NEWS/SPEAKERS

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

March 2025 Newsletter

 

Report to members
Being the AGM, there was no speaker as such but the MP for this constituency, Helen Whately
attended the first part of the meeting as a guest and agreed to take questions from members.
She expressed an interest in local issues and how she saw housing development as the key
issue.

Business Part of Meeting The Annual General Meeting
The President started the meeting with a number of reminders:-
● Fire doors must be kept free – pl do not block them by parking outside one of them.
There are notices there which should be adhered to.
● Could members please refrain from talking when others are addressing the
meeting including the speaker so that all members can hear properly
● Members should not allow any obstacles to be on the floor so that there are no trip
hazards. Walking aids, coats and bags should either be hung up or pushed under a
chair and no one should be in the kitchen except those allocated to do so on the night.
● The MCS which is a requirement of the WI needs to be kept up to date so if there are
any changes to your personal information pl inform Barbara
● Reminder to check email for EK News and if not receiving these or the WI Life magazine
to let the secretary know.
The Minutes of the last meeting were signed off as an accurate record.
Matters Arising
The result of the Resolution vote was the Margate initiative “bystanders can be life savers”
which received 36% of the vote. The President informed the meeting that a webinar was
available on 22nd April to discuss the resolutions. In addition the consultation to inform the WI
what its members want is due to end soon so please access asap if you have a view to put
forward.
AGM procedures
President’s Report
The President asked if there were any self-nominations for committee membership, there were
none therefore the committee was re-elected en-masse. They are: Angela Coleman, Dilys

Norris, Karen Tottle, Jen Harper, Sophia Smith, Claire Wood, Sam Pink, Denise Gee and
Tracey Gooding. It was noted that Marcelle is standing down as Secretary; the President along
with the members thanked Marcelle for her commitment and all her hard work during her time
as Secretary. Angela thanked the Treasurer, Dilys and all other committee members especially
Barbara for her work in keeping the MCS updated and Mandy for her work on the club’s
website.
Angela reminded members that subs this year are £51 – and are payable from now. If you wish
to pay by cheque or cash you can pass this on to Dilys and if you want to pay by BACs , please
transfer the money into the account held by Milstead with Frinsted WI; sort code 09-01-51;
account number 10429303 – and please remember to tick the box to identify it as a
business.
Angela was pleased to report that membership numbers are good. Angela has completed her
training as a WI Advisor and indoin so,can see how the WI works so hard to ensure that women
have a voice. And as a WI Trustee for the East Kent Federation, she works hard alongside
others to promote the WI across the county. The National Federation has completed a
Constitutional Review , looking to move the WI onwards and upwards for its members. She
reiterated that the more you get involved, the more you get out of the WI.
Barbara was pleased to report that the club had won a price in the 200 club – £17
Claire suggested two films might be popular with members both at The Light Cinema S/bourne
Weds 2 April – Billy Elliot and / or Six on 8 April
Jen will be selling the National WI raffle tickets at next meeting
Finally as an addendum, the President thanked members for their on-going support in donating
dental items or children underwear items to those in need. She praised this effort and advised
that these donations could be made at any time.
Please note, that, disappointingly, the ‘Let’s Dance’ Initiative was cancelled due to lack of
interest – only 4 members had registered to partake.
Sophia reminded members that the suggestion box work she has been doing is ‘open’ and
members were engaging in swapping recipes, seeds, CDs and books. Please share any other
ideas with her
The President sent best wishes to two of our members presently not well enough to attend –
Linda and Alison
Thank you to the hostesses, Pauline, Dilys and Jen.
Next month’s hostesses: Marcelle and Donna.
Treasurer’s Report
Dilys shared the club’s accounts – showing £2019 in the bank – an increase of £644 on this time
last year. The new budget for 25-26 is being prepared and will be shared when completed. It
was agreed to use the same audit examiners as this year.
Committee Report
Marcelle reported on the packed schedule that this past year has seen – on the varied and
interesting speakers, on the fund raising events, on the collections made, and on the outings
and trips organised concluding that this is a thriving, lively and enjoyable WI.
In conclusion, Angela was proposed and voted in as President

Next month’s meeting on 3rd April –Jon Patch will be talking about the Mercy ships.

