Author: Mandy Wilkinson

January 2017 Newsletter

I hope that you all had a lovely Christmas and my thoughts go to those ladies who had a hard time this year. I pray that 2017 is kind to all of us.  Sending our love to Viv and Charlie, get well soon Charlie and best wishes to Janet for her upcoming op xxxxx

This week’s meeting was really fun; I had never played Whist before but loved it! Congratulations to the victors Pat and Katy.

If you haven’t paid your subs yet you can always send a cheque directly to Katy as she needs to get the money off very soon.

We are still awaiting our tickets to The Annual Meeting of the East Kent Federation which will be in Margate on 22^nd March.  If anybody would like to help out as a steward or on the basket stall please let me or BCL know

 

Our first outing this year is the lunch club on Friday 20^th January. We are meeting at 12.50 at the Skills Centre in Sittingbourne. If your name isn’t on the list just let Dilys or myself know and I’m sure you can be added.

 

The Play That Went Wrong is booked for 2^nd August 2017 at the Marlowe. Dilys is looking into lots of ideas for our outings this year but if you have anywhere that you would like to visit please let her know.

 

Lynsted with Teynham have invited us to their 97^th birthday on 1^st February at 2pm at the Community Hall in Teynham. If you would like to come along please let me know as I need to respond very soon.

 

Please put Saturday 4^th March in your diaries, it is the Coffee morning at Frinsted in aid of Silverline, the Charity that aims to alleviate loneliness in the elderly.  After some confusion, we are in charge of the cake stall!

 

The Rotary club have an indoor boot sale at Tunstall VH on Saturday 11^th March 10-12. If you would like to book a table please contact Denise.

 

If you would like to come to the WI Fair at Alexander Palace on Saturday 1^st April please let me know. It is just £25 for the coach and the entrance fee. The coach will depart Sittingbourne Railway station at 8.30am.  At present I have Julie, Marcelle, Viv and myself. I will need to send off application form this week.

 

There is a Spring Garden Day at Canterbury Academy on Wednesday 5^th April. It is just £10 for the day; the head gardener at Hever is the first speaker with a Chelsea Gold medal flower arranger in the afternoon. Please let myself or Marcelle know if you are interested.

 

If you play darts BCL has a one day tournament organised for the 22^nd April 10-4 at Kennington VH. I might have to give this one a miss.

 

The resolution meeting at Chartham VH will take place on Monday 24^th April. Jean P will need to attend as our representative at the Liverpool AGM. Please let me know if you would like to join us. It is a really interesting debate and a gorgeous lunch!!

 

If you fancy an Argentine Tango classes are being held at Hartlip. Details from me.

 

I have application forms for the 200+ club if you are interested.

 

Next month February 2nd we have a demonstration of make-up application using new techniques such as contouring, highlighting and baking! Not to be missed.

 

Hostesses for February are Alison, Mandy and Barbara.

 

Words by Angela Coleman

President

 

 

December 2016 Newsletter

What an amazing meeting we had on Thursday. I think we were all taken aback by the quality of the arrangements. My one is looking gorgeous on my table! Thanks Di and Denise for booking them and the dog!

A huge thank you for all the food you donated. I have so much that they are going to collect it from my house next week. They were really pleased with what we had done. They said they also collect baby food and sanitary products for women.

We will be meeting for our Christmas lunch Saturday 10^th December 12.30 for 1pm at The Plough Lewson Street. I am really looking forward to it; he always provides good food and a good atmosphere.

Loose Women is on December 15^th meeting at Sittingbourne station at 9.35 am for the 9.46 train. Mandy has booked us in for lunch afterwards.

The Annual Meeting of the East Kent Federation will be held in Margate on 22^nd March.  If anybody would like to help out as a steward or on the basket stall please let me or BCL know.

There are two birthday parties coming up – Tunstall on December 8th at 7.30pm with The Ukele Band and Rodmersham Green 2.30 the same day. Both President plus 4. At present Angela, Lynne, Sue, Joyce and Jean Slate to go to Rodmersham.

Our ‘famous’ Christmas tree is now on display at Tunstall church till Sunday. Please pop in if you can and see this amazing display of trees.

