We hope you all managing to keep well and active and that the majority of you have now had your first vaccination.

At our last meeting Christine Green, a former graphic designer at the BBC, gave us a wonderful insight into what goes into those few opening seconds of a programme – the title sequence – and how these and credits of programmes are created. Amongst other programmes Christine’s work has included “Our Friends in the North”, “Tracey Beaker”, “Children’s Hospital”, The Queens Christmas Speech and even Pudsey’s buttons. Christine explained the process of creating memorable graphics that fit with the programme from initial idea, storyboard to completed work. Christine also mentioned her love of crafts, including patchwork and paper cutting, which she is now heavily involved in.

These Preview Notes are being sent out early and please note our next Zoom meeting will be on Monday 15^th February.  Our speaker will be Teri Atkinson Fear a celebrity make-up and hair artist. With over 20 years’ experience in the business Teri has worked with some of the world’s most famous, influential and internationally recognised personalities and celebrities. She also gives make up tutorials.

As usual the meeting will start at 7.00pm prompt and our guest speaker will take over at 7.30. So please make sure you have joined Zoom by then or you may have trouble getting in. A Zoom link will be sent nearer the time. As a matter of etiquette can we ask all members to put themselves on “mute” during the speaker’s session – even if you are not intending to speak, Zoom is very sensitive and picks up the slightest noise. Please let us know if you are having trouble using Zoom so we can talk you through it. Otherwise here are a few useful links

NFWI Board Elections 2021-2023: You will have seen in the February WI Life (page 35) a list of the candidates for the NFWI Board of Trustees elections. Please read about each candidate and as you cannot cast your own individual votes please email us who you would like to vote for before the March meeting (15^th March).

NFWI AGM: At very short notice we have been informed by SFWI that applications for an Observer ticket for the AGM at the Albert Hall on 8^th June have to be in by Friday 12^th February. If you would like an application form for an Observer ticket please let Lesley know as soon as possible. (This event has subsequently been cancelled).

Dons Local Action Group: Wimbledon Football Club are looking for laptops people no longer need to be cleaned, updated and distributed to school children. If you are able to support or help in any way please visit https://donslocalaction.org/keep-kids-connected/ for further information.

Lady Denman Cup Competition 2021:  The NFWI is pleased to announce that this competition will be held in partnership with the National Gallery.  Using no more than 500 words, WI members are invited to submit a piece of writing, fact or fiction, in any style (story, poem etc.) based on a painting by Artemisia Gentileschi. For further details please see the attached document.

Crafty Ladies: We will be having another Crafty Ladies Zoom meeting on Friday 12^th February at 3.00pm. So do join us with your cup of tea, and maybe a slice of cake, to hear and see what members have been making.  This group is for any handicrafts that members do and want to share (not just knitting). Please email Eileen to be sent the zoom link. If you don’t craft but fancy joining us for a chat, we’d love to see you.

Wildlife Appeal:  One of our members wondered if any of you would like to crotchet or knit nests for rescued wildlife babies. For further information, patterns and where to send items follow this link https://www.facebook.com/littlestwildlifehotel/posts/424365875670475

Surrey News on line: The February edition of Surrey News is now available to view online. Details of how to book the SFWI Annual Council Meeting via Zoom on 15^th March are on page 3. Speakers are Lynne Stubbings and Joanna Foat.

From SFWI:  To view Zoom events and “how to use Zoom” run by the Yorkshire WI please visit https://yorkshire-north-west.thewi.org.uk/nyw-zoom-along

Happy New Year! Here’s looking forward to a much healthier and happier 2021.

We thank Sarah Slater for giving us a very enlightening and supernatural talk on “Working with the Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace” at the December meeting. We are looking forward to visiting Hampton Court in person for a tour when we can experience it for ourselves – if we are brave enough!

We look forward to “seeing” you next Monday 18th January at our Zoom meeting. Our speaker this month is Christine Green who will tell us about “Working For Auntie – life as a graphic designer at the BBC.” This is a fascinating insight into the way the opening title sequences and credits are designed. Christine worked on a wide range of programmes including ‘Our Friends in the North’, ‘Tracy Beaker’, ‘Children’s Hospital’ and the Queen’s Christmas speech.  As usual the meeting will start at 7.00pm prompt and our guest speaker will take over at 7.30. So please make sure you have joined Zoom by then or you may have trouble getting in. A Zoom link will be sent nearer the time. As a matter of etiquette can we ask all members to put themselves on “mute” during the speaker’s session – even if you are not intending to speak, Zoom is very sensitive and picks up the slightest noise. Thank you

Resolutions: To enable us to submit our result for the Resolutions members of the committee will be phoning you in the next few days to make a note of your vote.  You will find all the details about these on page 22 of the Nov/Dec copy of WI News or on this link https://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/resolutions/resolution-shortlist-202021. Could members please read these so that you are able to respond when contacted. Many thanks.