Words by Claire Wood

The Minutes of the last meeting were signed off as an accurate record.
The only Matters Arising concerned the date for the Art Day to be led by Heidi Schnaffer at
Swale Media Arts Centre which has had to be rearranged. Angela is negotiating a new date
with her and will inform members as soon as it is known.
Angela reminded members that subs this year are £51 – and are payable from now. If you wish
to pay by cheque or cash you can pass this on to Dilys and if you want to pay by BACs , please
transfer the money into the account held by Milstead with Frinsted WI; sort code 09-01-51;
account number 10429303 – and please remember to tick the box to identify it as a
business.
March’s meeting will be our AGM – Angela asked that members please consider joining the
committee – more people are needed to be part of this, especially as some committee members
have been standing for a number of years and this might be the time for ‘new blood’. Please
note you don't have to be a full committee member – if preferred, you can be co-opted to
support as and when. Either way, please don’t be shy and let Angela know if you are interested.
Attention was drawn to the Suggestions Board which Sophia has put together and is always on
display near the signing in table. If you are interested in moving something forward please let
Sophia know.
Angela was pleased to report that Alison Black is back in her own home now after a spell of
convalescing. We all wish her well and a speedy recovery.
The hostesses Mandy, Barbara and Claire were thanked and March’s hostesses are Pauline,
Jen and Dilys.
Finally, Lynne updated members on her suggestion for our WI to provide a poppy display to
go on Milstead Church’s lychgate for Remembrance Sunday, a venture positively received
by members. Lynne shared that the poppies can be knitted, crocheted or felt made and can be
of any size. Lynne had various patterns which she shared with us and also informed us where
materials could be bought. Any expenses can be reimbursed although Lynne was willing to
support with accessing anything needed. They will need to be ready for Sept’s meeting.

Dates for your diary

Thursday 20 February
10:30 am

Coffee morning at Matt Matt’s Chaucer Road S/bourne
Please give names to Claire on bellamedlar53@gmail.com
07502 370550

Tuesday 25 February
7:00 ( time to be confirmed)

Film Club – Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Please give names to Claire on bellamedlar53@gmail.com
07502 370550

Thursday 27 May Deadline for submission of photo entries into EKF photo

competition – please email them to
assistant.secretary@eastkentfedwi.org.uk

Sunday 2 March
2 – 4 pm

Let’s Dance – an invitation to join other members at Milstead
Village Hall from 2 – 4 pm to enjoy ‘keeping dancing’! This is
free and members may bring a friend. Please sign the list or let
Angela know if you would like to come along

Saturday 8 March International Women’s Day. Information on this is on page 27
of your WI magazine ‘WI Life’. If you get the chance listen on
catch up on BBC Radio 4 to the lawyer, Nemone Lethbridge’s
Desert Island Discs. It will show how far we have come in 50
years but make us aware of how far we still have to go.

Thursday 20 March
10:00 am – 12:30

An opportunity to get together / a fellowship meeting to make
some poppies whilst enjoying a cuppa and cakes at Claire’s at
8 Medlar Close Bredgar ME9 8EL – an opportunity to knit and
natter! Please give names to Claire on
bellamedlar53@gmail.com
07502 370550

Saturday 22 March Lunch club – 1:00pm at The Red Lion, Milstead. To note, the
Red Lion now does small plates on a Sat lunchtime. Please
sign the list or let Claire know – bellamedlar53@gmail.com
07502 370550

Monday 24 March
2:30 pm

Catch up for tea or coffee at Sentado Lounge – S/bourne –
near The Light Cinema
Please give names to Claire on bellamedlar53@gmail.com
07502 370550

Friday 28th March
7:00 for 7:30pm

Quiz night. If you are planning to come along – you MUST sign
the list or let Angela know.
£10 per head to include a ploughman’s supper – please bring
your own glasses and drink. All profits to the MS Centre
Canterbury

Tuesday 1 April
11:00 am

Trip to the Aviation Museum on the Isle of Sheppey. Please
add your name to the list or let Angela know that you would like

to come

Monday 14 April
11:00am – 4:00pm

East Kent Federation’s AGM
Two inspirational speakers have been booked:-
Graham Jones – now retired but who was Senior Director of
Music at The Household Cavalry and
Annie Gray – a historian, author, broadcaster and consultant on
the history of food from 1600 – the present day.

Thursday 24 April
10:00am – 12:30pm

Resolution Meeting – a reminder of the 4 resolutions being
discussed – info on each in the emailed EK news
● Managing Incontinence
● The Repair Revolution – to repair clothes rather than buy
new ones. To note in support of this resolution BBC’s
The Sewing Bee’ Patrick Grant is giving a talk on this at
The Alexander Centre Faversham on Sunday 15 Dec at
7:00pm.
● Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers
● Recycling blister packs

Tuesday 29 April
10:00am

Circular Walk – if interested, pl meet at the village square in
Chilham near the castle gates for a 5 mile circular walk.

Monday 19 May
6:30pm +

A Ladies Pop Up Shop and Fun Fashion Show, being run by
Seasalter WI at the children’s center (CT5 4AX) and selling
garments at up to 70% off. £8. Tickets are available on 07769
735336 or 07976 273762 or let Angela know if you are
interested.

Friday 23 May
11:00 am

Visit to Margate – to Shell Grotto and the Margate Caves
Please sign up on the list at meetings or let Angela know

Weds 28 May
9:30 for 10:00 am

Summer Garden Day at Canterbury Academy CT2 8QA – am
speakers on Food Additives and on The Enchanted garden and
in the afternoon a floral demonstration ‘Nature’s Pharmacy’.
Tickets available from Federation Office or talk to Angela

Weds 4 June
10:00 am

National Federation AGM. This is a streamed meeting from
The Alexander Centre Faversham. Speakers are Emma
Bridgewater and Angel Strawbridge. Tickets £5. Please let
Angela know if you would like to attend

Saturday 7 June
11:30am

Litter Pick. 7 – 15 June is the WI’s Big Green Week when WIs
are encouraged to do something ‘green’. We will be meeting at
Milstead Village Hall at 11:30 to litter pick in Milstead. Picking-
up equipment will be provided but please bring your own gloves

Saturday 21 June Lunch club – details to follow
Sunday 22 June Newnham Open Gardens day – details to follow
Thursday 3 July
6:00pm

Garden Party – at Wormshill Village Hall. Entertainment will be
provided by a 3 piece swing band, Blitz and Pieces, celebrating

the music of the 40s – this being 80 years since

World War ended. Details to follow re the buffet provision and
car sharing .