If anybody would like to join me at the Music Quiz in the Village Hall on 9th December at 7pm please let me know. It is just £6 which includes a buffet.

Dilys is organising another lunch on Friday 20^th January 1pm at the Skills Centre in Sittingbourne. If your name isn’t on the list just let Dilys or I know.

She is also booking The Play That Went Wrong for 2^nd August 2017 at the Marlowe. This needs to be booked ASAP so if your name isn’t on that list please contact either one of us.

The date of our next meeting is the 5^th January 2017. We will be having a Whist Drive and it will a nice informal meeting to start our new year off.

Looking forward to seeing most of you next Saturday. For those that can’t be there the Committee would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

 

Angela xx

 

Words by Angela Coleman

President

November 2016 Newsletter

As I write this we have just returned from the Sikh Temple in Gravesend. We were made to feel so welcome and all enjoyed the hospitality and the warmth of our guide. It was so interesting; if you have never been it really is worth visiting. Thanks Mandy for organising yet another great trip.

The Beetle Drive is this Friday 11th November 7pm. It is such a good evening – with no skill involved (if you haven’t been to one before) and a nice ploughman’s! If you haven’t put your name down it’s not too late, just let me know ASAP.

The first of our 4 week flower arranging courses starts November 15^th 1.30pm in the village hall. The ladies on this one are Lynne, Teresa, Denise, Linda, Julie and Jenny. I will meet you at the hall with the bits you need for the first one, all you need to bring is a selection of flowers and some greenery.

Our 94^th birthday party is on Thursday 17^th November. We will start a little earlier at 7pm as we have a brilliant singer booked. The committee will be cooking hot food so make sure you are hungry! If you are unable to come please let me know (at present I have apologies from Elaine S and Janice).

Our Christmas lunch is on Saturday 10^th December 12.30 for 1pm at The Plough Lewson Street. I almost have all the menu choices and deposits and will pay Kevin this week so if you haven’t already put your name down just let me know this week.

Loose Women is on December 15^th meeting at Sittingbourne station. We will get the 9.46 train. There are still two tickets if you want one.

The Annual Meeting of the East Kent Federation will be held in Margate on 22^nd March. We have applied for tickets but I can always try for some more if you are interested.

There are two birthday parties coming up – Tunstall on December 8th at 7.30pm with The Ukele Band and Rodmersham Green 2.30 the same day. Both President plus 4. At present Angela, Lynne, Sue, Joyce and Jean Slate to go to Rodmersham. Barbara and I are going to Tunstall if anyone else wants to come to Tunstall please let me know.

We are collecting non-perishables for the local food banks for Christmas, can you please donate as much as you can and to the next meeting. It is to tie in with this year’s Food Poverty resolution and is a good thing to do this time of year.

Milstead Christmas Bazaar is on Saturday 26th November 10.00-12.00. Please come and support the village. There are raffle tickets available from Janice.

The Remembrance Sunday service is Sunday 13th November 3pm.

The Christmas Tree Festival at St Michaels runs from Thursday 24th November to Sunday 27th. Put the date in your diary and pop along to see our entry.

There is a Music Quiz in the Village Hall on 9th December at 7pm £6 which includes a buffet. If you would like to come alone or with a team just let me or Janice know.

Two Group meeting dates to put in your diaries for next year are 20th April 2017 at Bapchild village hall at 2.30pm with the Medical Detection Dogs and 4th October 2017 at Teynham CH 2pm.

 

Our next monthly meeting is Thursday 1^st December where we will be making a Christmas Table decoration.

The ladies who went to the Sikh temple today – don’t we look good?

Words by Angela Coleman

President

 

 

October 2016 Newsletter

The Group Meeting (of all the WI’s in our small group) will be held at Tunstall Village Hall on the 17^th October 2pm. It is hosted by Cherryhill and we are giving a secretary’s report. The entertainment is has changed and now they have a man and a guitar. It is always a good opportunity to meet other ladies from the WI’s that are within our Group. If you are interested and haven’t told me just let me know ASAP please.

The visit to the Sikh Temple, Gravesend is booked for 8^th November meeting at 11am. There is no fee, just a donation. Don’t forget we need to cover our heads.