Stem4:  Some of you may have noticed the Wishing Tree on Wimbledon Common over Christmas which was an amazing initiative by two local Wimbledon residents to raise money for Stem4. On two weekends in December, they were offering people the chance to have a wish/thought written on a label on a bauble which was hung on two fir trees for a donation. The decorations have now been taken down (having withstood storm Bella!), but their fundraising page is still live. If you would like to donate to our chosen charity for 2021 please visit

and add your name and Wimbledon WI to your donation so that Stem4 know we are supporting them. Thank you.

Crafty Ladies: We will be having another Crafty Ladies zoom meeting on Friday 15^th January at 3.00pm. So do join us with your cup of tea, and maybe a slice of cake, to hear and see what members have been making.  This group is for any handicrafts that members do and want to share (not just knitting). Please email Eileen to be sent the zoom link. If you don’t craft but fancy joining us for a chat, we’d love to see you.

Please make a note that we will be having another Crafty Ladies zoom meeting on Friday, 29^th January when we will making a delightful, simple flower brooch. If any member is interested in joining us, please let Eileen know so that a small kit pack can be delivered to you in advance.

Surrey News on line: This is the link to view the Surrey WI News online January edition. You can see Eileen’s delightful little penguin on page 9 as a result of the “What can you do with 40 grams of wool?” challenge.

WI Wanderers: If you are a member of Facebook, there is a private group for WI members nationally called “WI Wanderers”. They advertise online talks and activities which WI members across the country can access. These include both other WI’s and Federation meetings.

Please make the most of your membership by keeping in touch by reading Surrey WI News and visiting www.surreyfedwi.org.uk for many other ideas,  MYWI, the new NFWI monthly Newsletter which can be delivered direct to your inbox,  the new online wonderful ‘Denman at Home’ courses on www.denman.org.uk, as well as https://www.facebook.com/WimbledonWI/ our own Facebook, the Federation Facebook and Twitter accounts. To have the free digital newsletter delivered to your inbox each month, subscribe via the NFWI website at: https://www.thewi.org.uk/ media-centre

Stay safe and well.

The Committee

Fiona welcomed 79 members and 2 guests. Before reading out notices and voting on Resolutions Fiona introduced us to Nick Beecroft, volunteer with the London Air Ambulance, who gave a very interesting talk about this amazing service.

London Air Ambulance was formed in 1989 – over 30 years ago. They serve greater London within the M25 and are based at Royal London Hospital Whitechapel and their aim is to get to call outs within 11 minutes – the first hour is crucial and is called the “golden hour” when the casualty has the best chance of survival.

They go to anywhere they are needed and are available 24 hours a day and 365 days of the year. The helicopters and rapid response cars are equipped with almost everything you would find in a Resus unit in a hospital and have on board an advanced trauma care team that go out to extreme traumatic casualties where anything from amputation, anaesthesia, lung inflation, blood transfusion and REBOA (Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta) can be performed on the road side. Only 20% of callouts are taken to hospital by London Air Ambulance.

In 1993 the London Air Ambulance performed the world’s first open heart surgery at the roadside. In 1999 rapid response car and night time operations started. In 2005 London Air Ambulance had royal recognition for response to 7/7 bombings and in 2012 they were the first UK air ambulance to carry blood on board for transfusions. In 2016 they received a Pride of Britain award and in 2019 Duke of Cambridge became Patron of London’s Air Ambulance 30^th Anniversary campaign.

It costs 10 million to provide this service and over £2,000 per mission. They treat up to 5 people a day and in 2018 helped 1656 casualties. Sadly the highest percentage of incidents are due to shootings or stabbings.

Resolutions: The results from Monday’s voting are:

1. A call to increase potential stem cell donor registration 25

2. Female crash dummies 4

3. End modern slavery 30

4. Time to talk about death and dying 5

5. Protect our precious helium 3

Bring and Buy and Jam Sales: The Bring & Buy sale on Monday raised £137.84 for our Charity and the jams raised £18.50 for our funds. Thank you for all the donations and to the ladies who manned the stall. 

Quiz Night: Fiona mentioned the forthcoming Quiz Night on Saturday, 21^st March at 7.30 St. Mary’s Church Hall, Merton Park. This is always a good evening and a chance to socialise. So do come, either on your own or, if you can, make up a table of 8. Tickets are £15 which includes a Ploughman’s Supper.  There will be a cash bar and profits will go to our charity, Stem4. Please contact Gillian if you would like tickets.

Salvation Army:  Included in the thank you letter from Emma (Captain) for the gifts and vouchers we donated she mentions she is running the marathon. The money raised will support their emergency relief, counselling for women who have left abusive partners as well as their new ‘Living Room’ community space in Mitcham town centre. If interested you can sponsor her at
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emmascott2020

Social Events: There are still spaces available for:

Cinema Museum, Friday, 21^st February, £7 http://www.cinemamuseum.org.uk/

Overlord Embroidery – The D-Day Story, Portsmouth, Tuesday 31^st March £28

Quiz Evening, Saturday, 21^st March – £15 – includes Ploughman’s Supper

As usual please let Gillian know as soon as possible if you would like a place 

Wimbledon Crafty Ladies: Please note that the Crafty Ladies meetings will be held on the Friday following the monthly WI meeting. So the next meeting will be held on Friday 24th January in the upper restaurant at Ely’s Department Store in Wimbledon from 2.30pm to approximately 5pm.  Members are welcome to come to every meeting or just to attend now and again.