Saturday 20 September Lunch club – details to follow
Friday 10 October A Bingo Night – a second fund raiser – further details to follow
Thursday 20 November Birthday Party – to include a session led by Miss Cherry
Bombe (president of Chelmsford WI) – watch this space
Phone Numbers if needed:- Angela – 07729 828959 Claire – 07502 370550

 

Wordsd by Claire Wood

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2024

A couple of urgent things / reminders

If you are coming to the Christmas lunch on Sat 14th at The Plough Lewson Street – please bring remaining monies due – ie for a 2 course meal £25 and a 3 course meal £31 – and handover to Claire on the day.

Kate Taffs is one of the hostesses at the Feb Meeting but will not be able to attend; is anyone able to swap with her?

Last call to go and see The Nutcracker at The Lights Cinema – 17th December at 7:00 pm. Please let Claire know asap if you would like to join us.

And finally, Angela is arranging an art day led by Heidi Schnaffer at the Swale Media Arts Centre in Sittingbourne High Street –  it will be in February – date to be arranged and will cost £17.50 per member. Please let Angela know if you would like to partake and confirm whether for you a weekday or a weekend would be best.

Planned Meetings / Speakers

Angela informed the members that subs this coming year will be £51 – general feedback / comments were on the good value of this. If you wish to pay by cheque or cash you can pass this on to Dilys now but if you want to pay by BACs transfer, could you please pay this after 2nd February

Speakers planned for forthcoming meetings:

January – a fish and chip supper had been ordered for those who put their name down and there is a challenge this month to wear something bought in a charity shop for less that £10.00. It can be something sensible that you could wear out and about or something silly – just a bit of fun whilst raising some money for the charity shops.

Other speakers planned include the following ( not in any specific order) although details will be confirmed when the programme for 2025 is published:-

• Know Your Colours
• Mercy Ships
• Bishop Rose
• Floristry
• Women’s Wealth
• Repair Cafe
• Mary’s Meal
• Film Make-up
• ‘Blind’ food tastings
• Mandy Wilkinson’s Year

And in addition…. In May there will be an opportunity to vote on this year’s WI Resolutions. Details are in WI Life; this year’s resolutions being

• Managing Incontinence
• The Repair Revolution – to repair clothes rather than buy new ones. To note in support of this resolution BBC’s The Sewing Bee’ Patrick Grant is giving a talk on this at The Alexander Centre Faversham on Sunday 15 Dec at 7:00pm.
• Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers
• Recycling blister packs

It is important to note that votes will be taken and recorded individually – ie by numbers  – rather than just by majority

There is the garden party on 3rd July at Wormshill Village Hall where entertainment will be provided by a 3 piece swing band celebrating the music of the 40s – this being 80 years since the second world war ended. The start time will be 6:00 pm and transport sharing can be planned – to be discussed at a later date. Attendees will be invited to contribute to a buffet.

 

Plans for November’s birthday party include a session led by the President of Chelmsford WI whose stage name is Miss Cherry Bombe – details to follow nearer the day.

 

 

Urgent update

Due to lack of interest in seeing Kiss Me Kate and a considerable number of members expressing an interest in seeing Paddington, the decision was taken to cancel the former and find a date for Paddington instead. At present, it is on at The Lights until next Thursday (14th) which I can’t make so I have chosen the day before – Weds 13th November at 2:30pm This is a quick turnaround for which I apologise but please let me know asap if you would like to come and see this. The Lights tell us that:-

Paddington in Peru brings Paddington back home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.

Now – here’s a thing – they say …..Every teddy that joins us for Paddington in Peru will receive their very own Paddington inspired name tag*, serving as a reminder that every bear deserves love and adventure! Bring your cuddly friend along ( probably best to bring a stuffed toy) and give them a Paddinton-inspired keepsake they can wear with pride. After all, every bear deserves a little extra care. * Whilst stocks last!

Report to members

Speaker

Members who attended the October meeting heard a fascinating talk by Audrey White entitled ‘Hedgehogs’. Audrey’s talk was both amusing and informative and we learnt how her role as a hedgehog foster carer started in 2017 when she was responsible for 12 hedgehogs and that that number is now considerably greater and has taken over her shed and garage – alongside some rooms indoors. We were made aware of the harm done at this time of year with a lack of healthy (dry) foodstuffs. They resort to eating wet worms and slugs which are hosts to parasites which are killers to hedgehogs. So a plea was made if you have hedgehogs in your garden to leave out a shallow dish with water in it and some kitten food / biscuits. Hedgehogs do hibernate but mothers often abandon their young – left to care for themselves successfully or not – a natural habitat would be under dry leaves but you can buy hedgehog houses for them – pl keep them off the ground. We were then introduced to Brian The Hedgehog and informed that their eyesight is poor just enough to determine day or night. Numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate – from 30 million in the early 60s to now less than 1 million which puts them at risk of extinction. Audrey was thanked for her talk; her passion and enthusiasm were admirable.

