NEWS/SPEAKERS

Milstead with Frinsted  Newsletter March 2026

 

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this week as it is our Annual Meeting. This is where the treasurer and secretary report back to you, the members, on our financial situation, and we review the last year’s activities. It is your WI, and the committee works hard towards this meeting, so please come along to support them.

Your subs are now due. Dilys can take cheques and cash but would prefer BACS. If you are unsure, please ask for help. It really helps if the subs are all in this month, and the president doesn’t have to call members to remind them. I know you’ll understand that this will be a busy time for your new president.

This year’s subs are £54.

Milstead with Frinsted WI account number 10429303

sort code 09-01-51

Remember it’s a business account. Use your name as a reference, please.

 

All members need to sign a new MCS form which accompanies their subs. Without the form we cannot pay your subs in. If you aren’t able to come this week can you let Jen  know asap and we will get a form to you. This is this year only.

This month’s birthdays are Donna, Joyce, Pat N , Emma, Margaret and Jane.

This month’s coffee will be on Tuesday, 17th March, Sentado lounge at 2.30.   Please let Sophia know if you are coming.

The following date is Thursday 16th April  11am at Barrows bakery.

The list for our Quiz Evening is out again  this week . Tickets remain at £10 a head, which includes a great supper. Please bring your own drinks. It is on Friday, 27th March, at 7pm. Please make sure we have exact numbers for catering.

The Saturday lunch club will be on Saturday, 28th March, at 1.15 pm at the Red Lion pub, Milstead.  Please put your name on the list on Thursday or let Sophia or Jen know.

Words by Angela Coleman

 

 

Milstead with Frinsted  Newsletter February 2026

 

This week we have an interesting speaker; Trevor Sayer is one of the Blood Runners. They are incredible volunteers. One of the many amazing groups of volunteers that we couldn’t do without. When we book charities to speak at Milstead with Frinsted we give a £75 donation but don’tforget that they welcome donations from the members too.

Our subscription is due at the end of this month and needs to be banked by the end of March. Can you please make it easier for Dilys and either give her a cheque/ cash as soon as possible, or if you can we would prefer it if you could pay directly into the bank account. Each year we spend a lot of time phoning people to chase them up for their subs, whilst we love to talk to you can you please remember to pay them before 31/3/26.

the details are :

This year’s subs are £54.

Milstead with Frinsted WI

Account number 10429303         sort code   09-01-51

It is a business account. Please put your name as the reference.

This makes it easier.

 

We are continuing to collect empty blister medication packs which are taken to Lady Dane vets for recycling.  We are also still doing the Flower of the Month – please remember it is a single flower. There is a lovely bar of chocolate as the prize.

As you know we do not routinely send out the minutes but if you would like to read them please ask Jen or Angela and we can send them whichever way suits you. There is always a copy at the monthly meetings.

We have received a few nominations for the committee, but if you want to stand or think somebody you know would be perfect, please let me know as soon as possible.

This month’s birthday girls are Di Radbourne and Julie Chard. Sending you both lots of love.

This month’s coffee will be on Thursday 19th at 10.30 at Matt Matts.  Please let Sophia know if you are coming.

The following date is Tuesday 17th March at 2pm – venues to be decided. Let us know where you prefer to meet.

The list for our Quiz Evening is out this week. If you aren’tgoing to be there, please just let Jenny or Angela know. Tickets remain at £10 a head which includes a great supper. Please bring your own drinks. It is on Friday 27th March at 7pm. Please make sure we have exact numbers for catering.

The Saturday lunch club will be on Saturday 28th March at 1.15 pm at the Red Lion pub Milstead.  Please put your name on the list on Thursday or let Sophia or me know.

East Kent Federation events;

You should have received your East Kent News by email. If you haven’t,please let Jen know. If there are any events you want to attend but aren’t sure how to book, just see Jen or Dilys.  Events can also be booked directly with the EKFWI office.

Speaker Auditions are at Sheldwich VH on Friday 27th1.30-5pm. £5 on the door. There are 7 speakers giving a small snapshot of their talk. This will be an interesting afternoon. You do not need to book but do let us know if you are going so, we can arrange car sharing. The successful candidates are then put in the East KentSpeaker book which programme secretaries use to book the speakers for your monthly meetings. This is a local one for us so please come along – it’ll be a good afternoon.

The East Kent annual meeting will be taking place on Thursday 2nd April 11-4pm at Kent College, Canterbury. There are two inspiring speakers. Keji Moses Lord Mayor of Canterbury and Ms. Cherry Bombe who teaches sign language, is President of a WI and so much more!. Please come along and find out what the WI is all about. Surrey Federation no longer holds meetings in person, which is a massive loss for its members. Please support the Federation.  Tickets are on sale on ticket source £20. If you haven’t been to one before I urge you to come along now – they are so interesting with great entertainment.

The Resolution discussion meeting is on Tuesday 14th April 10-12. It is being held at the ARCA hall in ThanningtonWithout. There is easy parking at the hall. This is always aninteresting meeting. We will be discussing the resolution that has been chosen by the members nationally. I will let you know as soon as we hear ourselves. Please let Dilys know and she can book the tickets which are just £10 each.

There are many events coming up which you can book directly or ask Dilys to do it for you, these include:

A Literary lunch on Wednesday 22nd April and the ever-popular Summer Garden Day on Wednesday 27th May.

These events are arranged by the federation for you. There are a lot more to come. If you are unsure, please speak to someone on the committee.

