know on the usual address: fulhamwi@gmail.com

Cartier International Polo – Sunday, July 26

Last year we did not run our annual trip to the Cartier International polo in Windsor and a few ladies have been asking if we will be doing it again this year. We will be looking into costs of tickets and transport and will let you know ASAP. It would be great to get a rough idea who would be interested in this event. If you are interested please email fulhamwi@gmail.com

See you on Monday evening!

Fulham WI Committee x

April Meeting

Hello Ladies,

The April Fulham WI meeting will take place on Monday, April 6 starting at 7.30pm sharp in the upstairs function room at THE PETERBOROUGH (may have gone back to being called the Southern Cross) on the New King’s Road

Please find here a link to Streetmap for directions:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srfx=525575&y=176750&z=&sv=525575,176750&st=OSGrid&lu=N&tl=~&ar=y&bi=~&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

Please remember subs are now overdue. All cheques should be made payable to Fulham WI for £29.00.

APRIL SPEAKER
Moira Cameron, the first female Beefeater will be coming to speak to us at our April meeting. Moira Cameron, 42, from Argyll, beat five men to the £20,000-a-year job as Yeoman Warder.

She said it was a "great privilege" to work and live at the Tower as she donned the famous blue and scarlet uniform for her first duties in September 2007. Miss Cameron joined the Army aged 16 and served the required 22 years in the Forces to become eligible for the post. She described the Tower as "magical" saying: "It's just a wonderful job and I'm very, very lucky to have it. You wake up in the morning and you know you're going to have a good day."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6975559.stm

Bella from Bellissima B will be joining us to sell her beautiful range of jewellery. She specialises in designer jewellery made of precious and semi-precious stones with sterling silver and gold. She also offers fresh water pearls and south sea pearls as well as cuff links and giftware for gentlemen.

You can have a sneaky peak here: www.bellissimab.com


CHARITY FOR 2009
Following the vote at the March meeting, our chose charity for this year is:

THRIVE BATTERSEA GARDEN PROJECT
The Thrive Battersea Garden Project in Battersea Park, London, has been helping disabled Londoners [men AND women!!] through gardening for nearly 25 years.

Thrive works in three different garden areas within Battersea Park – the main garden near the sports arena, the Herb Garden close to Albert Gate and the Old English Garden on North Carriage Drive.

With today’s facilities they help around 50 disabled people per year from local communities. The gardeners may have learning, physical or mental health disabilities, but through programmes which are specifically developed to meet their needs, Thrive helps them realise their life goals and ambitions.

EVENTS
•    FWI Book Club – Wednesday, April 29 at The Peterborough
We have chosen to red the 19th Wife by David Ebershoff which is a Richard and Judy read for 2009.  It follows the tail of a modern murder mystery set against a backdrop of the polygamous Latter Day Saints community in America. It's widely available is has been included in lots of book deals. We plan to discuss on the April 29 at The Peterborough from 7.30 onwards.


•    Polo in the Park at the Hurlingham Club – Saturday, June 6
We have decided against arranging the trip to the Hurlingham Polo as the costs of the tickets are now £40 per person. Apologies for this but if you are planning your own trip tickets can be purchased from Ticket Master.
http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/12004258CBA23BBB?artistid=974210&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=215
 
•   FWI Cake stall at Fair on the Green, Parsons Green – Saturday, July 4
We are planning our 2nd cake stall at the annual Fair on the Green this year. We will be looking for volunteers to help run the stall and also provide yummy cakes, biscuits, scones and jams etc for us to sell on the day. The profits will be split between our chosen charity and the FWI. Anyone who is interested should email: fulhamwi@gmail.com

•    FWI Midsummer Masquerade Ball – Saturday, July 11
After the success of our annual Christmas Balls we have been contemplating organising this years’ Ball in June. The plan is to hold the event at the University Women’s Club in Mayfair – it will be reception drinks, 3-course meal with 1⁄2 bottle of wine, disco and a casino. We will also be having a raffle where we will be asking for help with prizes. There will be 140 tickets to sell at £50 each. If this is something that you are interested in attending or can offer any help please email fulhamwi@gmail.com Full details will be coming shortly, but it would be good to know if there is any interest in this event.

See you at the April meeting.

FWI Committee xx

FWI March Meeting: Empowering Women, Overcoming Poverty

Monday 2nd March, from 7.30pm in the upstairs function room of The Peterborough.

New members welcome!

Please remember subs are due this month. Cheques should be made payable to Fulham WI for £29.00.

Since our March meeting falls during Fairtrade Fortnight and with the recent launch of the 'Women Reaching Women' Project, this month's speaker seems to be particularly appropriate:

Oxfam in Mali: Empowering Women, Overcoming Poverty

Phil Smith is a volunteer in Oxfam's Marylebone High Street Bookshop and in October 2008 he travelled with Oxfam to Mali.
 