Subscriptions:   Subscriptions for 2020 were due at Monday’s meeting for everyone and are £43 for full membership and £21.10 for dual member (to their second WI). If you were unable to attend Monday’s meeting and want to renew your membership please bring your subscription to February’s meeting or, alternatively, post it to Wendy. If you are not renewing for any reason, please let us know and we will not chase you for payment!

Fiona welcomed 67 members. Lesley and Fiona read out a few notes before handing over to our guest speaker, Paul Lewis, who had stepped in at very short notice in place of his wife.

Salvation Army: Lesley has received an email from the Salvation Army saying they were thrilled to receive our gifts and vouchers and particularly wrapping paper and thank you all very much. Lesley has also received a copy of their The Link Café newsletter which she will put on the noticeboard.

Denman: Lesley also reminded us of the one night stay Denman Experience on March 7-8 where 5 courses are on offer and the Surrey at Denman weekend from July 10-12. If interested please apply as soon as possible. Details of these events and other courses can be found on https://surreyfedwi.org.uk/whats-on-2/denman/

The two lucky winners for the Denman draw on Monday were Sally and Sue who won bursaries up to the value of £350 each – congratulations.

Social Events: There are still spaces available for:

Tour of Wimbledon Tennis Grounds by Blue Badge Guide Friday, 17th January at 11.00 am £17.

Cinema Museum, Friday, 21^st February, £7 http://www.cinemamuseum.org.uk/.

Overlord Embroidery – The D-Day Story, Portsmouth, Tuesday 31^st March £28. https://theddaystory.com/discover/overlord-embroidery/ 

As usual please let Gillian know as soon as possible if you would like a place.

Wimbledon Crafty Ladies: Please note as from January the Crafty Ladies meetings will be held on the third Friday of the month. So the next meeting will be held on Friday 24^th January in the upper restaurant at Ely’s Department Store in Wimbledon from 2.30pm to approximately 5pm.  Members are welcome to come to every meeting or just to attend now and again.

2020 Resolutions:  We will be discussing these at our January meeting.  Your copy of November and December WI Life gives you information on the Resolutions which might be considered at the 2020 NFWI AGM at the Albert Hall. Please bring the resolution selection form with you to complete at our January meeting.

Subscriptions: Subscriptions for 2020 are due next month for everyone and will be £43 for full membership and £21.10 for dual member (to your second WI).

NFWI AM 2020 – Royal Albert Hall:   The NFWI Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, 4^th June at Royal Albert Hall and costs £22. If you are interested in going into the ballot for a ticket please download and complete the “Request for Observer Ticket” form on https://surreyfedwi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/201911-NFWI-AGM-Observers-Ticket-Request-2020.pdf. Forms to be in by 24^th January.

Jams: Some of the remaining jam from the summer fair was sold at Monday’s meeting and made £41.

Learn2love2read: We have received an email from this Wandsworth based charity that is looking for volunteers to provide one-to-one reading support for 5-7 years olds who are at risk of falling behind. They currently work at 6 schools (4 in Wimbledon). For further information visit https://www.learn2love2read.org.uk/

Refreshments: Starting from January 2020 tea and coffee will be free at our meetings and wine will be reduced to £2 for a standard measure.

Paul Lewis gave us a potted history of his career. He began composing for television at age 20 and is best known today for his television music which include  Arthur of the Britons, The Prisoner of Zenda, Undermind, children’s series such as Woof!, comedies such as the Monty Python’s Flying Circus and The Benny Hill Show. Paul has also written music for films and the concert hall and composed “Inauguration” for orchestra which was used to accompany a Pathé news reel of Prince Charles’ Investiture at Caernarvon. At the end of the evening Paul accompanied us on his keyboard whilst we sang a few Christmas songs.

THE COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL MERRY CHRISTMAS AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT OUR NEXT MEETING IN JANUARY

Fiona welcomed 78 members. Before the business of the AGM and a very informative and interesting presentation from Katharine about her recent visit to Chernobyl, Fiona invited Dr Nihara Krause, to say a few words about our chosen charity for 2020, stem4. In 2010 a 16-year-old teenager, who lived in Merton, died after battling with anorexia nervosa. Dr Krause was involved in supporting her school, family and friends in grieving for her loss, and saw this as the impetus to set up a charitable organisation that would provide accurate, user-friendly psycho-education to young people, their families and carers and schools. stem4 was formed in June 2011 with a group of six volunteers who owned a range of skills and who all shared in their commitment to making a difference. stem4 is a charity that promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them including their families and carers, education professionals, as well as school nurses and GPs through the provision of mental health education, resilience strategies and early intervention. Now, in 2019, stem4 has 6 staff, 8 trustees, 3 contractors, 8 volunteers – all still very committed to making a difference. This is primarily provided digitally through their innovative education programme, pioneering mental health apps, clinically-informed website and mental health conferences that contribute to helping young people and those around them flourish. Visit https://stem4.org.uk/ for further information.