The NFWI annual meeting will be virtual again this year. Wehave booked a watch party at the Alexander Centre, Faversham, on Thursday 4th June. Tickets are available from ticket source or speak to Dilys or Angela . It’s a great way of attending an AGM without traveling across the country!There are some very interesting speakers this year, too! We were due to have Dr Jane Goodall as our top speaker but as you’ll know she passed away very recently, instead we have Mary Lewis who is Chair of the Jane Goodall Organisation talking about Jane’s legacy. We also have Anne Boden and Professor Michele Dougherty CBE FRS FRAS. Anne is the founder of Starling Bank and much more, and Professor Dougherty is Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Professor of Space Physics at Imperial. She led unmanned exploratory missions to Saturn and Jupiter and holds the title of the UKs first female Astronomer Royal in 350 years! These speakers are extraordinary women – what the WI is all about. Do come along and see them at the Watch Party in Faversham. All of this for just £10!

If you haven’t signed up for the WI lottery and need some help, please just ask. This is just £1 a week with the funds going to support the WI.  It is very easy to sign up to.

The revamped Online Learning Space VIA will be relaunched shortly. If you have not checked it out yet, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is all FREE for members. It is set to become the destination for all online learning, and we have free access as a member. You can do anything from online Pilates to sign language and much more. Please have a look at The Learning Hub on My WI.  If you need any help just ask one of us. It is a great resource.

The hostesses in March are Valerie, Sue and Mandy. This is our Annual Meeting evening.

 

Don’t forget if there is anything you are keen to learn, visit or do please let the committee know. It is YOUR WI; we want to hear from you.

 

Angela

07729828959

Words by Angela Coleman

President

Milstead with Frinsted  Newsletter January 2026 

 

We hope that you all had a lovely Christmas and wish you all the best New Year. We had a great year in 2025. If you are on Facebook, do look at some of the photos I have posted. 

This month we start the year with a fascinating talk on the life and work of Clarice Cliff – interesting fact, she was born in Tunstall – but not our Tunstall. 

 We are continuing to collect empty blister medication packs which are taken to Lady Dane vets for recycling.  We are also still doing the Flower of the Month – it will be interesting to see what we get this month. 

The collection of dental supplies and children’s socks and pants were delivered to New Leaf before Christmas, and they were very grateful as always. 

Once again if you would like to read last month’s minutes (or any others) please ask Jen or Angela and we can send them whichever way suits you. There is always a copy at the monthly meetings. 

At this week’s meeting we are asking for nominations or self-nominations for the committee.  As you know I am standing down this year after nearly 15 years on the committee as are a couple of other ladies. This is the time for you to step up. There is nothing too complicated or difficult about the role – it just requires a few hours every other month and a bit of help when we run events. If you want to feel a part of the WI, there is no better way to do it. It is rewarding, and you get to shape the direction and feel of the Group. If you want to know more, please call me and have a chat. The Committee needs you!  

This month’s birthday girls are Mandy Wilkinson and Rose-Marie Gordon-Webb. Hope you both have something lovely to do on your special days. 

This month’s coffee will be on Tuesday 13th at 2pm at Sentado lounge. Please let Sophia know if you are coming.  

The following dates for your diaries are Thursday 19th February 10.30 and Tuesday 17th March at 2pm – venues to be decided. Let us know where you prefer to meet.  

The first of our fundraisers this year is the Fabulous Quiz by Sue and Steve. Put Friday 27th March 7pm on your calendar. It will be a great evening as always. There is a great buffet and bring your own drinks. The cost remains at £10, which is great value. There is a list going out this week so make sure your name and exact total number of your group are on it.  

The Saturday lunch club resumes on Saturday 28th March at 1pm at the Red Lion pub Milstead.  Please put your name on the list on Thursday or let Sophia or me know. 

 East Kent Federation events; 

All events are in your East Kent News. There is no copy in January but keep a look out for the February edition. If you do not receive this, please let us know. Most of the events are all bookable on ticket source, via Alison in the EKFWI office or via Dilys.  

Speaker Auditions are at Sheldwich VH on Friday 27th 1.30-5pm. £5 on the door. There are 7 speakers giving a small snapshot of their talk. This will be an interesting afternoon. You do not need to book but do let us know if you are going so, we can arrange car sharing. The successful candidates are then put in the East Kent Speaker book which programme secretaries use to book the speakers for your monthly meetings. This is a local one for us so please come along – it’ll be a good afternoon. 

The East Kent annual meeting will be taking place on Thursday 2nd April 11-4pm at Kent College, Canterbury.  There are two inspiring speakers. Keji Moses Lord Mayor of Canterbury and Ms. Cherry Bombe. Please come along and find out what the WI is all about. Surrey Federation no longer holds meetings in person, which is a massive loss. Please support the Federation.  Tickets are on sale on ticket source £18 for early bird bookings. If you haven’t been to one before I urge you to come along now – they are so interesting with great entertainment. The WI is so much better when members come together and sing Jerusalem! 

The Resolution discussion meeting is on Tuesday 14th April 10-12. It is being held at the ARCA hall in Thannington Without. There is easy parking at the hall. This is always an interesting meeting. We will be discussing the resolution that has been chosen by the members nationally. I will let you know as soon as we hear ourselves. Please let Dilys know and she can book the tickets which are just £10 each.  

  

The NFWI annual meeting will be virtual again this year. We have booked a watch party at the Alexander Centre, Faversham, on Thursday 4th June. The room we are using is unaffected by the fire – thank goodness. Tickets will be available from ticket source shortly. It’s a great way of attending an AGM without traveling across the country! There are some very interesting speakers this year, too! We have Anne Boden and Professor Michele Dougherty CBE FRS FRAS. Anne is the founder of Starling Bank and much more, and Professor Dougherty is Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Professor of Space Physics at Imperial. She led unmanned exploratory missions to Saturn and Jupiter and holds the title of the UKs first female Astronomer Royal in 350 years! These speakers are extraordinary women – what the WI is all about. Do come along and see them at the Watch Party in Faversham.  

