Archive 2018
How Many Christmas Parties ....
Friday 14th of December saw the second of our Christmas parties. A great night was had by all as we played silly party games, tucked into a lovely buffet provided by our members and had a good old sing song.
Some of the games got a little competitive, not sure if that was because of the bar or just good camaraderie. We all went home with our Secret Santa presents as well as our WI cookbook, useful carrier bag and our beautifully designed Lapwings Christmas card.
Friday 14th of December saw the second of our Christmas parties. A great night was had by all as we played silly party games, tucked into a lovely buffet provided by our members and had a good old sing song.
Some of the games got a little competitive, not sure if that was because of the bar or just good camaraderie. We all went home with our Secret Santa presents as well as our WI cookbook, useful carrier bag and our beautifully designed Lapwings Christmas card.
Christmas Party Number One....
Tuesday mornings meeting saw us have the first of our two Christmas parties.
Great fun was had by everyone as we tackled the buffet table laden with treats and the Christmas quiz! Who said it was easy.....
We had a couple of games of Snowman Drive (a seasonal variation on a Beetle Drive), Secret Santa and some singing.
The local food bank also benefited from our donations, which contained many festive treats.
Tuesday mornings meeting saw us have the first of our two Christmas parties.
Great fun was had by everyone as we tackled the buffet table laden with treats and the Christmas quiz! Who said it was easy.....
We had a couple of games of Snowman Drive (a seasonal variation on a Beetle Drive), Secret Santa and some singing.
The local food bank also benefited from our donations, which contained many festive treats.
Wow - Our Amazing Christmas Tree Won!
We won 1st prize in the Hucknall Christmas Tree Festival!
Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic achievement, with special thanks to Janet for all her hard work in putting this together and encouraging us all to get involved.
The behind the scenes helpers that put together the frame and helped with the transportation are also stars.
For those folk that haven't had the chance to see this amazing tree, it is now on display in Hucknall Library for a couple more weeks.
In January the hard work continues as all these squares (and many others) will be made into blankets for the shelter at Emmanual House
We won 1st prize in the Hucknall Christmas Tree Festival!
Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic achievement, with special thanks to Janet for all her hard work in putting this together and encouraging us all to get involved.
The behind the scenes helpers that put together the frame and helped with the transportation are also stars.
For those folk that haven't had the chance to see this amazing tree, it is now on display in Hucknall Library for a couple more weeks.
In January the hard work continues as all these squares (and many others) will be made into blankets for the shelter at Emmanual House
Christmas Wreath Making Fun - 22nd November 2018
Tables full of winter greenery, a hoop, wire, moss and off we go!
With Jo Oldham's instructions and demonstration the Lapwings ladies embarked on making their own Christmas wreaths. Easy - it was not!
First the moss had to be secured to the hoop with the wire...just how much was a dilemma! Once that was accomplished we could start to place the greenery around the wreath, again securing it with the wire to the ring. 'Does it have to be symmetrical?' 'How many bunches of greenery?' 'Bits are falling off!' 'Who's pinched the berries?' 'I've lost my secateurs in the greenery.' 'Can I cut the wire off?'
And then the exciting bit - adding the accessories - cones, ribbons, cinnamon sticks, bells, dried oranges...
…..and voila... so many masterpieces! So many proud ladies. So much mess on the floor - an indication of a great crafting session. And it only took 2 days to get the earth and moss out of fingernails!
Tables full of winter greenery, a hoop, wire, moss and off we go!
With Jo Oldham's instructions and demonstration the Lapwings ladies embarked on making their own Christmas wreaths. Easy - it was not!
First the moss had to be secured to the hoop with the wire...just how much was a dilemma! Once that was accomplished we could start to place the greenery around the wreath, again securing it with the wire to the ring. 'Does it have to be symmetrical?' 'How many bunches of greenery?' 'Bits are falling off!' 'Who's pinched the berries?' 'I've lost my secateurs in the greenery.' 'Can I cut the wire off?'
And then the exciting bit - adding the accessories - cones, ribbons, cinnamon sticks, bells, dried oranges...
…..and voila... so many masterpieces! So many proud ladies. So much mess on the floor - an indication of a great crafting session. And it only took 2 days to get the earth and moss out of fingernails!
Sherwood Forest Project - Where Legends Grow - 13th November 2018
What a fascinating talk this morning from Ross Frazer about the RSPB Sherwood Forest Project! With such an enthusiastic, passionate person in charge it can only go from strength to strength and it will be great to see the area develop for the trees, people and the wildlife.