The Beetle Drive is now arranged for Friday 11th November 7pm. Can you please let me know if you are coming and with how many guests if your name isn’t on the list? It really is such a good evening – with no skill involved (if you haven’t been to one before) and a nice ploughman’s!

The first of our 4 week flower arranging courses starts November 15^th 1.30pm in the village hall.

Our 94^th birthday party is on Thursday 17^th November. We will start a little earlier at 7pm as we have a brilliant singer booked and a lot to fit in. there will a list going round next meeting for desserts, the committee will be cooking the hot foods. We will also need to know if you are able to come for numbers for catering.

Our Christmas lunch is on Saturday 10^th December 12.30 for 1pm at The Plough Lewson Street. I will need a £10 non-refundable deposit. If you haven’t already put your name down just let me know.

Loose Women is on December 15^th meeting at Sittingbourne station, time to be advised.

The Annual Meeting of the East Kent Federation will be held in Margate on 22^nd March.

 

Date of next meeting 3^rd November; please try to attend as it is our Annual meeting. It will be a good evening with a fun quiz. Honest!!

 

Words by Angela Coleman

Secretary

September 2016 Newsletter

 

Huge thanks to Sue for her patience! We all seemed to really enjoy the craft session.

Milstead Church has its annual Songs of Praise this Sunday 11th at 6pm. It is a really nice service and we would love to see WI members there.

Bapchild and Tonge have invited us to their open meeting on 15^th September 2.30, where Stella Dyson will be demonstrating cake decorating. She came to us this year and was very interesting. If you want to attend please let me know.

We are meeting at the Skills Centre in Sittingbourne on the 15^th September at 12.50pm for lunch.

The trip to Windsor Castle departs from Sittingbourne Station at 8.30am on Monday 3^rd October. Can’t wait !!

Borden Birthday Party is on 11^th October at 2.15pm for those that put their names forward.

The Group Meeting (of all the WI’s in our small group) will be held at Tunstall Village Hall on the 17^th October 2pm. It is hosted by Cherryhill and we are giving a secretary’s report. The entertainment is ‘clogs’!  This is a good opportunity to meet other ladies from the WI’s that are within our Group. If you didn’t put your hand up at this month’s meeting just let me know ASAP please.

The visit to the Sikh Temple, Gravesend is booked for 8^th November meeting at 11am. There is no fee, just a donation.

The Beetle Drive is now arranged for Friday 11th November 7pm. Can you please let me know if you are coming and with how many guests if your name isn’t on the list? It really is such a good evening – with no skill involved (if you haven’t been to one before) and a nice ploughman’s!

 

Our 94^th birthday party is on Thursday 17^th November. We will start a little earlier at 7pm as we have a brilliant singer booked and a lot to fit in. there will a list going round next meeting for desserts, the committee will be cooking the hot foods. We will also need to know if you are able to come for numbers for catering.

I have spoken to Jo Arnell from Hornbrook Manor, Woodchurch. She is holding her Christmas Wreath workshop on Friday 9^th December. It really was a super day last year; she supplies absolutely everything and mulled wine and cakes. If you would like to go please let me know ASAP.

 

Our Christmas lunch is on Saturday 10^th December 12.30 for 1pm at The Plough Lewson Street. I will have the menus for next month too. If your name isn’t down on the list can you please let me know or put your name down next month?

 

We have applied for Loose Women tickets for December and hopefully will have a date and numbers available at next month’s meeting.

 

I am making enquiries at the moment about organising a Flower Arranging 4 week course. We would likely meet at the Village Hall. I will have details soon. If you are interested please let me know so I can get an idea of numbers.

 

Next month’s meeting is 6^th October ‘Bruges – more than chocolates’

 

WORDS BY Angela Coleman

Secretary

 

I hope you all enjoyed our Planning meeting and learnt lots from George about the life of bees. Very interesting!

The horticultural show is on August 27^th at 2pm. Please come along and support us.

Our Beetle Drive is on Friday 2nd September 7pm which is the day after our meeting. Can you please let me know if you are coming and with how many guests?  It is such a good evening – with no skill involved (if you haven’t been to one before) with a nice ploughman’s!