Wimbledon Foodbank: Wimbledon Foodbank has recently moved premises and are very short of space and due to Harvest Festival donations and the run up to Christmas their stocks are currently very high. It was suggested members may like to make a monetary donation this month that could be used in purchasing more storage boxes. Wimbledon Foodbank would like to thank members for their generosity as slightly over £130 was raised at Monday’s meeting which was amazing and should buy them about 8 storage boxes. 

Remembrance Sunday and Poppies: A few of us attended the Remembrance Service on Sunday 10^th in Wimbledon Village when Fiona and Lorna (SW19 WI) represented the WI and joined the dignitaries and laid a wreath at Wimbledon War Memorial. A cheque for £364 has been sent to The Royal British Legion for the poppies we made and sold on their behalf. Thank you to all the lovely ladies who help make the poppies and to all of you who bought one.

Walk – Friday 22nd November 10.20am – The City of London Liveries: Liz will lead a walk through the western side of the City taking in many of the Livery Companies along the way. The walk is approximately 5 miles long. Meet at Blackfriars Tube/Rail Station north side entrance at 10.30am. There are several places in the area to eat at the end of the walk. Contact Liz if you would like to join the group.

Wimbledon Crafty Ladies: The next Crafty Ladies meeting will be held on Friday 6^th December in the upper restaurant at Ely’s Department Store in Wimbledon from 2.30pm to approximately 5pm.  Members are welcome to come to every meeting or just to attend now and again.

Social Events: There are still spaces available for:

Christmas Dinner at Taste Restaurant, South Thames College, Thursday, 5^th December 6.30 for 7.00 £2

Tour of Wimbledon Tennis Grounds by Blue Badge Guide Friday, 17th January at 11.00 am £17.

Cinema Museum, Friday, 21^st February, £7 http://www.cinemamuseum.org.uk

As usual please let Gillian know as soon as possible if you would like a place. /

Fiona welcomed 68 members. Whilst members got stuck into a very enjoyable evening creating some lovely Christmas themed crafts and floral arrangements, various notices etc., were read out.

Surrey Federation of WI’s website: Fiona encouraged members to look at the new website and suggested, whilst browsing, to have a look at the various courses available to members https://surreyfedwi.org.uk/

NFWI AGM: Lesley informed us that this will take place on Thursday, 4^th June at the Royal Albert Hall. She will let us know in due course when we can apply for tickets.

Salvation Army: Lesley has been in touch with the Salvation Army and it was suggested that at the November meeting members bring in gifts (unwrapped) for children particularly between the ages of 9-13 for Christmas.  The suggested price to spend on gifts is between £5 and £10 but vouchers would also be really appreciated as mothers/carers can then actually buy the present their child wants. Should anyone be replacing their washing machine, the Salvation Army are in need of one.

Pampering Evening: We have been informed by the London WI Advisors that there will be a Pampering Evening at House of Elemis, Tuesday 19 November, 6pm-9pm, £15. Fulham & Chelsea have organised a pre-party season pampering evening just for members at the House of Elemis where you can learn how to look after your skin during the winter months and get a complimentary 15 minute treatment (e.g. hand massage, arm massage, mini Glow facial). You will also have a free glass of Nyetimber sparkling wine and canapés, as well as discounts in the shop (20% off products, 10% off gift sets) and £30 off if you book your next treatment that night. Each member will also get a free goody bag. If you’d like to book a place at this event for £15 (usually valued at £60), please call Elemis on 020 7907 2780 and tell them you’d like to book your place on the Fulham and Chelsea WI evening

Members’ Notices:

Walk – Friday 22nd November 10.30am – The City of London Liveries. Liz will lead a walk through the western side of the City taking in many of the Livery Companies along the way. The walk is approximately 5 miles long. Meet at Blackfriars Tube/Rail Station entrance at 10.30am. There are several places in the area to eat at the end of the walk. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the November meeting.

Fiona told us that the Sutton Amateur Dramatic Club’s next production is “We Happy Few” at the Adrian Mann Theatre, Epsom from 13^th to 16^th November at 7.45. To book tickets please visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sadc

Gill informed us that her husband, Stewart Wilde, has written a book entitled “Sparkling Wine: Vineyards of England and Wales”. The book costs £12.95. She has a few copies and it can also be bought on Amazon.

We have been notified by Sheena about the “Commit to Knit” campaign which asks people to knit hats for the homeless. If you would like to participate please visit
https://www.ukhandknitting.com/news/commit-to-knit-is-well-under-way for further details. h

Jigsaw4u: Sheila welcomed Stephen Loizou, Managing Director of Jigsaw4u and our chosen charity for 2019. She presented Stephen with a cheque for £1,353.21. He was very appreciative and thanked all the members and said our donation will go towards helping some of the many children, young people and their families who have been affected by significant social and emotional issues and bereavement. Click on this link to view Jigsaw4u’s 2019 Annual Report https://www.jigsaw4u.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Jigsaw4u-Annual-Review-2019.pdf

Charity for 2020: Fiona thanked Sheila for all her hard work sourcing local charities. Members were asked to vote on the following nominated charities:

stem4 is a charity that promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them including their families and carers, education professionals, as well as school nurses and GPs through the provision of mental health education, resilience strategies and early intervention.  This is primarily provided digitally through innovative education programmes, pioneering mental health apps, clinically-informed website and mental health conferences that contribute to helping young people and those around them flourish.