Mali is vast West African Republic, richly diverse in climates, cultures and ethnic groups; it is also one of the poorest countries in the world. Oxfam's work in Mali ranges from the education and water-provision projects in the country's Saharan North to its work with the cotton-producing cooperatives of Mali's rural South, and in this talk, Phil will describe how the empowerment of women lies at the heart of Oxfam's work.
 
In the Sahara desert, the women of Bamba town are key players in the public health promotion and nutritional education campaigns which Oxfam is coordinating while in the southern district of Garalo, Kadija Doumbia - a succesful organic cotton farmer and committee chairperson - provides an example of how organic farming can lead to increased financial security and bring about a change in attitudes to the traditional patriarchy of her village.

News and Events

Charity for 2009

We will be voting for our annual local charity in the February meeting. The chosen charities that have been shortlisted below, if you can’t attend the meeting please let me know which one you would like to vote for.

Thrive Battersea Garden Project

The Thrive Battersea Garden Project in Battersea Park, London, has been helping disabled Londoners [men AND women!!] through gardening for nearly 25 years.

Thrive works in three different garden areas within Battersea Park – the main garden near the sports arena, the Herb Garden close to Albert Gate and the Old English Garden on North Carriage Drive.

With today’s facilities they help around 50 disabled people per year from local communities. The gardeners may have learning, physical or mental health disabilities, but through programmes which are specifically developed to meet their needs, Thrive helps them realise their life goals and ambitions.

Earl's Court Community Project

The Earl's Court Community Project is a Christian-based service offering advice, counselling and support for people with a range of problems, including alcohol or drug abuse, prostitution, poverty. Lunch, tea/coffee Mon, Weds, Thurs. Women's drop-in Thursday. Help with clothing, furniture, finding accommodation. Individual and family support. Help with writing letters, filling in forms, CVs. Help with emotional or spiritual issues.

Events

Bread Making – Saturday, March 7

We have arranged a bread making day with Betty in New Malden. The cost is £10 per person and is based on a first come, first served basis. Please bring your money to the March meeting if it is of interest.

  

 

 Polo in the Park at the Hurlingham Club – Saturday, June 6

We are planning a trip to the polo in June – tickets are £30 per person. All family and friends are welcome. If you are interested in coming along please email fulhamwi@gmail.com

 

FWI Midsummer Masquerade Ball – Saturday, July 11

After the success of our annual Christmas Balls we have been contemplating organising this years’ Ball in July. The plan is to hold the event at the University Women’s Club in Mayfair – it will be reception drinks, 3-course meal with ½ bottle of wine, disco and a casino. We will also be having a raffle where we will be asking for help with prizes. There will be 140 tickets to sell at £50 each. If this is something that you are interested in attending or can offer any help please email fulhamwi@gmail.com Full details will be coming shortly, but it would be good to know if there is any interest in this event.

See you on Monday!
Fulham WI Committee x

 

January Meeting: Parenting

Monday 5th January, from 7.30pm in the upstairs function room of The Peterborough.

New members welcome!

We hope that everyone had a fantastic Christmas. We kick-off 2009 with two fantastic speakers:

Freddy Jacquin- Parenting

Freddy will be discussing parenting. His talk will explain how to recognise your child entering a natural learning state and how to utilise this state to help your child overcome perceived limitations, such as overcoming fear, undoing negative habits and increasing confidence and self-esteem. Freddy's programme has helped parents with children that have ADHD as well as children with behavioural problems; as well as those who just want their children learn more rapidly. Here website can be found here.

 

Matt Carter- Meningitis Trust

Matt will give a brief overview of the work of the Meningitis Trust and inform us of the signs and symptoms of this illness, what to look out for and what to do if you suspect meningitis.

Notices- 2009 Subscriptions

Please note that the membership subscriptions for 2009 are now due. Please make cheques payable to 'Fulham WI'. The cost for Jan-Dec 2009 is £29 and includes eight copies of 'WI Life' delivered to your door- so please make sure you tell us if you move! Please note that the NFWI now has 'membership gift vouchers' available.

Fulham WI Committee x

December Meeting: Weird but Wonderful Marriages

Monday, 1st December from 7.30pm in the upstairs function room at The Peterborough.

At our December meeting this year we'll be getting ready for Christmas with our fabulous speaker and you will have the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping.