The visit to Quex Cotton Powell museum on September 7^th, if you want to go but haven’t put your name down just let Mandy know.

Bapchild and Tonge have invited us to their open meeting on 15^th September 2.30, where Stella Dyson will be demonstrating cake decorating. She came to us this year and was very interesting. If you want to attend please let me know.

We are meeting at the Skills Centre in Sittingbourne on the 15^th September at 1pm for lunch. Again if your name isn’t down but would like to come just let me know and I’ll pass your details to Dilys.

I am still waiting to receive our tickets for Windsor Castle, for those that have applied for a place.

The Group Meeting (of all the WI’s in our small group) will be held at Tunstall Village Hall on the 17^th October 2pm. It is hosted by Cherryhill and we are giving a secretary’s report. The entertainment is ‘clogs’!  This is a good opportunity to meet other ladies from the WI’s that are within our Group.

The visit to the Sikh Temple, Gravesend is booked for 8^th November meeting at 11am. There is no fee, just a donation.

I have spoken to Jo Arnell from Hornbrook Manor, Woodchurch. She is holding her Christmas Wreath workshop on Friday 9^th December and the 10^th but as I am hoping to book our Annual meal for the 10^th she said she is happy to put on a separate day for us on the 3^rd December. It really was a super day last year; she supplies absolutely everything and mulled wine and cakes. If you would like to come please let me know ASAP.

 

Next month Sue is demonstrating and helping us to make a card. Can you please bring small scissors if you have them? It is bound to be a good meeting; anytime we are hands on we have a good laugh!

 

The hostesses are Dilys, Jenny and Jean P.

 

Words by Angela Coleman

Secretary

 

First of all thank you so much to Denise and Mike for all their hard work, not least getting the plastering finished for us!! . Once again the members excelled themselves with the food.

The meeting however was a difficult one as we learnt of the sad passing of Bert. I know I am speaking for everyone as I send Joyce and Sue all of our love at this awful time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Our Beetle Drive is on the 2^nd September 7pm. A list will be sent around next month for names. If you haven’t been before – come, it is such a funny evening.

The visit to Quex Cotton Powell museum on September 7^th will now be followed by lunch and not a cream tea.  If you are on the list and haven’t chosen your menu please contact Mandy or see her at the August meeting.

Bapchild and Tonge have invited us to their open meeting on 15^th September 2.30, where Stella Dyson will be demonstrating cake decorating. She came to us this year and was very interesting. If you want to attend please let me know.

Dilys is hoping to book a lunch at the Skills Centre in Sittingbourne; it is a local college offering catering and hair and beauty courses. The students will cook for us as a part of their course. We are aiming for 15^th September time to be confirmed.  Another WI went and really enjoyed it. This will be the first of our ‘Lunch Club’ meetings. If you have been anywhere local and want to recommend it let Dilys know.

I have sent off the applications for a place on the Federation trip to Windsor on the 3^rd October but if you still wish to join us let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

The Group Meeting (of all the WI’s in our small group) will be held at Tunstall Village Hall on the 17^th October 2pm. It is hosted by Cherry hill and we are giving a secretary’s report. The entertainment is ‘clogs’ !  If you are interested please let me know.

The visit to the Sikh Temple, Gravesend is booked for 8^th November meeting at 11am. There is no fee, just a donation.

East Kent Federation are organising a trip to the Christmas Spectacular at Thursford from Wednesday 23^rd November to Friday 25^th. The cost is £265 per person for two sharing a double room. Please let me know if you want to book this ASAP. Full details are in your EK news

 

If there is anything in the East Kent magazine that you like the sound of but don’t know how to apply or don’t fancy going by yourself just let me know and I will see if anyone else had the same thoughts.

 

I have received a booking form for Members Open Days at the London Head Office. The dates are Wednesday 30^th November, Thursday 1^st December, Wednesday 7^th December and Thursday 8^th December. There is a morning and an afternoon session on all days. The cost is £5 and we have to apply and see if we are allocated any tickets. Please let me know if you want to go.