Merton Centre for Independent Living (also known as Merton CIL) are a user led disabled people’s organisation. They are an organisation run and controlled by Deaf and Disabled People, delivering free services for Deaf and Disabled People who live in Merton. They provide advice and advocacy support around benefits, community care and Disability Hate Crime.

Lantern Arts Centre is a venue for the community of Raynes Park and beyond, where people of all ages and abilities can learn and develop performance arts skills.
The Lantern Arts Centre offers a wide range of classes, activities and productions for the community to take part in.

The result of the voting for the 3 charities was:

Stem 4 30

Lantern Arts Centre 20

Merton Centre for Independent Living 15

Book Sale and Craft Evening: A very successful evening all round. Thank you to members who brought in books to be sold and jigsaws. The book sale had a good result making £74 for our funds and everyone appeared to enjoy the various craft activities and socialising. If members would like templates of the boxes or instructions for the needlepoint candle or Christmas tree, please let Dulcie know.

Social Events: There are still spaces available for the wonderful light extravaganza at Syon Park Enchanted Woodland at 6.20pm on Saturday 30^th November (£12.80). As usual please let Gillian know as soon as possible if you would like a place.

November Meeting:  PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NOVEMBER MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE CANTEEN AT THE URSULINE SCHOOL when we will be having the AGM and the re-election of committee members. Please let us know if you would be interested in joining the committee. Anyone can join – no experience needed. So if you have the time, we would love to hear from you.

Remembrance Sunday:  Once again, we will be laying a joint wreath with SW19 WI on Sunday, 10^th November, at Wimbledon Memorial in Wimbledon Village. It would be lovely if you could join us. We will meet at 10.00 at Belvedere Grove, Wimbledon Village when we will process with other community groups.

Wimbledon Crafty Ladies: The next Crafty Ladies meeting will be held on Friday 1st November in the upper restaurant at Ely’s Department Store in Wimbledon from 2.30pm to approximately 5pm.  Members are welcome to come to every meeting or just to attend now and again.

S

Fiona welcomed 61 members and 2 guests and hoped everyone had a good summer. Fiona said the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Open Day was a huge success. She thanked Veronica for all her hard work, dedication and organisation, without whom the WI stall would not exist. Fiona also thanked Dulcie and her helpers for covering the huge amount of jams and preserves – remains of which were on sale at Monday’s meeting. The final amount raised including Monday’s sales is an amazing £1177 – thank you to everyone who helped and donated produce.

Campaigns: Lesley has been sent campaign action packs on End Plastic Soup, Cervical Screening and No More Violence Against Women. All very worthwhile campaigns – are there any members who are interested in public affairs and willing to set up a sub-committee campaign group to deal with these issues.

Surrey Federation Website: The new website for Surrey Federation has just been launched and worth a look. You can find it on www.surreyfedwi.org.uk

Thank you from Agnes: Gillian had been asked by Agnes to thank everyone for all the cards, messages of sympathy and flowers. She was very touched and overwhelmed.

Future outings/events:

Chatham Dockyard, Friday, 27^th September £37 https://thedockyard.co.uk/

Syon Park Enchanted Woodland, Saturday 30^th November £20 http://www.enchantedwoodland.com/

Christmas Dinner at Taste Restaurant, South Thames College, Thursday, 5^th December 6.30 for 7.00 £27

As usual please let Gillian know as soon as possible if you would like a place.

Walking Netball: Walking netball has been suspended for the time being until Angela is well enough after her foot operation. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Charity of The Year: At our October meeting we will chose our Charity for 2020. If you have a local charity you would like to nominate please let Sheila have details before next meeting. The Managing Director of Jigsaw4u will attend the October meeting to receive our cheque on their behalf.

2020 Diaries: After enquiring we have heard that Surrey Federation will not be selling WI diaries for 2020 as it is not economically viable. However these can be purchased directly from NFWI and Wendy is happy to purchase these for members. If you would like one could you let Wendy know as soon as possible. They cost £5.80 and are red this year.

Wimbledon Crafty Ladies: The next Crafty Ladies meeting will be held on Friday 4^th October in the upper restaurant at Ely’s Department Store in Wimbledon from 2.30pm to approximately 5pm.  Members are welcome to come to every meeting or just to attend now and again.

Fixing Fast Fashion: The NFWI is taking aim at fast fashion for the next stage of the End Plastic Soup campaign. With around 300,000 tonnes of textiles thrown away every year, action is needed to tackle the environmental impact of clothing.

Members are invited to attend a free educational women-only event, hosted with clothing charity TRAID, to learn more about how to reduce the impact of their wardrobe. This is an interactive, hands-on event where people will come together to learn more about the true cost of fast fashion and what can be done to fix it.

There will be different stations set up to consider different aspects of fast fashion—these include repairing and mending clothes, considering clothes production and our throwaway culture and the impact microplastic fibres pose to the environment.