If you haven’t signed up for the WI lottery which just paid £25K to a Cheshire member and need some help, please just ask. This is just £1 a week with the funds going to support the WI.  It is very easy to sign up to.  

The revamped Online Learning Space VIA will be relaunched in February. If you have not checked it out yet, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is all FREE for members. It is set to become the destination for all online learning, and we have free access as a member. You can do anything from online Pilates to sign language and much much more. Please have a look at The Learning Hub on My WI.  If you need any help, just ask one of us. It is a great resource. 

The hostesses in February are Di, Jackie and Elaine S. The speaker will be Trevor Sayer, an amazing man from Blood Runners. If you think you know what they do, I think you will be surprised!   

The subs are due for next year at the end of February, but you can give Dilys a postdated cheque or set up your online payment now if you wish. This year it is £54. We can accept cash if that’s easier for you – but please put your cash in a named envelope.  

Don’t forget if there is anything you are keen to learn, visit or do please let the committee know. It is YOUR WI; we want to hear from you. Can I urge you to support the events organized by the committee? It is always more fun when there are more of us! 

 

Angela  

07729828959 

Words by Angela Coleman

President

 

Milstead with Frinsted  Newsletter December 2025

 

What a great birthday party we had!  For those of you that weren’t able to attend Ms. Cherry Bombe is the afternoon speaker at the East Kent AGM on the 2nd of April 2026 at The Great Hall, Kent College, Canterbury. Tickets are available now on ticket source. If you want to go for free why not offer to be our delegate? You do not even have to do a report this year – we can provide you with a copy to send to your WIs. Please come and speak to me if you are interested. It is a great day!

We are continuing to collect empty blister medication packs which I take to Lady Dane vets for recycling. We are healthy! I fill the whole container!

Our Christmas collection this year is toothpaste and brushes, children’s socks and pants and Christmas food – whichever is best for you. Please bring along to this week’s meeting and I will take to New Leaf on Friday.

Whilst we have stopped sending out minutes to everyone, if you are interested in reading them, please let Jen know and we can email or print you a copy. There will be a set at each meeting for you to read, too.

This month’s birthday girls are Tina McNealy and Tracey Gooding – Tracey is having a special one 60! Happy birthday ladies.

 

Milstead with Frinsted Events:

The next coffee morning will be on January 13^th at 2pm at Sentado lounge. Please let Sophia know if you are coming.

Christmas lunch is Saturday 13^th December at 1pm at the Alma, Painters Forstall. Can you please bring your balance on Thursday? It’s £25 if you ordered two courses, £30 for three and £27 if you ordered a meal with a £2 supplement (Elaine C and Lynne H). The Christmas game is a challenge to buy a gift beginning with M for less than £5, wrap it up and bring it to the meal – the more random and abstract the better!

Friday 5^th December is the date for the Sittingbourne Group of WIs Christmas get together. It is 2.30pm at Tunstall VH. There is no charge, and we will have food there, but please bring money for the raffle. Entertainment is going to be provided by the WIs. It should be very funny. We can still add you to the list if you are interested.

Rodmersham WI are organizing their annual Christmas Carol service on Monday 8^th December at 1.30pm. Please let Angela or Jen know so we can let them know.

Our Spring fundraising quiz will be on Friday 27^th March at 7pm.

The next Saturday lunch club is on 28^th March 1pm at The Red Lion.

e

East Kent Federation events;

All events are in your East Kent News. If you have not received this, please let us know. Most of the events are all bookable on ticket source, via Alison in the EKFWI office or via Dilys.

Speaker Auditions are at Sheldwich VH on Friday 27^th 1.30-5pm. £5 on the door. There are 7 speakers giving a small snapshot of their talk. This will be an interesting afternoon. You do not need to book but do let us know if you are going so, we can arrange car sharing.

The East Kent annual meeting will be taking place on Thursday 2^nd April 11-4pm at Kent College. There are two inspiring speakers. Keji Moses Lord Mayor of Canterbury and Ms. Cherry Bombe. Please come along and find out what the WI is all about. Surrey Federation no longer holds meetings in person, which is a massive loss. Please support the Federation.  Tickets are on sale on ticket source £18 for early bird bookings.

The Resolution discussion meeting is on Tuesday 14^th April 10-12. This is always an interesting meeting. We will be discussing and voting on the shortlist this week.

The NFWI annual meeting will be virtual again this year. We have booked a watch party at the Alexander Centre, Faversham, on Thursday 4^th June. Tickets will be available from ticket source shortly. It’s a great way of attending an AGM without traveling across the country! There are some very interesting speakers this year, too!

If you haven’t signed up for the WI lottery which just paid £25K to a Cheshire member and need some help, please just ask. This is just £1 a week with the funds going to support the WI.

Next month we meet on Thursday, January 8th, NOT THE 1^{st at} 7.30pm. We have Claire Boggia talking about Clarice Cliff.

The hostesses in January are Rebecca, Janice and Sue Pennels.  When it is your turn if you are not sure what to do please ask or just look inside the cupboard door for the laminated list of hostess duties, but between the three hostesses you supply something  savory, something sweet and a very simple flower arrangement for the President’s table. You are not expected to go mad it is just something light!

Thank you to all those who are supporting the flower of the month, who bring in blister packs and things to share on the table and a huge thank you for all the items you have donated to New Leaf – it matters – so thank you .

 

The committee and I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you have enjoyed all the events, meetings, parties, and outings we have organized for you this year. Don’t forget if there is anything you are keen to learn, visit or do please let the committee know. It is YOUR WI.

 

PS. Your subs of £54 are due in March or before if you want to post a cheque or give Dilys cash.