 

Next month’s meeting is the one where we give ideas for speakers or subjects we are interested to Di and Denise. They then take these ideas and book a varied and interesting programme for us for next year. If you have a passion for something and want to share it with us that would be brilliant. We are a varied and diverse group of ladies who I am sure have many interests and experiences – if you would like to talk about it that would be fantastic.

The planning will be followed by a talk on Bee Keeping by George Cole.

I know the hostesses have changed from the card; I think it is Elaine S, Janice and Jennifer Hook. If that is not the case please let us know.

Words by Angela Coleman

Secretary

 

 June 2016 Newsletter

 

Sorry I couldn’t be with you this month, I hear it was a really good meeting.

We would love to see you next Sunday 12^th 6pm at Milstead Church. We will be celebrating the life of our Queen and Lena Jordan will be talking about the village in 1926 when the Queen was born. It promises to be a lovely service.

We will be meeting in Whitstable on Friday 17^th June at 17.00 for our Tootsie Trot. A treasure hunt with local clues leading to the pub! It is a really good evening and the more people the better. The meeting place is the car park behind the old cinema. If you need more information please contact Lynne or Barbara.

In September we are visiting Quex Cotton Powell museum. We will meet at Quex on the 7^th. The cost is £14 including a cream tea. Time to follow.

The visit to the Sikh Temple, Gravesend is booked for 8^th November meeting at 11am. There is no fee, just a donation.

Another date for the end of the summer is our Beetle Drive on the 2^nd September. This is a fast, hectic noisy night out and brilliant fun!

The Horticultural Society (not WI) is looking for new members; they have a great trip and interesting meetings each year. If you are interested please let me know and I can give you the contact details. If you have any ideas for the WI entry for the Annual Show August 27^th, the theme is Rio Olympics 2016, please let me know.

 

If you are interested in the organised coach trip to Windsor Castle on Monday 3^rd October leaving Sittingbourne station at 8.30am, (returning from Windsor at 5pm) to see a special collection of the Queens clothes, please let me know ASAP. The cost is £38 and I need the full money to book the trip.

 

There is also a trip to the Christmas Spectacular at Thursford from Wednesday 23^rd November to Friday 25^th. The cost is £265 per person for two sharing a double room. Please let me know if you want to book this ASAP. Full details are in your EK news.

 

Don’t forget the next meeting is our garden party at Denise’s house at Wormshill. Hopefully you have put your name down on the food list. If you cannot come please let us know for the catering requirements. This will be a lovely informal evening and we hope that you can all make it.

Words by Angela Coleman

Secretary

MAY Newsletter 2016

 

It was nice to see the two new ladies on Thursday joining us again. We hope that you all found it interesting and enjoyed the debate on the Resolutions.

Our film club are going to see Florence Foster Jenkins on Wednesday 18^th May 8pm at Faversham cinema. If you would like to join us please let Barbara or myself know.

Our June meeting on the 2^nd will be a Bring your Daughter, Granddaughter, mother, niece to WI night.

Milstead Church is celebrating the life of our Queen on Sunday 12^th June at 6pm. It would be really lovely if some ladies could join us. Lena Jordan will be talking about the village in 1926. There will also be an event on the cricket field earlier in the day, more details will follow.

We will be meeting in Whitstable on Friday 17^th June at 17.30 for our Tootsie Trot. A treasure hunt with local clues leading to the pub! It is a really good evening and the more people the better. Again more details will follow

In September we are visiting Quex Cotton Powell museum. We will meet at Quex on the 7^th. The cost is £14 including a cream tea. Time to follow.

The visit to the Sikh Temple, Gravesend is booked for 8^th November meeting at 11am. There is no fee, just a donation.

Another date for the end of the summer is our Beetle Drive on the 2^nd September. This is a fast, hectic noisy night out and brilliant fun!

The Horticultural Society (not WI) is looking for new members; they have a great trip and interesting meetings each year. If you are interested please let me know and I can give you the contact details. If you have any ideas for the WI entry for the Annual Show August 27^th, the theme is Rio Olympics 2016, please let me know.

Next month’s hostesses are Elaine B, Jan Fee and Iris.

The June speaker is John Guyver demonstrating bread making.

 

words by Angela Coleman

Secretary