This is to be an intergenerational, communal event and so each member is asked to bring along a female plus one; whether that’s a neighbour, friend, female relative or work colleague to introduce them (and hopefully recruit them!) to the WI.

This event is aimed at people who are novices at repairing, adapting, mending and sharing clothes and who wish to learn more about how they can play their part in fixing fast fashion.

It will take place at the Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BU, on Saturday 19 October from 1.30-5pm. Places are first come, first served, so please register your interest via this link: www.thewi.org.uk/s/fast-fashion 

Speaker for the evening Joyce Meader: Most of you will remember Joyce when she previously spoke at one of our meetings. Tonight’s knitting history started from the 1950’s with a lot of us remembering some of the items she displayed across her chest. The items ranged from some very weird and wonderful hats – smog hoods, pixie hats, balaclavas, bobble hats and a knitted beret with a knitted breakfast on it – egg, bacon and peas!! But the 1950’s was known for one particular garment – the string vest for both male and female. Originating in Norway in the mid 1800’s they were known as health vests as they are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. And to go with the string vests Joyce produced some very fetching string pants! Of course she showed us the compulsory toilet roll covers, tank tops (round neck for women, v-shape for men) and some wonderful jumpers with pictures knitted on them. Joyce also had a large selection of knitwear from all over the world which included many sleeper socks. We were also given the amusement of being shown a knitted garment that warmed a certain part of the male anatomy along with some fluffy thongs – the mind boggles. As we had envisaged a very amusing and insightful evening.

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Fiona welcomed 63 members and 2 guests

General Data Protection Regulation: Fiona mentioned the importance of GDPR and reminded members not to give out email addresses, phone numbers etc., without checking with the member first to get her permission. Fiona also reminded members of the Wimbledon WI Facebook Page which has a “closed group” section for members only. Please visit the Facebook Page to join https://www.facebook.com/WimbledonWI/   

Fiona informed us of a few future dates:

Battersea WI invites all Surrey Federation WIs to a picnic in The Winter Garden, Battersea Park on Saturday, 7^th September at 1.00 pm

SFWI Autumn Federation Meeting, Monday 7^th October 10.15 – 3.30 at Dorking Halls. Speakers will include Tom Hart Dyke and Simon Thomas. This is a good day out and a few members have signed up to go already. If you would like to attend please let Wendy know (akilgour001@yahoo.co.uk).

The NFWI AGM will be held at the Royal Albert Hall on 4^th June 2020. This is a popular event and “pot luck” to obtain tickets. Members will be notified in the autumn when they can apply for tickets.

Resolutions 2020: Lesley mentioned requests for next year’s Resolutions. So if any member has a Resolution they would like to enter, please let us know as soon as possible as it has to be submitted by 13^th September.

Plastic Pollution: The end of “Plastic Soup” is a WI campaign and one of our members has emailed us saying “Anyone who even has only a minor concern about the need to reduce plastic in our lives should catch up with this BBC programme. It is not just about plastic pollution in the sea. It is horrendous”.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0005xh7

Merton Heritage Centre: Eileen mentioned that Merton Heritage Centre is celebrating 25 Years since it was opened at The Canons, Mitcham on 23^rd April 1994. They are staging a special jubilee programme combining exhibitions, talks, film, guided walks, crafts and heritage workshops. Booklets are available at libraries or visit www.merton.gov.uk/heritage for information.

Wimbledon and Putney Commons Open Day on Sunday 8^th September: Veronica reminded members about the Open Day and that there will not be another meeting before this event. So we are asking members to generously provide produce to sell at our cake and preserves stall – anything from cookies, brownies, flapjacks, carrot cake, sponge, fruit and savoury scones, jams and chutneys etc. Please don’t leave it to someone else. We need every member to provide something. This is your WI main fund raising event so please help. Remember if you are away you can freeze items and find someone to drop the item off for you.

To ensure conformity and compliance with regulations everything will be wrapped, priced and labelled on Friday 6th September.  Please deliver cakes, biscuits etc., to the Lower Hall, Sacred Heart, Edge Hill on Friday, 6th September between 9.30am – 4.30pm (you will only be able to drop off cakes etc. between these hours.) When you deliver your cakes etc., please remove produce from tins as we can’t guarantee their return.

LABELLING: – Label all:

1. Type of cake.
2. Ingredients [e.g. contains nuts, alcohol]
3. Highlight if they contain the above.
4. Indicate if pre-frozen.
5. Gluten or Dairy Free etc.

Chutneys/Jams/Preserves can be delivered from Monday, 2^nd September to Dulcie

Do not hesitate to phone or email Veronica in the week leading up to the Fair if you have any queries

Future Outings/Events:

Gillian reported that trips to see the Strictly Come Dancing Costumes and Brunswick House, Vauxhall are now full but there are still places for:

Chatham Dockyard, Friday, 27^th September £37

Christmas Dinner at Taste Restaurant, South Thames College, Thursday, 5^th December 6.30 for 7.00 £27

As usual please let Gillian know as soon as possible if you would like a place

Wimbledon Crafty Ladies: The next Crafty Ladies meeting will be held on Friday 3^rd August in the upper restaurant at Ely’s Department Store in Wimbledon from 2.30pm to approximately 5pm.  Members are welcome to come to every meeting or just to attend now and again.