 

Words by Angela Coleman

President

 

Milstead with Frinsted  Newsletter November  2025

 

This week’s speaker has unfortunately had to cancel – he is working on a Werewolf Film and can’t fit us in! It’s a shame, but we can rebook him. We are going to have a social evening and a fun quiz instead. Don’t forget your single flower for the monthly competition.

We are still collecting empty blister packs which I take to Lady Dane vets for recycling.

Our Christmas collection this year is toothpaste and brushes, children’s socks and pants and Christmas food – whichever is best for you.

If you can’t get to a meeting but are interested in finding out what happened,  you can ask for a copy of the minutes at any time. The same with the newsletter, if you prefer a hard copy just ask Jen and she can bring it to the meeting.

Lynne’s poppy display looks absolutely amazing in the Church. Jen is opening the church on Thursday for half an hour before the meeting 6.45-7.15pm for you to have a look, don’t forget you can always attend the Church this Remembrance Sunday at 2.30pm too.

Happy birthday this month to Katy Heather and Jean Parkin.

Milstead with Frinsted Events:

This months’ COFFEE MORNING is on Thursday 27^th November 2.30 at Dunelm Cafe, Sittingbourne. We won’t be having one in December but will restart in January on the 13^th at 2pm, venue to be decided but you can put the date in your diaries.

Christmas lunch is Saturday 13^th December at 1pm at the Alma, Painters Forstall. This week is the last date for signing up. Next month we will need your balance. I will let you know the amount that you owe.  The Christmas game is a challenge to buy a gift beginning with M for less than £5, wrap it up and bring it to the meal – the more random and abstract the better!

Friday 5^th December is the date for the Sittingbourne Group of WIs Christmas get together. It is 2.30pm at Tunstall VH. There is no charge, and we will have food there, but please bring money for the raffle. Entertainment is going to be provided by the WIs. It should be very funny.

Rodmersham WI are organizing their annual Christmas Carol service on Monday 8^th December at 1.30pm. Please let Angela or Jen know so we can let them know.

Milstead w Frinsted is 103 years old this year and our birthday party will take place on Thursday 20^th November at 7pm in the VH. We have a super speaker Ms Cherry Bombe and hot food .  Let Jen know if you are coming.

East Kent Federation events ;

All events are in your East Kent News. If you have not received this, please let us know. Most of the events are all bookable on ticket source, via Alison in the EKFWI office or via Dilys.

Speaker Auditions are at Sheldwich VH on Friday 27^th 1.30-5pm. £5 on the door. There are 7 speakers giving a small snapshot of their talk. This will be an interesting afternoon. There is no booking but do let us know if you are going so we can arrange car sharing.

If you don’t fancy going out why not book a place on the Zoom talk on The Disgraceful Sons of George III, Tuesday 25^th November 7.30pm – you could have a couple of other members around to watch with you. These are very good talks.

The ever-popular Craft Day will be on Thursday 13^th November 10.00-15.00 at Chartham VH. You can choose from several crafts – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. All equipment, tea and biscuits are included for just £28. Please book via the office on 01227 464106 and let us know so we can car share. There are still a few tickets left.

There is a Public Affairs team event in Canterbury on Saturday 29^th November 10am at the Buttermarket to support Women’s Aid as they ask for an end to Violence against Women and Girls. We will be joining the Canterbury Soroptimists as we march through the city. Please let us know if you are attending.

The East Kent annual meeting will be taking place on Thursday 2^nd April 11-4pm at Kent College. There are two inspiring speakers. Tickets are on sale on ticket source £18 for early bird bookings.

The Resolution discussion meeting is on Tuesday 14^th April 10-12. This is always a really interesting meeting.

The NFWI annual meeting will be virtual again this year. We have booked a watch party at the Alexander Centre, Faversham on Thursday 4^th June. Tickets will be available from ticketsource shortly. It’s a great way of attending an AGM without travelling across the country!

 

If you haven’t signed up for the WI lottery which just paid £25K to a Cheshire member and need some help, please just ask. This is just £1 a week with the funds going to support the WI.

Next month we meet on Thursday, December 4th at 7.30pm. We are having a fun Christmas food tasting.

The hostesses in December are Katy and Pat.  When it is your turn if you are not sure what to do please ask or just look inside the cupboard door for the laminated list of hostess duties, but between the three hostesses you supply something  savory, something sweet and a very simple flower arrangement for the President’s table. You are not expected to go mad it is just something light!

 

Angela

07729828959

Words by Angels Coleman

President

October 2025 Newsletter

 

Members who were able to attend the Oct meeting heard a very interesting talk by
Roy Peaching who talked through the history of Mary’s Meals up to where it is today. Today
Mary’s Meals now feeds 3 million children IN schools every day. £19.15 feeds a child in
school for a whole year, mainly because so much of the work is carried out by volunteers. As
anyone involved in schools will confirm, once fed, children are much more able to learn.