Business Part of Meeting

The President welcomed members to the November meeting and also 2 visitors – Lyssa and Helen and 2 new members, Emma and Rosemary. She started the meeting with a number of reminders:-

• If possible, could members make a small donation to the collection pot on the entry table to help cover the cost of refreshments
• Could members please refrain from talking when others are addressing the meeting including the speaker so that all members can hear properly

Members should not allow any obstacles to be on the floor so that there are no trip hazards. Walking aids, coats and bags should either be hung up or pushed under a chair and no one should be in the kitchen except those allocated to do so on the night.

• The MCS which is a requirement of the WI needs to be kept up to date so if there are any changes to your personal information pl inform Barbara
• Reminder to check email for EK News
• Outlined that subs are divided between 3 groups – National, EK Fed and our WI

The Minutes of the last meeting were signed off as an accurate record.

The President reported on the outstandingly successful wine tasting evening amassing £377 to WI funds. Our thanks to Mike and Denise Gee for so generously hosting this.

The President and Barbara M had attended an audition day to hear perspective speakers – look out for exciting plans for next year

Details are in the forthcoming edition of WI Life about this year’s resolutions – on

• Managing Incontinence
• The Repair Revolution – to repair clothes rather than buy new ones. To note in support of this resolution BBC’s The Sewing Bee’ Patrick Grant is giving a talk on this at The Alexander Centre Faversham on Sunday 15 Dec at 7:00pm.
• Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers
• Recycling blister packs

A number of members have signed up for the NFWI’s National Lottery which has thus far raised £42k for good causes. Results will be published in WI Life

15 members enjoyed a Strictly Fitness afternoon on 31 Oct – fun whilst keeping healthy and some members have now enrolled for weekly sessions. Thank you to Julie Patching Ellis.

Thank you to all members who have donated socks and pants to an organisation supporting children who have fled abusive homes with their mothers. There will be a meeting at Heather House 21/11 10am to support the Community Sharewear event and take along socks and pants

Finally a thank you to the hostesses for this meeting – Barbara M, Jackie and Lynne.

Planned Meetings / Speakers

The WI’s 102nd Birthday Party is on 21st November starting at 7:00pm with a session by Cameo Opera first (so please be prompt) Outside hostesses will then provide an Italian meal ( lasagne, vegetable lasagne and garlic bread) and this will be followed by a 2nd session by Cameo.Please bring your own drinks. As outside caterers are being booked for this event, it is imperative that you have signed the list to say that  you are coming to the birthday party, or food won’t be ordered for you. Hostesses for this evening, organising teas and coffees, are Helen, Sue Pennells and Val.

At the December meeting, Judy Knight will be speaking on the topic ‘ A Wartime Christmas’. There will be a collection of dental items such as toothpaste and toothbrushes to go to needy families locally and any good but unwanted bras to go to Elaine for women living in third world countries. Hostesses are Sue Porter, Di Radbourne and Pat Preece

Finally. heads up for January’s meeting – just in case you spot that ideal item – a fish and chip supper is planned with a challenge to wear something bought in a charity shop for less that £10.00. It can be something sensible that you could wear out and about or something silly – just a bit of fun whilst raising some money for the charity shops.

Dates for your diary including fundraising and trips

Saturday 9 November	Pottery painting in Faversham at 11:00am. £5 plus the cost of whatever you choose to paint. Places have been booked.
Sunday 10 November is Remembrance Sunday	Alison Black will be laying the wreath on Remembrance Sunday on behalf of the WI – at the war memorial in Milstead at 3:00 pm Please support them if you are able to.
Friday 15 November –	A Craft Day at Chartham Village Hall from 10 am to 4 pm The day costs £28 and there will be two sessions available Details from East Kent Fed
Saturday 16 November	Milstead Christmas Fair from 10am – noon. Please support it if possible.
Monday 18 November	Coffee Morning at Rodmersham Coffee Shop -11:00 pm. Please advise Claire if you would like to attend – text 07502 370550 or email bellawoods53@gmail.com
Thursday 21 November	Meeting at Heather House at 10am to support the Community Sharewear event and take along socks and pants
Friday 29 November	Celebration of Motown at The Mercure Hotel (Great Danes) Hollingbourne 10:15 – 3:00pm Bookings now closed
Friday 29 / Saturday 30 November	Christmas Tree Festival at St Michael’s Sittingbourne – please pop in to support the event and to admire the WI Christmas tree on show. Thank you to Sophia for organising this.
Saturday 30 November	Milstead Horticultural Society are hosting a Christmas Wreath Making session from 2-4 pm. Places are available at £30 – all materials are supplied – although you may choose to bring extras.
Saturday 30 November	WI are attending a Silent March through Canterbury to protest against VAWG (Violence Against Women) at 10.45am .
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 5th – 8th December	Christmas Tree Festival at Tunstall Church – please pop in to support the event and to admire the WI Christmas tree on show. Thank you to Sophia for organising this.
Saturday 14 December	WI Christmas Lunch at The Plough, Lewson Street – 1:00 pm. All who have signed the list have been given the menus to choose from