Speaker for the evening: Malcolm Wells MBE “So Far So Good”. Malcolm is a fundraiser for Canine Partners who train dogs for people with disabilities to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs. The charity train dogs for servicemen and women injured on active service, as well as civilians with a range of disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries and cerebral palsy. The dogs actually select their new masters and are carefully matched to the applicant’s needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging. They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency. https://caninepartners.org.uk/

Malcolm left school at sixteen with an A level in music playing the cello, but having no other qualification he chose to join the Royal Artillery to play in their orchestra and to travel. And so he did initially touring Europe. He later served in Northern Ireland and the Gulf (1991) and Malta. The orchestra were re-trained, as medics, for Kuwait where they set up their hospital in two days complete with operating theatre.

Amongst their concerts the Royal Artillery Orchestra appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in a Prom concert, an engagement at Kensington Palace, at the Queen’s birthday engagement and at (old) Wembley for the England/Brazil match. They have also entertained at the Monarchs League at Buckingham Palace (these are private gatherings of royalty and ex-royalty from across Europe).

More recently Malcolm joined ‘Literacy in a Box’ which is sponsored by Roborough Rotary. In developing countries teachers often struggle to do their job fully due to poor facilities, a lack of basic school materials and pupil absence because of poverty and AIDS/HIV affecting children’s families Each box has enough material for 25 pupils for one term, are tailor made to the request of the teachers and have been sent to Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and Nepal. No one at the charity receives a penny. http://literacyboxtrust.org.uk/

Malcolm joined the Royal Artillery in 1975 He was awarded the MBE in 1998 in recognition of his ongoing commitment to charity work. He left the Army in 1999 and was appointed fundraiser at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester and in 2003 took the opportunity of joining Canine Partners being appointed head of community fundraising and in 2010 national speaker.

We have subsequently heard from Malcolm saying how much he enjoyed the evening and he is pleased to confirm that the sum of £84.80 was donated to Literacy in a Box. This will be used to purchase school equipment which will be dispatched to the 41 schools they currently support in Zambia,

Wishing you all a very happy summer and look forward to seeing you at the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Open Day on 8^th September and then at our meeting on 16^th September when Joyce Meader will give us a very amusing talk about “Knitting”.

Fiona welcomed 68 members and 1guest

Fiona and Lesley both reported on the NFWI AGM in Bournemouth which they attended with 2 other members on 5^th June. They thoroughly enjoyed the event, speakers and camaraderie and encouraged members to go next year (likely to be at Royal Albert Hall, Thursday 4^th June).  We have received a report from Janette who was our designated delegate to attend the AGM.

Fiona mentioned that sometimes photos are taken at meetings and on outings to be used on our website etc. Should any member not wish their photos to be used could they please let us know.  Fiona also reminded members that we have a Wimbledon WI Facebook page which can be seen only by our members. Please let us know if you would like to join this page as you need to be “invited”.

Fiona reminded us to start thinking about making produce (cakes, jams, chutneys etc.,) for the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Open Day on Sunday, 8^th September as the July meeting will be the last meeting before this event. Cakes etc., can be made in advance and frozen. Not all members like baking so if they would like to donate the cost of the ingredients other members are quite happy to bake cakes on their behalf. Also please let us know if anyone would like more jam jars.

Future Outings/Events:

Gillian reported that trips to see the Strictly Come Dancing Costumes and Brunswick House, Vauxhall are now full but there are still places for:

Wimpole Estate, Cambridge, Wednesday, 26^th June (£37) 

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate

Chatham Dockyard, Friday, 27^th September £37

As usual please let Gillian know as soon as possible if you would like a place

Wimbledon Crafty Ladies: The next Crafty Ladies meeting will be held on Friday 5^th July in the upper restaurant at Ely’s Department Store in Wimbledon from 2.30pm to approximately 5pm.  Members are welcome to come to every meeting or just to attend now and again.

Hampstead Walk – Friday 14th June – (Liz reports) 11 members set off from Hampstead Tube Station for a walk in yet another shower that hadn’t been predicted! Anyway, this didn’t dampen our spirits and we continued on our way through this attractive London suburb of Hampstead and Hampstead Heath, stopping at various points on the way to look at Georgian streets, churches and beautiful houses where many a well-known person had lived, as denoted by the abundant Blue Plaques.

We continued to the top of the hill and then across the Heath to the Pergola and Hill Garden which originally belonged to The Hill, the house of Lord Leverhulme. This is a delightful ‘secret’ garden which was a surprise to all of us and well worth a visit. The house has now been turned into ‘expensive’ apartments!

After a coffee stop at The Old Bull and Bush pub we continued on over the Heath to another area called the Vale of Health where we saw one of the famous ponds and yet more notable houses.

We finally stopped for a welcome lunch in The Burgh House and Hampstead Museum Cafe. This venue was given 4* by the group, but unfortunately it isn’t always open!

We eventually got back to the Tube station at about 3pm. Everyone appears to have enjoyed themselves and requested another ‘London’ walk in the future.