The area has the largest collection of ancient oak trees in Europe, and each ancient oak tree can sustain 1000 different species. Our Strollers group will be exploring here next week (perhaps they will go in search of giants!). It probably wont be long before the walkers group also enjoy a visit here. For more information go to the website visitsherwood.co.uk
What a fascinating talk this morning from Ross Frazer about the RSPB Sherwood Forest Project! With such an enthusiastic, passionate person in charge it can only go from strength to strength and it will be great to see the area develop for the trees, people and the wildlife.
The area has the largest collection of ancient oak trees in Europe, and each ancient oak tree can sustain 1000 different species. Our Strollers group will be exploring here next week (perhaps they will go in search of giants!). It probably wont be long before the walkers group also enjoy a visit here. For more information go to the website visitsherwood.co.uk
Lapwings Annual Craft Fair - Saturday 10th November
What a fantastic day we had on Saturday 10th November with our craft fair. So many talented folk displaying (and hopefully selling) their products. Lovely food in the tea room and a friendly atmosphere enjoyed by everyone that attended.
What a fantastic day we had on Saturday 10th November with our craft fair. So many talented folk displaying (and hopefully selling) their products. Lovely food in the tea room and a friendly atmosphere enjoyed by everyone that attended.
Thursday's meeting was an evening full of 'Wows' and 'how did he do that'! - 25th October 2018
Alex Cadabra, a Nottingham based magician, entertained the Lapwings with tricks, illusions and secrets of the tricks.
He was amusing, giving a little biography of how he started, his views on 'The Magic Circle' and why he preferred not to be a part of it, all interspersed with magic tricks.
Alex explained how some of the tricks and illusions worked, giving members a chance to have a go. But did he really give secrets away?
From card tricks to Rubic cube tricks; from guessing a film to pulling yards of ribbon from his mouth, Alex held us spellbound and baffled. His many assistants were none the wiser after having tricks performed with them. A different evening but very entertaining...
Alex Cadabra, a Nottingham based magician, entertained the Lapwings with tricks, illusions and secrets of the tricks.
He was amusing, giving a little biography of how he started, his views on 'The Magic Circle' and why he preferred not to be a part of it, all interspersed with magic tricks.
Alex explained how some of the tricks and illusions worked, giving members a chance to have a go. But did he really give secrets away?
From card tricks to Rubic cube tricks; from guessing a film to pulling yards of ribbon from his mouth, Alex held us spellbound and baffled. His many assistants were none the wiser after having tricks performed with them. A different evening but very entertaining...
A Strong Women Indeed.... - 9th October 2018
Our speaker today Bess Throckmorten (aka Maureen Taylor) arrived in full riding habit and struck quite the imposing figure. She came to tell us about the interesting life of her good friend Bess of Harwick.
Our speaker today Bess Throckmorten (aka Maureen Taylor) arrived in full riding habit and struck quite the imposing figure. She came to tell us about the interesting life of her good friend Bess of Harwick.
- Born circa 1522 into a respectable but poor family from Derbyshire.
- Married Robert Barlow, heir to a neighbouring estate at 17
- Widowed a year later!
- Lady in waiting at court and met and married Sir William Cavendish (he was some 22 years older then her) and was a wealthy landowner.
- They had 8 children in 10 years!
- Continued to amass land (including the Chatsworth Estate)
- Widowed again at 30, remarried for the 3rd time to Sir William St Loe, the captain of Elizabeth 1st guard.
- Widowed again 1565, 4th (and final) husband was George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, and one of the richest and most powerful men in the country.
- Bess very shrewdly strengthened the union between the two families by arranging the marriage of two of her children by William Cavendish to two of Shrewsbury’s offspring (including his heir). Thereby ensuring that Chatsworth and some of her other estates would remain under her control.
- Bess spent considerable time at Hardwick Hall and enlarged the medieval manor into the house now known as Hardwick Old Hall.
- Bess was widowed for the fourth time in 1590, Bess was now in her sixties, staggeringly rich, and keen on for major building projects, best known for Hardwick Hall we see today.
- Bess died in 1608, aged over 80, having risen through Elizabethan society to become the second most important woman in England after the queen, A strong and powerful women indeed.
A very crafty evening - 27th September 2018
Busy, busy crafting, chatting and laughing. Last Thursday's meeting was a hub of activity learning new skills, perfecting old ones.
Ann Whyte brought her distillery with her and showed members how to make sloe gin, and, of course, some to taste too!
Book folding was a popular craft as we learnt how to make Christmas trees and to decorate with sparkles. Lovely.