Words by Claire Wood

Report to members Speaker Members who attended the October meeting heard a really fascinating talk by Tracie Fulton entitled ‘Tales From The Labour Ward’. Tracie talked about the changes in midwifery and the profile across the UK of births. In the 1950s, you had to obtain permission to go into hospital to give birth whereas now it is where nearly all babies are born. Possibly due to ‘older mums’, Caesareans now account for more than 35% of all births and the birth rate is falling – from 600,00 a year in the 1950s to now less than 500,00. With the aid of a plastic pelvis and a hand knitted baby ( worryingly slightly grey in colour!) Tracie’s talk was informative, fascinating and somewhat evocative! Business Part of Meeting The President welcomed members to the October meeting and commented how very good it was to have such a full hall – nearly all the chairs were taken! She started the meeting with a number of reminders:- ●     If possible, could members make a small donation to the collection pot on the entry table to help cover the cost of refreshments ●     Could members please refrain from talking when others are addressing the meeting including the speaker so that all members can hear properly ●     Members should not allow any obstacles to be on the floor so that there are no trip hazards. Walking aids, coats and bags should either be hung up or pushed under a chair and no one should be in the kitchen except those allocated to do so on the night. ●     Members attention was drawn to the  new notice board where all up to date info is housed ●     The MCS which is a requirement of the WI needs to be kept up to date so if there are any changes to your personal information pl inform Barbara ●     Finally, an urgent reminder -The Milstead and Frinsted WI Christmas Tree, to be on show at the tree festival in St Michael’s in the town and Tunstall Church, has the theme of ‘Inspirational Women’. Sophia is organising this and members are asked to supply her with a photo of their choice of an inspirational woman alongside a brief write up on them – to be returned to Sophia by the November meeting so that she can create the tree decorations. The Minutes of the last meeting were signed off as an accurate record. There are a number of birthdays to celebrate Sophia, Lesley & Wendy, whose birthday coincided with the meeting The President alerted members to the WI lottery – a good means of making money for the WI – 40% of the income goes to the organisers of which half is then redistributed as prizes. The remaining 60% is distributed to various charities as nominated by WI members taking part in the lottery. Please look to support this fund raiser by going to https://www.thelottery.co.uk and hopefully win a share of the profits. At their last meeting the Committee agreed that our WI could do more to support other charities and so once a year, money raised at a fundraiser will be in aid of an outside charity. Members are invited to nominate a charity – in line with the WI regulations ie charities around women, children and education. The first donation will come from the WI Quiz in April Please do look at the newsletters which are emailed out to you – especially the information on various courses which you can access. Elaine reminded members that she is collecting any unwanted bras to pass on to Oxfam for redistribution to the third world. Elaine will not be at the November meeting so please bring them to the meeting in December. Finally a thank you to the hostesses for this meeting – Viv, Eileen and Sam. The President took this opportunity to remind members that no one should feel under any obligation to do anything special for refreshments – it is up to you whether you cook something or buy something eg a packet of biscuits. Planned Meetings / Speakers At the November meeting, the speaker will be Audrey White talking about hedgehogs. She would welcome any donations of poultry based kitten food for her hedgehogs and also will be selling various items to raise funds. At this meeting, there will also be a collection of childrens’ socks and pants for children whose mothers have escaped abusive homes. The hostesses for this meeting are Helen Poole, Sue Pennells and Val Payne. The WI’s 102nd Birthday Party is on 21st November starting at 7:00pm. Outside hostesses will provide an Italian meal ( lasagne, vegetable lasagne and garlic bread) and entertainment will be by Cameo Opera. Please bring your own drinks. As outside caterers are being booked for this event, it is imperative that you sign the list to say that  you are coming to the birthday party, or food won’t be ordered for you. At the December meeting, there will be a collection of dental items such as toothpaste and toothbrushes Finally. heads up for January’s meeting – just in case you spot that ideal item – a fish and chip supper is planned with a challenge to wear something bought in a charity shop for less that £10.00. It can be something sensible that you could wear out and about or something silly – just a bit of fun whilst raising some money for the charity shops.   Words by Claire wood

September 2024 Newsletter

 

This months newsletter will be brief and mostly a list of upcoming dates.

Tonight’s meeting was so inspiring, we have seldom had a better speaker. I have said to Darren we will have him back when he gets use of his legs again so look out for his name!

 

There was one event I forgot to mention. Bobbing WI have a murder mystery evening on Saturday 16th November at 7.30pm. This will be a great evening and will sell out quickly. The tickets are just £6. Bring your own food and drinks. The murder mystery is a western theme. If you want to come along please let me know.