MwFWI
The next meeting is on the 6th November when the speaker is Stuart Webb – talking on the
intriguing subject of Stage Make Up which should be fun. At this meeting Sophia’s ‘Swap-
table’ will be up and running. Its purpose is to share items useful to others but no longer
needed ( books / magazines / jigsaws/ recipes/ plants etc). All are free so please do help
yourselves and if possible bring donations along. At this meeting there are several items
being collected so if you can, please support these. The items are empty blister packs
for recycling along with collections of toiletries, children’s socks and pants and dental
supplies. And don’t forget the Flower of the month Competition. Members wanting to enter
should bring a one stem flower to go in a bud vase – these will be available on the table.
Thanks to Lynne’s hard work and that of her supporters, the poppy altar display for Milsted
Church has been finished and will be used at the Remembrance Service on November 9th.
Please attend this service if you can – the altar piece will look splendid and is something
MwF WI should be very proud of.
And finally, on behalf of MwF WI, Jackie has made a banner to enter into the ‘Not In My
Name’ competition. It is amazing. Many thanks to Jackie,

Dates for your diary
Tues 21 Oct Coffee morning 10:30am at Mon Amie – in High St Please let Sophia know if
you are planning t o come along
15th November 7:00pm Bobbing WI are organising a Murder Mystery evening at Bobbing VH
Pl let Angela or Jen know if you plan to attend
Sat 15 Nov 10 – 12 -Milstead Christmas Fair at Milstead VH – Sue would be grateful for any
donations and pl support if possible
18th November Tunstall WI are hosting a quiz night at Tunstall VH. Pl let Angela or Jen
know if you plan to attend
Thurs 20 November 7:00pm WI Birthday Party – hot food and entertainment will be provided
For catering purposes, it is essential that your name is on the list to say you are
attending – the list will be closed at the end on the WI monthly meeting on 6th so please
sign up by then.
Friday 5 th December Sittingbourne WIs Group Christmas Social 2.30pm till 5pm at Tunstall
Village Hall. A free event with food provided. There will be a raffle and entertainment provided
by WIs. Pl let Angela or Jen know if you plan to attend. And also if you would like to
provide some entertainment, let Angela know.

Mon 8th December (time tba) Sittingbourne Group Carol Service, Rodmersham Church Pl
let Angela or Jen know if you plan to attend
Sat 13 Dec Christmas lunch 1pm at The Alma. £33 (2 courses) or £38 (3 courses) and
game to be to bring a gift costing no more than £5 starting with the letter M. The menu is
attached to this email. If you are coming along, please sign the list, record your menu
choices and pay £10 deposit to Angela
And finally in November, the hostesses are Wendy, Barbara and Viv

East Kent Federation Dates for your Diary

Details are in the East Kent newsletter ( you should receive this by email )
Sun 12 Oct 11am – a publicity stunt – Heart Start Day at Margate Sands. Pl wear dark
clothing and a brightly coloured bra OUTSIDE your clothes
Wednesday 15 th October Auditions Event for Speakers, doors open 9.15am for 9,30am -1pm
at Seasalter & District WI Hall, 8 Faversham Road Seasalter CT5 4AL. Ticket price £5
payable on the door – the idea is to hear speakers and give feedback as to whether they
should go in the WI speakers handbook.
Fri 17 Oct 2pm – Tea with the Trustees at Meadow Grange Garden Centre Honey Hill,
Whitstable CT5 3BP
Thurs 13 Nov Craft Day 10-3:00pm Chartham VH £28 to include 2 craft activities.
Saturday 29 th Nov 10am A ‘Not in My Name’ Silent March against domestic violence
organised by the Canterbury Soroptimists and women’s aid. Pl let Angela or Jen know
if you plan to attend
Thurs 2 April 2026 East Kent Federation of WIs AGM at The Great Hall, Kent College
Tues 14 April 10-12. 2026 Resolution Meeting ARCA Hall

NFWI

East Kent Federation Dates for your Diary

Details are in the East Kent newsletter ( you should receive this by email )
Sun 12 Oct 11am – a publicity stunt – Heart Start Day at Margate Sands. Pl wear dark
clothing and a brightly coloured bra OUTSIDE your clothes
Wednesday 15 th October Auditions Event for Speakers, doors open 9.15am for 9,30am -1pm
at Seasalter & District WI Hall, 8 Faversham Road Seasalter CT5 4AL. Ticket price £5
payable on the door – the idea is to hear speakers and give feedback as to whether they
should go in the WI speakers handbook.
Fri 17 Oct 2pm – Tea with the Trustees at Meadow Grange Garden Centre Honey Hill,
Whitstable CT5 3BP
Thurs 13 Nov Craft Day 10-3:00pm Chartham VH £28 to include 2 craft activities.
Saturday 29 th Nov 10am A ‘Not in My Name’ Silent March against domestic violence
organised by the Canterbury Soroptimists and women’s aid. Pl let Angela or Jen know
if you plan to attend
Thurs 2 April 2026 East Kent Federation of WIs AGM at The Great Hall, Kent College
Tues 14 April 10-12. 2026 Resolution Meeting ARCA Hall

Words by Claire Wood

 

Milstead with Frinsted  Newsletter September 2025

 

I think you’ll all agree that Kelly was a good substitute for the speaker that cancelled. She isn’t teaching at the moment but said that she would be very happy to teach small groups of us at home. Something to think about.

The flower of the month was really well supported this month – thank you all – keep them coming!

Don’t forget we are collecting empty blister packs and are still collecting toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Claire and Jen are away – not together! so you will have to put up with my brief newsletter. Do let us know if you prefer the newsletter before or after the monthly meeting, it’s your newsletter so it’s what works best for you.

If you can’t get to a meeting but are interested in finding out what happened don’t forget you can ask to have a copy of the minutes at any time.

Lynne is still busy sewing the poppies onto the netting to lay in the Church this Remembrance Sunday – if you can help, please let Lynne or myself know.

 

These are the MwF upcoming events:

We still have one place left on our Quiz team for the East Kent Top Team Quiz on Monday 22^nd September 1.30 at Thanington Without – it is free and there will be a lift available. If you can help us out, we would really appreciate it. Please call me on 07729828959 if you are free.

COFFEE MORNING – Friday 26t^h September 2.30 at Sentado lounge. Please let Sophia know if you are coming either by phone or via the Coffee morning What’s App group.

SATURDAY LUNCH CLUB – 20^th September 1pm at the Red Lion, Milstead. Let Sophia know if you are joining us as it must be booked in advance.