Essie, music teacher, actor, leader of The Singing Mertones and our entertainer for the evening soon had us all up and singing. First we warmed up by doing some exercises with a few funny ones included. The song Essie had chosen and well known to all of us was “Mamma Mia” by Abba. After singing the song through a couple of times we were then divided into three groups so harmonies could be included. Essie was very encouraging and a delightful teacher and by the end of the evening “Mamma Mia” was sounding pretty good. Everyone went home having had a very enjoyable evening with Mamma Mia running through their head.  Essie did an excellent job, getting us all singing and enjoying ourselves – eat your heart out Gareth Malone!!

“We’ll Meet Again” – Following on with the choir theme, several of our members will be singing with Wimbledon Community Chorus at this concert. Along with The Central Band of The Royal British Legion and conducted by the two times BAFTA award winning David Cole, a programme of well-known band and choral favourites will be performed for Armed Forces Day. The concert is at 7.00 pm on Saturday, 29^th June in the Holy Trinity Church, Beaumont Road, SW19 6RJ. Ticket prices £15-£10 concessions. Click link for further details and tickets https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/wcc

Fiona welcomed 67 members, 1 new member and 2 guests.

Fiona said the trip to Chiltern Valley Winery was a very enjoyable day. She also thanked Jeanette for organising the Covent Garden walk and Fiona has thanked Jan Young for arranging the morning at the National Gallery both of which were enjoyed by those who attended. And thanks to Angela for the netball practice – although it would be lovely to see a few more members joining in!

Lesley asked members to vote on the two Resolutions to be put forward to the NFWI Annual Meeting in Bournemouth in June. Members were in full agreement with both resolutions going forward – “Decline in Local Buses” and “Don’t Fear the Smear”.

Lesley also said she has received a “thank you” from NFWI for supporting the sale of their raffle tickets.

Future Outings/Events:

Gillian reported that the trip to see the Strictly Come Dancing Costumes is now full but there are still places for: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate

Wimpole Estate, Cambridge, Wednesday, 26^th June (£37) 

Brunswick House, Vauxhall – Friday 26^th July, £15 (15 maximum) https://brunswickhouse.london/

Also if there are enough people interested in visiting Chatham Dockyard in September, she will investigate a possible trip. https://thedockyard.co.uk/

As usual please let Gillian know as soon as possible if you would like a place

“The Embroidered Home” Exhibition: We have provisionally booked a Talk and Tour of this Exhibition at the Royal Needlework School Hampton Court at 2pm on Tuesday, 16^th July which will cost £16. This comprises a 30 minute talk and then an hour in the exhibition. We need a minimum of 8 people but they can take up to 24 people. If you would like to come please email Eileen by Friday 24th May so that we can secure the booking. Please see website for more information https://royal-needlework.org.uk/events-exhibitions/embroideredhome/

Walk – Friday 14th June 10.30am: Liz will lead a walk through Hampstead featuring the Georgian Streets, the Pergola and Hill Garden and part of Hampstead Heath. This circular walk of approximately 5 miles includes hills. Meet at 10.30am at Hampstead Tube Station. There are several places to eat at the end of the walk.

If you are interested in joining the walking party please contact Liz.

Wimbledon Crafty Ladies:  These will be monthly meetings of ‘Crafty Ladies’ in the upper restaurant at Ely’s Department Store in Wimbledon from 2.30pm to approximately 5pm. The next meeting is on Friday, 7^th June.  Members are welcome to come to every meeting or just to attend now and again.

“The Time is Now”: Reminder from London WI Advisors – With just five weeks to go, there is still time to join “The Time is Now” lobby for the climate and environment on 26th June from 1-4pm at Westminster to ask MPs to protect our climate, nature and people. We know that MPs view WI members as trusted messengers in society. This is your chance to highlight that we need them to take the lead in safeguarding the environment for future generations. It is crucial that as many members as possible join the day to push government for action on climate change and plastic pollution.

Hundreds of WI members have already registered their interest, and they will be joining supporters from sports, nature and faith organisations to let MPs know how much they care about these issues. For further details and to register your interest visit https://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/news-and-events/mass-environment-lobby

Green Bowling: There is an Open Day at Wimbledon Park Bowling Club on Saturday, 25^th May between 11.00 and 5.00 and free tuition sessions from 11.00 – 12.30 every Saturday until September.

Supreme Bowling Club (Kings College Sports Ground) also has an open day on Sunday, 26^th May between 10.00 and 1.00. All welcome.

Bollywood Dance Fitness Class on Tuesdays 10.00am -11.00am £9 at Hot Yoga Studio, 7 Elm Grove, Wimbledon, 

Peter Blundell, Artist, our guest for the evening, soon had us all practising hatching, cross-hatching and shading in readiness for our attempts to draw an apple. Peter was very encouraging, patient and a good teacher. A very enjoyable evening all round with some seriously good outcomes but for the majority a fun attempt at something we haven’t done before. Well done budding artists and thank you Peter.

Plant Sale: Thank you to the members who brought in plants to sell and to those who bought them. £95.00 was raised for our funds. Well done.