 

The bowling followed by lunch will be at The Light on Saturday 14th September at 11am. If your name isn’t down but you fancy joining us please let me know.

 

This coming month we have our Film Night at the Sittingbourne Light on Tuesday 24th 7pm . The film is Miss Saigon.

The coffee morning is on Wednesday 25th 11am at Rodmersham coffee shop.

For both of these events please contact Claire or Angela to put your name

 

 

The wine tasting fundraiser this year on Friday 11th October 7pm is just £10 – not to be missed. If  you want to attend and you’re not on the list please let me know .

 

On Friday 31st October  we have a free Strictly Fitness class. If your name is not on the list please let us know asap. This will probably be 2-4pm.

 

Our Christmas pottery painting is on Saturday 9th November at  11.00. Please let me know if you want to come, I’ll need a £5 in advance .

 

Milstead with Frinsted have their birthday party on Thursday 21st November starting at 7pm. This will be a very special evening with Cameo Opera singing . We will have lasagne and salad. We must have exact numbers for catering. Please let us know if you are coming.

 

Our Christmas lunch will be at The Plough, Lewson Street on Saturday 14th December 1pm. Please put your name down if you are interested. We will need a £10 deposit at October/ November meeting.

 

 

The EK events open for booking are in your East Kent Newsletter . You can either book on Ticketsource or Dilys can book for you.

Quiz night 27/9 in Chartham .

Audition for WI speakers 14/10 1.30 at Whitfield. I am going to, if you fancy coming with me I’m happy to drive.

Craft day ( highly recommend this) 15/11 £28 10-3pm

Annual General Meeting Monday 14th April at Kent College Canterbury – with free parking. There will be two fabulous speakers . Tickets are just £18 . Please support this event, as once numbers drop the meetings will be virtual and we will not get them back.

 

Please ask me or check out the details in your East Kent newsletter.

 

This year’s Christmas tree for the local festivals will have the theme ‘Inspiring Women’. Can you please think about someone known to you or someone who is famous and has inspired you? We need a photo and why this woman inspired you.

 

Don’t forget we are collecting children’s socks and pants in November and dental supplies in December.

 

You can text me on 07729828959 if you want to add your name to any event or ask me

 

Next months hostesses are Eileen, Viv and Kate Joy.

The speaker is Tracie Fulton – midwifery tales.

 

If you spot any deliberate mistakes please let me know.

 

Angela 07729828959

Claire 07502 370550

Words by Angela Coleman

Report to members

A few members went to The LIght Cinema this month to see Waitress – the Musical. It was great fun and enjoyed by all and I have never seen such a packed cinema. July is so busy with holidays etc and the cinemas so busy with what appears to me to be violence or kiddies films that I am going to hold fire on this month’s film. I will keep my eyes open and inform you of possibilities in August when they are released. On the 12th September Prima Facie is on as part of the Events cinema programme – I will be in Rhodes then so can’t really organise a group visit but I have seen it twice and it is a brilliant one woman play starring Jodie Comer (Killing Eve). Do look at the write up on their website if you are interested. On another and indeed, more positive note the third Paddington film – Paddington in Peru is coming to the screen in November – so watch this space.

Earlier this month there was the coffee morning at The Appleyard which I understand was, after a slight hiccup, a real success. With the Garden Party in July and holidays we have decided not to hold the coffee morning this month. Instead we will concentrate our efforts on the afternoon tea at Milstead Village Hall on 27 th August from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. The committee will be hosting this but invite members to contribute £5 towards the cost. All members and friends are welcome but we have to know numbers or there won’t be enough food ( remember the quiz!) so please do let me or Angela know asap if you would like to come along.

Finally – what a success The Garden Party was – a view expressed  by so many at the end of the evening when the cold wind finally chased us out of Janice’s stunning garden. The silly quizzes appeared to be enjoyed by all and gave the opportunity to talk with different members and it was amazing how many folk worked out who the Committed members were in their anagram form and more worryingly, how many knew the difference between Porn and Paint! Lots of chatter and laughter. Thank you to everyone who brought along a contribution to the buffet and the drinks bar – it was quite splendid. But finally, and most importantly, a huge thank you to Janice for her generosity in welcoming us into her garden. Thank you.

And one last thing …. I did send round my new email address and got it wrong!

It is bellamedlar53@gmail.com

 

Planned Meetings / Speakers

August’s meeting is on August 1st when the speaker will be Clive Nuttall talking under the heading Natural History.

Hostesses will be Wendy Hawley, Teresa Geerearts and Eileen Harrison.

 

On October 31st and nothing to do with Halloween, we are planning an afternoon of Strictly Fitness. Time is to be confirmed but it will be a 2 hour session (with breaks built in) and the idea is to use dance steps to keep fit and the best bit is that no partners are needed. The session will be run by Julie Patching-Ellis and a number of us already attend one or more of her classes every week. So if you’d like to know a bit more about it, do talk to me, Jen, Janice or Lesley. The fact that we are all still going after a number of years is a good recommendation!