BEETLE DRIVE – has been cancelled due to lack of interest. This is a shame as it was our fundraiser – I think we will have to stick to Quizzes or Wine Tasting!

PERSONAL PROTECTION WITH SIMON JAMES – not to be missed. Friday 31^st October 11-2 in the village hall, this is free to members as we think it is such an important skill. If you want to bring a non-member it is just £20 each. Please give Jen your name asap.

Our Christmas lunch at the Alma, Painters Forstall is on Saturday 13^th December 1pm.  As soon as the menus are ready, I will let you know. In the meanwhile, we need a £10 deposit please.  The Christmas game is a challenge to buy a gift beginning with M for less than £5, wrap it up and bring it to the meal – the more random and abstract the better!

 

Milstead w Frinsted is 103 years old this year and our birthday party will take place on Thursday 20^th November at 7pm in the VH. We have a super speaker Ms Cherry Bombe and hot food so don’t forget to put your name down asap. We do not charge for this evening as we want everyone to enjoy and celebrate.  Let Jen know if you are coming.

The Sittingbourne group of WI’s of which we are a part are putting on a FREE Christmas social afternoon on Friday 5^th December 2.30-5.00pm at Tunstall VH. There will be entertainment, food and a raffle, please support this event and come and meet lovely ladies from local WIs.

The Rodmersham Green WI carol service takes place on Monday 8^th December at Rodmersham Church just for WI members. Time tba. This is a lovely service – if you want a lift, please let us know.

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East Kent Federation have several events taking place all of which are in your East Kent News. If you do not receive this, please let us know. Most of the events are all bookable on ticket source, via Alison in the EKFWI office or via Dilys.

Speaker Auditions Wednesday 15^th October 9.30-13.00 Seasalter Hall £5 on the door. There are 7 speakers giving a small snapshot of their talk finishing with a musical act. This is a nice morning. There is no booking but do let us know if you are going so we can arrange car sharing.

Margate WI will be at the Sunken Gardens, Westgate Eco Fair on Sunday 21^st September with their Bystanders Resolution. There are some amazing speakers.

Top Team Quiz – Monday 22^nd September Ashford Road Community Hall, Thanningon Without (by the park and ride) Canterbury. We have 1 space available. No charge.

Dry point Printing Art Day – Thursday 9^th October 10.00-15.00 £20 Blean VH

IF you don’t fancy going out why not book a place on the Zoom talk on The Disgraceful Sons of George III, Tuesday 25^th November 7.30pm – you could have a couple of other members around to watch with you. These are very good talks.

On Sunday 12^th October NFWI have organized a fabulous event on Margate Sands to showcase the Bystanders Resolution for Restart A Heart Week. There will be drones, lifesaving and women wearing  snazzy bras over their clothes to highlight the gender  bias with CPR and Defibrillators.  it starts at 11am and should be really good fun – we are hoping to have Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance there too! Please come along and support Margate as they hit over 100,000 people trained in CPR already!

The ever-popular Craft Day will be on Thursday 13^th November 10.00-15.00 at Chartham VH. You can choose from several crafts – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. All equipment, tea and biscuits are included for just £28. Please book via the office on 01227 464106 and let us know so we can car share.

There is a Public Affairs team event in Canterbury on Saturday 29^th November to support Women’s Aid as they ask for an end to Violence against Women and Girls. We will be joining the Canterbury Soroptimists as we march through the city. Please let us know if you are attending. Time tba.

 

If you haven’t signed up for the WI lottery which just paid out £25K to a Cheshire member and need some help, please just ask. This is just £1 a week with the funds going to support the WI.

 

Next month we meet on Thursday 2^nd October at 7.30pm. We have Mary’s meals talking to us.

The hostesses are Teresa, Eileen and Emma. When it is your turn if you are not sure what to do please ask or just look inside the cupboard door for the laminated list of hostess duties, but between the three hostesses you supply something  savory, something sweet and a very simple flower arrangement for the President’s table. You are not expected to go mad it is just something light!

Don’t forget the social event organized by the Friends of Milstead Church this Saturday 13^th 6-8pm – ask Tracey for details if you want to support them.

 

Have a lovely weekend ladies

 

Angela

07729828959

 

Words by Angela Coleman

President

 

 

 

MwF August Newsletter 2025

 

I hope that you all enjoyed last month’s garden party. The food you all brought was lovely and very well presented – thank you. The girls were really happy with the party too. They had a much better journey back home. If you are interested in where they appear and how to book them check them out on Instagram or Facebook Blitz n Pieces Band. Imagine them at your own parties!

This month’s meeting next week on the 7^th has a great speaker, Sam Secomb. She will be talking about women’s wealth. Sam is a WI member and the Financial Planner at Pentin’s who manages the federation investments, she is a very good speaker, if you have any questions she will be happy to help.

 

If you can’t get to a meeting but are interested in finding out what happened don’t forget you can ask to have a copy of the minutes at any time.

 

We have many events coming up, if you want to find out more before you book or want to get a lift, please call the secretary Jenny or the person organizing the event.  If you have any ideas for places you would like to visit, please let me know, we are very happy to get ideas.

COFFEE MORNING – Tuesday 19^th August at the Red Lion 10.30 – please let Sophia know.

FILM CLUB – we are seeing Andre Rieu filmed live in Maastricht at the Light Sittingbourne, the time is now 7pm. Note the change.  Please let Denise know if you are going.

MARLOWE THEATRE TOUR –Friday 5^th September 11.30 £18 for non-members includes tea and cake afterwards. The tour lasts fpr 90 minutes and includes a lot of steps and steep climbing. At present we have two names, the cut of date is 7/8/25 so if you are interested, please let Angela know asap. 07729828959

SATURDAY LUNCH CLUB – 20^th September 1pm at the Red Lion, Milstead. Let Sophia know if you are joining us as it must be booked in advance.