Janet Tilford set members working on making more granny squares for our Christmas tree - great concentration was needed for this! Felt and crochet poppies were made and stones were painted with poppies and then varnished.
In another part of the room members were trying their hand at quilling and producing fabulous results...and 20 heart cushions were stuffed ready to be taken to the City Hospital.
Above everything else was the chatter and laughter as Lapwings WI members enjoyed each other's company. A great night.
Busy, busy crafting, chatting and laughing. Last Thursday's meeting was a hub of activity learning new skills, perfecting old ones.
Ann Whyte brought her distillery with her and showed members how to make sloe gin, and, of course, some to taste too!
Book folding was a popular craft as we learnt how to make Christmas trees and to decorate with sparkles. Lovely.
Janet Tilford set members working on making more granny squares for our Christmas tree - great concentration was needed for this! Felt and crochet poppies were made and stones were painted with poppies and then varnished.
In another part of the room members were trying their hand at quilling and producing fabulous results...and 20 heart cushions were stuffed ready to be taken to the City Hospital.
Above everything else was the chatter and laughter as Lapwings WI members enjoyed each other's company. A great night.
What a Load of Rubbish.... - 11th September 2018
85,00 tonnes of it a year to be precise, this is what the Materials Recovery Facility at Mansfield (run by Veolia on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council) handle each year.
Lesley Taylor gave the morning meeting a fascinating talk on what we can and can't recycle. We had an informative quiz and interesting discussion, which saw us all learning a lot more and understanding why we can't recycle some things:-
- hard plastics like bottle tops have very little use
- plastic is recycled by colour, so hence we are being helpful when removing tops
- shredded paper jams up the machinery
- anything contaminated with food waste (or worse) can mean that paper and cardboard is spoilt and unable to be recycled
It was also interesting to hear that virtually all our rubbish that isn't recyclable is incinerated and less than 10% now goes to land fill. No doubt a future trip to the MRF is being planned.
85,00 tonnes of it a year to be precise, this is what the Materials Recovery Facility at Mansfield (run by Veolia on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council) handle each year.
Lesley Taylor gave the morning meeting a fascinating talk on what we can and can't recycle. We had an informative quiz and interesting discussion, which saw us all learning a lot more and understanding why we can't recycle some things:-
- hard plastics like bottle tops have very little use
- plastic is recycled by colour, so hence we are being helpful when removing tops
- shredded paper jams up the machinery
- anything contaminated with food waste (or worse) can mean that paper and cardboard is spoilt and unable to be recycled
It was also interesting to hear that virtually all our rubbish that isn't recyclable is incinerated and less than 10% now goes to land fill. No doubt a future trip to the MRF is being planned.
Pork Pies Galore - August 2018
38 ladies journeyed to Melton Mowbray to try their skill at pork pie making. After putting on our fetching hair nets and plastic aprons, a quick drink and a taste of the Kiwi pie, the group was split into two, with one group staying to hear about the interesting history of Brocklebys pies, while the other group went to make pork pies.
Lots of laughter and then moments of concentration as pastry was kneaded, pie cases were formed, filled and decorated. Spurred on by a competition element decorations were inventive! Winner of Group 2 was Tracey Valvona with her sunflower pie. Kath Howard was Group1's winner.
38 ladies journeyed to Melton Mowbray to try their skill at pork pie making. After putting on our fetching hair nets and plastic aprons, a quick drink and a taste of the Kiwi pie, the group was split into two, with one group staying to hear about the interesting history of Brocklebys pies, while the other group went to make pork pies.
Lots of laughter and then moments of concentration as pastry was kneaded, pie cases were formed, filled and decorated. Spurred on by a competition element decorations were inventive! Winner of Group 2 was Tracey Valvona with her sunflower pie. Kath Howard was Group1's winner.
Cromford Mill - July 2018
Over 30 of us had a really interesting day out at the UNESCO heritage site of Cromford Mill, exploring the mill site and surrounding area. Our guides were really informative and explained the history of Sir Richard Arkwright and how this mill came to exist and how it was effectively the first factory.
Over 30 of us had a really interesting day out at the UNESCO heritage site of Cromford Mill, exploring the mill site and surrounding area. Our guides were really informative and explained the history of Sir Richard Arkwright and how this mill came to exist and how it was effectively the first factory.