 

Heads up for January’s meeting – just in case you spot that ideal item – a fish and chip supper is planned with a challenge to wear something bought in a charity shop for less that £10.00. It can be something sensible that you could wear out and about or something silly – just a bit of fun whilst raising some money for the charity shops.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Wednesday 14th August

In-house craft day at Pean Hill, Whitstable between 10am and 3pm. The task will be to make insulated bowl cosies and you are required to take a sewing machine threaded with cotton thread. The cost is £12.50; tea and coffee will be provided but you will need to take your own lunch.

Saturday 14th September

11:00am Bowling at The Lights in Sittingbourne. Members are invited to put their names down just for the bowling or to join others for a lunch afterwards. The cost depends on the number who want to play but, looking at their website I am guessing it will be about £10.00. We can confirm once we know numbers

Please let Angela or Claire know if you would like to join us

Monday 16th September

WI Day – the theme being Sustainable Fashion running from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Godmersham and Crundale VH ( near Canterbury). Angela has arranged some excellent and inspirational speakers for this afternoon. Hannah Temple will be talking to us about TealCo which introduces regenerated nature inspired practices and Helen Howard will talk about the environmental impact of what we buy. The Faversham Repair Cafe will also be there and there will be a collection point for any good condition clothes which could go to a charity pop up shop in aid of a women’s refuge.

The cost is £10 and will include tea or coffee AND cake

Please do support this really interesting day. If you are able to come please let Claire or Angela know and we can then arrange car shares.

Friday 27th September

Calling all members who love quizzes! TOP TEAM QUIZ IS BACK and one WI will win the coveted TTQ winners shield. It is at Chartham Village Hall Station Road, Chartham, Kent, CT4 7JA and WIs are invited to enter teams of up to six members per table. Friday 27th September 2024 6.45pm for prompt start at 7.15pm. Tea/Coffee and homemade cake or biscuit at half time. £8 PER PERSON

Please let Angela or Claire know if you would like to join the team so car shares can be arranged.

Friday 11th October 

7:30 at Milstead Village Hall for a wine tasting session led by Denise and Mike Gee

Saturday 9th November 

Pottery painting in Faversham at 11:00am. £5 plus the cost of whatever you choose to paint. Names to Angela or Claire please

Friday 29th November 

Celebration of Motown at The Mercure Hotel (Great Danes) Hollingbourne 10:15 – 3:00pm

Bookings now closed

Saturday 14th December

WI Christmas Lunch at The Plough, Lewson Street – time to be confirmed

Names to Angela or Claire please

Dates to be determined

Greek Night at the Murston Heart Hub

First Aid Training

Phone Numbers if needed to book above:-

Angela – 07729 828959

Claire   – 07502 370550

And finally, last year Federation chose as its charity SNAPP – a group that organises short breaks for disabled children in Kent. For the coming year, they have chosen to support the Kent MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Therapy Centre . This is based in Canterbury, Kent and is something well with visiting should that be possible. It is an amazing place.

 

Words by Claire Wood

 

 

June  24 Newsletter

 

I’m afraid that you will have to put my with my newsletter this month but do not fear Claire’s much improved one will resume next month!

Yesterday I attended the Annual Meeting at the Royal Albert Hall – I didn’t represent us ( it’s complicated) but my report is available to read if you’d like to see it.

The resolution was passed with a 95.53% majority.

 

This months’ coffee morning is at the Appleyard in Sittingbourne on 24th June at 11.00. Please let Claire or myself know if you are going.

 

We will be joining NK travel again for a trip to Worthing to see the Sistene Chapel ceiling at the English Martyrs Church in Goring-by-sea. on Monday 15th July. The trip costs £25 . We have booked but I’m happy to see if there are any seats if you want to join us.

 

The WI coach trip to Ramsgate tunnels is fast approaching. This will be a fabulous event.

 

The wine tasting fundraiser this year on Friday 11th October 7pm is just £10 – not to be missed . The list will be out but if you want to attend please let myself or Claire know.

 

Next months meeting is our Garden Party. It will be at Rose Cottage, opposite the Village Hall. Please park in the hall car park. The evening starts at 7pm. There is a list of the food out tonight. If you can’t attend tonight please let me know what you will be bringing or give me a call and I can tell you what is needed. This will be a lovely evening. Our thanks go to Janice in advance for her generosity.

 

Our next Saturday lunch club is the 15th June at 1pm at the Red Lion. Can you please let Claire know if you are interested.

 

The committee are going to put on an afternoon tea in the village hall on Tuesday 27th August at 2pm. Can you please let us know if you are coming for catering purposes.

 

We will be going bowling at The Light on Saturday 14th September 11.00- we will have lunch after. Please let me know if you are interested , then I can let you know the cost when I book.

 

Our Christmas pottery painting is planned for  Saturday 9th November at  11.00. Please bring a £5 deposit if you would like to come along.

 

I can’t recommend the Artists Open Studios enough. Rebecca is open this weekend again and there is a flier at the end of another local studio open.

 

The EK events open for booking are

New age Kurling 15/7

Quiz night 27/9

Craft sessions 14/8

Craft day ( highly recommend this) 15/11

Green fashion day 16/9

 

Please ask me or check out the details in your East Kent newsletter.