BEETLE DRIVE – this is our October fundraiser, Friday 10^th October at 6pm. £10 adult £5 for children. There will be a lot of noise and fun and hotdogs in the interval. Please bring your families (or not) and join us for a fun evening. Let Jen know your numbers.

PERSONAL PROTECTION WITH SIMON JAMES – not to be missed. Friday 31^st October 10-2 in the village hall, just £20 each. Please give Jen your name asap.

East Kent Federation have several events taking place all of which are in your East Kent News, however there is no newsletter in August as most WIs don’t meet in August! Not in Milstead!! The events are all bookable on ticket source, via Alison in the EKFWI office or via Dilys.

 

Archery taster Saturday 6^th September 13.30-15.30 Archbishops school Canterbury

Speaker Auditions Wednesday 15^th October 9.30-13.00 Seasalter Hall £5 on the door. Great morning!

WI Day 110 years – Tuesday 16^th September 2-4.30 Godmersham Village Hall £15 for cream tea and Pimm’s.

Top Team Quiz – Monday 22^nd September Ashford Road Community Hall, Thaningon Without (by the park and ride) Canterbury. We have 3 spaces available. No charge.

Dry point Printing Art Day – Thursday 9^th October 10.00-15.00 £20 Blean VH

 

Don’t forget Barbara is selling tickets for the Annual WI Draw , we have WI diaries available to order £7 and Bone China WI mugs for £5  and the WI lottery which just paid out £25K to a Cheshire member, not bad for £1 a week with the funds going to support the WI.

 

Next month we meet on Thursday 4^th September at 7.30pm. We have a lovely lady Rosemary De Vos from the Repair Cafe movement, if you haven’t used them, you will find it all very interesting and so in keeping with WI values. The hostesses are Elaine Cross, Tuula and Rose- Marie (unless you know any different!)

 

Have a lovely weekend ladies

 

Angela

Words by Angela Coleman

President

June’s speaker was Helga Cukure – originally from Latvia, Helga is a florist who  practises her craft in Kent. She exhibited her skills by creating half a dozen floral showpieces which were then raffled to members. She accompanied this by sharing with members info on her home country from country music to pastimes and famous people.

 

Happy birthday to Viv L, Elaine S, Jackie P, Sue P, Rebecca H, Pauline C and Lynne H.

The  National Federation of WIs held their AGM .  – it was live streamed to the Alexander Centre, Faversham on 4 June. There were two excellent speakers, Angel Strawbridge and Emma Bridgewater and the resolution which had been proposed by Margate ‘ ‘Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers’ was voted for with a huge majority of 97.7%. In addition the proposed changes to the constitution ( discussed at previous meetings) were all adopted. If any member would like to read the full report, they should ask the secretary for a copy

Future planned events (more details below) were brought to the attention of members to include:

• Coffee morning
• Luncheon
• Open Gardens Visit
• Garden Party
• Marlowe Trip
• Beetle Drive
• Personal Training
• Film Trips
• Archery Taster Day
• Speakers Auditions
• Town Walk
• WI day Celebrations
• WI Quiz

AoB-

• Sophia’s ‘Swap-table’ is up and running. Its purpose is to share items useful to others but no longer needed ( books / magazines / jigsaws/ recipes/ plants etc). All are free Also on the table is a photo album exhibiting what the WI has been doing.
• The WI bulb scheme leaflet is available to order from Dilys ( Treasurer)
• WI diaries can be ordered from the Treasurer, Dilys
• NFWI draw tickets will be sold at the next meeting
• Rebecca Homfray’s art studios are open from 10am – 4pm on 7 & 8 of June and the 14 & 15. All profit’s to Medical Aid for Palestine

.

And finally in August, the hostesses are Pauline, Diane and Tina.

The speaker for August is Sam Secombe talking on Women’s Finances.

Monday 9 June – 2:30pm	Coffee / tea meeting. Was planned to be held at Santado near Lights Cinema but now will be at Dunelm’s Cafe on the light industrial estate near Morrisons or Marks.
Friday 13 June – 1:00	Lunch at Skills Centre – 3 courses. 1:00pm. List now closed. Please meet outside at 12:45
Tuesday 17 June 10:00am	A town walk around Faversham. Please meet at the Guildhall in the Market Place. £5 – tickets from ticketsource or from the secretary
Sunday 22 June – 2:00pm	Newnham Open Gardens. Meet Tudor Cottage, 25 The Street. Car parking is available in the village at Sharsted Sportsfield and tea and cakes are available at various venues. Members are welcome to bring friends. £5
Thursday 3 July 6:00pm	Garden Party at Wormshill VH with Blitz and Pieces – Please remember to bring whatever food / drink you have agreed to donate along with a plate, cutlery and glass and you can bring your own drink if so wished. Car sharing available rom MVH – but must be booked in advance – please let President or Secretary know
Friday 4 July at 7:30pm	Avenue Theatre a film about Richard Burton called Mr Burton. Please let Denise know if you are interested in attending
Saturday 30 August at 8:00pm	Andre Rieu’s 2025 Maastricht Concert:Waltz the Night Away at The Light Cinema. Please let Denise know if you would like to go
Friday 5 September at 11:30am	A tour of The Marlowe Theatre. Cost of tour to include tea and cake is £18 for non Marlowe members and £13.50 for members
Tuesday 16 Sept 2-4pm	A Pimms and Cream tea to celebrate WI Day and 110 years of the WI at Godmersham and Crundale Hall. £15 booking on Ticketsource.
Mon 22 Sept 1:30 for 1:45 start	A team is needed for The Top Team Quiz at Ashford Road Community Centre, CT1 3XR). Please give names to Angela
Fri 10 Oct 7:00pm	Beetle Drive – fundraiser Please save the date
Fri Oct 31st 10:00am – 1:00pm	Personal Protection Training – £20

