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, 26th June (£37)
Brunswick House, Vauxhall – Friday 26th 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, 16th 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, 7th 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, 25th 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, 26th 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.