Informative and interesting! - July 2018
The speaker at last Thursday's meeting (26th July) was our own Julie Woodfield, and although the talk was entitled 'Basic First Aid', it was more than just the basics! Julie's talk was very informative and serious in its content, however she did made us laugh too! Julie spoke about the need to act quickly if a person had a suspected heart attack/stroke/ or was not responding/breathing. She demonstrated CPR and the way to use a defibrillator on an adult, child and baby. It's not easy but can save a life … and don't worry if you break a rib, it means you are doing it correctly!
Julie also demonstrated what action to take if an adult/child was choking. Thanks Julie!
Welcome by Jo Parris
Jo Parris, our new President, welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave us a brief insight into her life and work...
"I would like to thank you for nominating me as your president for the coming year, and to tell you a little about myself and how I became involved with Lapwings.
I was brought up in the Southampton, where I still have family, and moved to Hucknall in 1989 along with my partner Geoff, we have been together for 35 years and have 2 boys in their early 20s, both still living at home! They are all very supportive of my role in Lapwings, other interests I have and in my work. I have been in the NHS for 38 years and work shifts including evenings, weekends and nights, which sometimes get in the way of things I would rather be doing!
I became involved with Lapwings from the very beginning at the first meeting, when I entered Papplewick Village Hall, not knowing anyone, I chose to sit at a table joining Janet Stevenson, our secretary, and Judith Baker, who, along with others from that time, is still a member. Somehow Janet and I were cajoled onto the committee, where we have been ever since! Janet took on the awesome role of secretary and most of the work within Lapwings is done by her and the treasurer, Teresa. The rest of the committee also work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of meetings, trips, interest groups and the craft fair with a great help and input from all the Lapwings Ladies. So I would like to thank everyone, and let’s hope we all continue to enjoy our Lapwings WI group in the future years."
The speaker at last Thursday's meeting (26th July) was our own Julie Woodfield, and although the talk was entitled 'Basic First Aid', it was more than just the basics! Julie's talk was very informative and serious in its content, however she did made us laugh too! Julie spoke about the need to act quickly if a person had a suspected heart attack/stroke/ or was not responding/breathing. She demonstrated CPR and the way to use a defibrillator on an adult, child and baby. It's not easy but can save a life … and don't worry if you break a rib, it means you are doing it correctly!
Julie also demonstrated what action to take if an adult/child was choking. Thanks Julie!
Welcome by Jo Parris
Jo Parris, our new President, welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave us a brief insight into her life and work...
"I would like to thank you for nominating me as your president for the coming year, and to tell you a little about myself and how I became involved with Lapwings.
I was brought up in the Southampton, where I still have family, and moved to Hucknall in 1989 along with my partner Geoff, we have been together for 35 years and have 2 boys in their early 20s, both still living at home! They are all very supportive of my role in Lapwings, other interests I have and in my work. I have been in the NHS for 38 years and work shifts including evenings, weekends and nights, which sometimes get in the way of things I would rather be doing!
I became involved with Lapwings from the very beginning at the first meeting, when I entered Papplewick Village Hall, not knowing anyone, I chose to sit at a table joining Janet Stevenson, our secretary, and Judith Baker, who, along with others from that time, is still a member. Somehow Janet and I were cajoled onto the committee, where we have been ever since! Janet took on the awesome role of secretary and most of the work within Lapwings is done by her and the treasurer, Teresa. The rest of the committee also work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of meetings, trips, interest groups and the craft fair with a great help and input from all the Lapwings Ladies. So I would like to thank everyone, and let’s hope we all continue to enjoy our Lapwings WI group in the future years."
Diabetes UK - July 2018
Paul Dawson, from Diabetes UK, was the guest speaker at our Tuesday morning meeting. He was diagnosed with diabetes over 40 years ago when in his early 20s.
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed fairly young, and is a result when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Without insulin people cannot live for more than a few days. It is necessary to correct this with daily insulin injections. However recently insulin pumps have been developed which allow a controlled release of insulin into the bloodstream every few minutes.
Type 2 diabetes is related to lifestyle and can affect 1 in 50 people. It is often caused by eating the wrong kind of food, being overweight and underactive. For many people it can be controlled by diet. However even if reversed it never actually goes away.
Paul recommended that attention is paid to diet, and that 120 minutes of heart-raising exercise is done each week.
July 2018
Paul Dawson, from Diabetes UK, was the guest speaker at our Tuesday morning meeting. He was diagnosed with diabetes over 40 years ago when in his early 20s.
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed fairly young, and is a result when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Without insulin people cannot live for more than a few days. It is necessary to correct this with daily insulin injections. However recently insulin pumps have been developed which allow a controlled release of insulin into the bloodstream every few minutes.