Words by Claire Wood

 

MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER

WI Meeting 8 May
The President was pleased to welcome visitors from neighbouring WIs
Lynsted with Teynham
Rodmersham Green
Bobbing
Faversham Gunpowder
Cherryhill
And the meeting’s speaker Bishop Rose, Bishop of Dover

 

H&S reminders
The President reminded members that nothing should obstruct pathways, that coats
should be hung up out of the way and that all fire exits – both inside and out of the hall
must be kept clear.
Speaker – Rose Hudson-Wilkin
Bishop Rose proved to be both an informative and interesting speaker who shared with
us her journey from growing up in Montego Bay, Jamaica to working under the auspices
of Westminster Abbey alongside the Speaker of the House of Commons. She described
the challenges she had faced along the way, as a woman of colour and how these had
shaped her into being the person she is today.
Her mantra has always been ‘Do not go where the path leads – go where there is no path
and become the leader!’
The members and our guests all agreed how excellent she had been and in conversation
afterwards she said how she would love to come back to continue her story and bring
her autobiography with her!
Resolution Meeting
● Constitution Review summary – changes have been made to ensure the WI is
ready for now and for the future. The President identified the changes to
membership, changes to subs, changes to committee membership, changes to
finance and the reasons behind them. The details of these changes can be viewed
– if you would like to do so, please talk to the President
● Vote to agree for or against – Big majority in favour.
● Resolution Vote on ‘Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers’. The President outlined the
main questions raised regarding this resolution and gave responses to appease
members' concerns. The President then asked the members questions on this
from the WI Quiz and talked through the specific wording of the resolution. A vote
for or against was taken and the members supported the resolution by a large
majority. No one voted against nor agreed to the delegate using her discretion.

A Marlowe Tour is proposed, depending on interest, for Fri September 5. £18 to
include tea and cake; for Members of the Marlowe the price is reduced to £13.50.
Start time 11:30am. Pl sign the list asap
Knit and natter morning at Di’s from 10:30 to 12:30 on 4 June to make poppies.
Lynne explained that we need more. We have 77 – need about 200. Di’s address is
available from the President
Update on dental resolution – the dental health survey showed a significant
gender gap. Women’s dental health was much worse than men’s .

MwFWI events as per email sent
● 14 May – coffee morning at Red Lion- 10:30
● 17 May – CPR training – MVH – 10:00-1:00
● 21 May – Art session – Oad St 7-9pm. £17.50 for members – few more needed if
poss
● 23 May – Visit to Shell Grotto and Margate caves. £4 each – £8 in total . Car shares
can be arranged; we will be leaving from MVH at 10am. Fish and chips on the
beach.
● 7 June – Litter pick has been cancelled due to lack of support
● 13 June – Lunch at Skills Centre – £15 for 3 courses. 1:00pm. Menu shared with
members. Please Contact Angela if interested. Monies will need to be paid upfront
and menu choices will need to be made in advance.
Menu choices:
Starters:- cheese souffle with oatcake for dipping / mushroom soup with garlic
croutons / chicken satay salad with cucumber, lime & chilli salad
Mains:- fillet of Seabass, fresh tagliatelle, charred leek, mussel sauce / duck
breast pan fried, peas French style with a duck leg confit, turned poached
potatoes, enriched stock / carrot and green bean tart, roasted hazelnuts, salad
garnish , lemon dressing
Desserts: – gypsy tart, whipped cream / fresh fruit salad, mint syrup / apple and
red fruit cobbler with a choice of ice cream or custard
● 22 June – Newnham Open Gardens. Meet at 2:00pm at Tudor Cottage, 25 The
Street at 2:00pm Car parking is available in the village at Sharsted Sportsfield and
tea and cakes are available at various venues. Members are welcome to bring
friends.

● 3 July – Garden Party at Wormshill VH with Blitz and Pieces – Food lists available
to be signed and you can bring your own drink if so wished, Car sharing will be
available if required
● Fri 6 June – Story about Bob Dylan – ‘A Complete Unknown’ at 7:30pm at The
Avenue Theatre.
● Fri 4 July – 7:30 at Avenue Theatre a film about Richard Burton called Mr Burton.
● Sat 30 August – Andre Rieu’s 2025 Maastricht Concert:Waltz the Night Away
8:00pm at The Light Cinema.

EK Events
● 28 May – Summer Garden Day at Canterbury College CT2 8QA – £16 – 9:30 for 10:00
● 16 September a Pimms and Cream tea to celebrate WI Day and 110 years of the WI
at Godmersham and Crundale Hall. Time to be confirmed.
● Environmental and Natural History Guild has organised a trip to The Museum of
Kent Life on 22 May. An all day event with an organised tour on the morning and a
session on ‘Owls’ in the afternoon. £8.50
National Events
● 4 June – Nat Fed AGM – meeting streamed to Alexander Centre – £10 -10:00am start
for delegates (and members who wish to attend). Meeting for all starts at 11:45am.
Very few tickets left
A0B
● Sophia’s Swap Table – rhubarb available at £1 a bunch
● WI raffle tickets are now available to buy
● WI bulb leaflet available
● Next month speaker = Helga the Florist – her creations will be raffled off at £5 per
ticket. NB No normal raffle at this meeting
● Thank you to the hostesses this month, Pat, Lesley & Lynne; next month Julie,
Kate and Wendy

 

Words by Claire Wood