Andrew Corben-Clarke- Weird but Wonderful Marriages

We thought the above title would grab your attention! Following on from last year’s highly enjoyable Christmas tasting with Edward Parker Wines we have persuaded their London Director Andrew Corben-Clarke to regale us again with some more of his gems discovered off the beaten tracks. Up for your edification will be:

• Champagne Leclerc-Mondet Grande Reserve NV
• 2007 Quincy, Domaine Andre Pigeat, Loire
• 2004 Aloxe-Corton, Yves Darviot, Burgundy
• 2004 La Galapian de Beaulieu, Côtes de Marmandais 2004
• 2006 Auction Crossing, Hex Valley, South Africa

The wines will be able to ordered at a special discounted price on the night to solve all your Christmas stresses.

Established in 2003, Edward Parker Wines is an independent wine merchant with a simple aim - to provide wines of the highest quality at competitive prices. Their wines are selected with the help of Derek Smedley MW and are not to be found on supermarket shelves. They are sourced from well-established small estates and properties where there is a huge love and passion for the art of wine-making.

Bring along your cheque books or cash for a spot of shopping:

Jules’ Charms

 Jules' Charms, is a lovely collection of handcrafted and unique jewellery. Jules creates all her pieces on sterling silver and gold plated chains, using classic and unusual beads, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, pearls, shell items, vintage pieces, brass, and many more. Her collections comprise of charm necklaces, charm bracelets and bangles, earrings and rings. Jules is always happy to create something bespoke as well, if you have an idea as a gift or even for yourself! Visit for ideas and inspiration and buy online!

Natalie's Cushions

Natalie makes cushions by mixing and matching fabrics with clashing colours and textures, such as silks, wools, velvets and felts. She can even make fun cushions out of your old clothes and put your friends’ names on them. Natalie can make any cushion with any colour, any texture, any size, to anywhere ... Give her the design and she will try and make it! To see more of Natalie’s craft-like cushions, come along to Putney High School’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 6th December and some Sundays at Spitalfields Market in East London.

Also a free-lance interior designer, having worked at Andrew Martin for 4 years, Natalie is combining interior design with making cushions, so that she can also make formal scatter cushions for you should you require them. Feel free to contact Natalie on her mobile: 07856181615 or at natchalaby@hotmail.com

Flights of Fancy Fascinators

Laurel Wilson makes her bespoke Flights of Fancy fascinators and hair decorations to order. She has a range of beautiful headpieces for weddings, the races or a black tie party - each with a clever twist. Whether it is a classically elegant piece with flowers, leaves or feathers (supplied by an organic farmer) or a cheeky number with hummingbirds, bees or dragonflies, they are all unique and an alternative to the mass-marketed ones in the shops. She also has smaller pieces using vintage jewellery that can dress up an outfit for the Christmas party. They are perfect for gifts too - you won't find fascinators like these anywhere else! Prices range from £20-£40.

In addition, please bring your home made mince pies for our annual competition!

 See you there,

Fulham WI Committee xx

November Meeting - Breast Cancer: What is the present and what does the future hold?

Monday 3^rd November, from 7.30pm in the updstairs function room of The Peterborough.

New members welcome!

We are very fortunate that tonight's speaker will be:

Dr Carlo Palmieri- Breast Cancer: What is the present and what does the future hold?

Dr Carlo Palmieri is the holder of a Clinician Scientist Award from Cancer Research UK and is currently a senior lecturer in medical oncology at Imperial College London and an honorary consultant in medical oncology at the Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust. A member of the International Cancer Collaborative Group (ICCG), Carlo is involved in the development of clinical trials in breast cancer.  His research is focused on the molecular mechanisms that determine sensitivity/resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy in the economically developed world, and the incidence is increasing worldwide. The treatment of breast cancer involves multiple types of treatments including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone treatment (e.g. tamoxifen) and targeted treatment (e.g. herceptin). Carlo’s talk will explain what the risk factors for breast cancer are, how breast cancer is diagnosed, what the current treatment options are for early breast cancer and what the future holds for new treatment.

FWI News and Events:

 

Charity for 2009

 

As discussed in the October meeting, if anyone has any ideas for a charity for this year please email the committee. Remember it has to be a local Fulham charity. 

 

Open Evening at The General Trading Company for Fulham WI

 

Fulham WI has been invited to a private open evening at the luxury department store, General Trading Company, on Thursday 13th November. The store, just off Sloane Square, will be open from 6.30 to 8pm and the event is being hosted by their new re-launch consultant, Claire Young, who appeared in last year’s TV programme, The Apprentice. We will be served champagne and canapés and be shown the newly refurbished departments plus receive 20% off all purchases on the night and a free gift-wrapping service.

 

Please come along to this free event that is being put on especially for Fulham WI.  A great way to start the Christmas shopping!

 

October Speaker Details

 

Max Tomlinson the October speaker on detoxing has asked that his contact details are made available for FWI members. His email address is: maxtomlinson@max-tomlinson.com

 

Fulham WI Committee x