 

If you are not at the meetings you can text me on 07729828959 if you want to add your name to any event or ask me any questions.

 

Look forward to seeing you tonight where we have Bill Best from Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway talking to us.

Enjoy the sunshine.

 

Angela 07729828959

Claire 07502 370550

 

Words by Angela Coleman

President

MAY 2024 Newsletter

 

Three pleas from the Committee – remember this is YOUR WI so

• Please share any ideas for a fundraiser, a fellowship meeting, a speaker whom you would recommend, somewhere to visit locally, somewhere different for a coffee morning, a good film to watch or what we could do for the Christmas Tree this year etc.
• if you have anything which could be a raffle prize at the monthly meeting, please could you let Denise Gee have them

please support the WI raffle – Jen Harper is selling tickets for this.

 

Report to members

The Quiz held on 12^th April was a huge success and made a profit of near nigh £700. Well done to everyone who contributed to the success of the evening but no more so than to Steve and Sue Pennells – who compiled all the questions and marked all the papers. Thank you to both of them

The visit to The Police Museum in Faversham was a lovely morning for those members who attended, followed by lunch in the Square in Faversham. It was a successful informative and social morning. Thank you to Angela for organising it.

Not all members have been receiving their WI Life magazine – pl let Angela know if this is a problem for you. To note it is possible to get an audio version of WI Life  – if that would be a bonus for you pl let Angela know.

The WI is launching into the world of Podcasts – watch this space and please remember to look at what is available on the WI Learning Hub – free and accessible to all. Just register to receive weekly updates about the huge range of activities available.

Are you a sewer (someone who sews things not where all our discarded water etc goes!) I f so , would you be interested in auditioning for the BBC’s Sewing Bee – they are welcoming WI members,. Please let Angela know.

2025 WI diaries are available at £7.00 – please let Dilys know if you would like to order one.

A huge welcome to Tina, our new member who joined us at this meeting and to her friend, Emma who attended as a guest.

Finally many thanks to this month’s hostesses – Lynne, Julie and Barbara.

Planned Meetings / Speakers

May’s Meeting was a discussion on this year’s WI Resolution – Dental Health Matters. Members listened to updated information that Angela and Marcelle gleaned from them attending the EKFWI resolution webinars with the British Dental Association and the Nuffield Trust. The aim is for the Government to acknowledge the difficulties many people have accessing a dentist in their area and for them to increase investment in this area to address this. Members voted unanimously to support the resolution and to give our delegate, Angela discretion should it be needed. In addition, a huge thank you to everyone who brought to this meeting dental products for families in financial difficulties. These have been forwarded to the foodbank and were very well received. To note it is also National Smile Month from 13 May to 13 June so ‘LOVE YOUR SMILE’. PS I won’t be doing this as I’ve lost a front tooth and my dentist has been on holiday, came back for a day and has now gone off sick!

June’s meeting is on 6^th when the speaker will be Bill Best from The Bredgar and Wormshill Railway and hostesses will be Elaine, Tuula and Diana.

Heads up for January – just in case you spot that ideal item – a fish and chip supper is planned with a challenge to wear something bought in a charity shop for less that £10.00

And in October, we are planning an afternoon of Strictly Fitness – keeping fit by dancing a waltz, a tango or a samba or… and the best bit is – no partners are needed!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

16 May	7:30 at Light Cinema Sittingbourne to watch 42nd Street, a screening from a production at The Theatre Royal, London
21 May	Brunch at Oad Street 10:00am
24 May	Auditions Event – an opportunity to hear potential speakers – at United Reform Church 9:30 – 1:00
1, 2, 8 & 9 June	Rebecca has an Art Open Day at her home in Wormshill
5 June	National Federation Annual Meeting at The Royal Albert Hall – both Angela and Eileen are nominated delegates but if anyone would like to attend as an observer, tickets are available – please let Angela know.
15 June	Lunch at the Red Lion – Milstead
24 June	In house craft day at The EKFWI office at Pean Hill
15 July	New Age Kurling – at Chartham. An introduction to Kurling – NOT ON ICE! £14. Please sign the list on the board.
17 July	Trip to The Worthing Chapel – please sign the list on the board
30 July	Beth Chatto Gardens, historically significant gardens in Colchester, Essex created in 1960. If you listened to gardener Dan Pearson’s Desert Island Discs this weekend you will have heard him extoling the virtues of these gardens.  Please sign the list on the board.
27 Sept	Top Team Quiz at Chartham Village Hall 6:45 for a 7:15 start.  – names to Angela please
9 Nov	Pottery painting in Faversham. Timing to be confirmed £5 plus cost of whatever you choose to paint. Names to Angela please
29 Nov	Celebration of Motown at The Mercure Hotel (Great Danes) Hollingbourne 10:15 – 3:00pm
Dates to be determined	Greek Night at the Murston Heart Hub First Aid Training

Phone Numbers if needed to book above:-
Angela – 07729 828959
Claire – 07502 370550

And finally, if you have a chance, do read the article from our own Eileen Harrison on her 50 years in the WI. It is in this month’s newsletter and is excellent. Well done, Eileen.