Type 2 diabetes is related to lifestyle and can affect 1 in 50 people. It is often caused by eating the wrong kind of food, being overweight and underactive. For many people it can be controlled by diet. However even if reversed it never actually goes away.
Paul recommended that attention is paid to diet, and that 120 minutes of heart-raising exercise is done each week.
July 2018
First Responders, 4th Annual Meeting And Birthday Party - June 2018
It was a busy evening!
First Derek Burnett, from the First Responders came to give a brief talk. The First Responders were founded in Nottinghamshire, and are all volunteers who are sent to medical emergencies when they are able to arrive before an ambulance. He told us of an event this week when he arrived to find a lady who had died, but through the use of CPR was able to bring her back to life. First Responders are our charity of the year and Debbi, our chairman, presented a cheque for £300.
The AGM was held, overseen by WI advisors Helen Forrester and Helen Ainley, and Joanna Parris was elected Chairman. The outgoing Chairman was thanked, and presented with a WI rose.
Finally we all tucked into a delicious buffet, provided by the members.
It was a busy evening!
First Derek Burnett, from the First Responders came to give a brief talk. The First Responders were founded in Nottinghamshire, and are all volunteers who are sent to medical emergencies when they are able to arrive before an ambulance. He told us of an event this week when he arrived to find a lady who had died, but through the use of CPR was able to bring her back to life. First Responders are our charity of the year and Debbi, our chairman, presented a cheque for £300.
The AGM was held, overseen by WI advisors Helen Forrester and Helen Ainley, and Joanna Parris was elected Chairman. The outgoing Chairman was thanked, and presented with a WI rose.
Finally we all tucked into a delicious buffet, provided by the members.
Dedication Evening - June 2018
Members gathered at the Lapwings Garden of Reflection in Linby for the presentation to Linby Parish Council and dedication of the second Lapwings bench.
The evening also provided an opportunity to dedicate trees to our late members Jane Muggleston and Kathryn Hill, and members of both families were present.
Members gathered at the Lapwings Garden of Reflection in Linby for the presentation to Linby Parish Council and dedication of the second Lapwings bench.
The evening also provided an opportunity to dedicate trees to our late members Jane Muggleston and Kathryn Hill, and members of both families were present.
Lapwings Summer Picnic - June 2018 The Summer Picnic took place at Beauvale Priory. Everyone brought their own food, but it was wonderful to eat in the company of friends.
We had games - including walking rounders, and the three legged races proved very popular - and tactical!
Pitch invasions came courtesy of the resident chickens and sheep, and the peacock commented on the scene in his own raucous fashion.
Thank you, Ann, for allowing us to use this wonderful location for a fantastic evening. We hope that we can come again!
We had games - including walking rounders, and the three legged races proved very popular - and tactical!
Pitch invasions came courtesy of the resident chickens and sheep, and the peacock commented on the scene in his own raucous fashion.
Thank you, Ann, for allowing us to use this wonderful location for a fantastic evening. We hope that we can come again!
Tuesday Morning Meeting Annual Meeting - June 2018The first of the 4th parties was held on Tuesday morning.
Following the essential AGM reports, everyone enjoyed a delicious 'faith lunch' provided by the members. Lastly we had a short quiz.
Following the essential AGM reports, everyone enjoyed a delicious 'faith lunch' provided by the members. Lastly we had a short quiz.
Lapwings Walking Netball - May 2018
Our ladies now have their own team strip. Don't they look smart?
Our ladies now have their own team strip. Don't they look smart?
Resolution Discussion and Quick Crafts - April - 2018
Each year WI groups across the country debate a Resolution which hopefully will develop into a campaign. This year the subject for discussion is Mental Health Matters, calling on all members to recognise the parity between mental health and physical health and to take action to make it as acceptable to talk about mental health issues as physical health issues and to lobby government for better support for mental illness. This was discussed at Lapwings WI's latest meeting, with Jan Carrier giving a talk on the scale of the problem and the current situation in the UK. Joanne Oldham gave the pros and cons of the Resolution before members voted whether to accept it or not. The votes will go forward to the National Federation's Annual Meeting which is to be held in Cardiff next month.
After the vote Lapwings members enjoyed a craft session of decoupage, card making, adult colouring and painting rocks. Once the meeting had finished, several members also took part in a session of seated exercises set to some great music tracks, led by Anne McDowall.
Each year WI groups across the country debate a Resolution which hopefully will develop into a campaign. This year the subject for discussion is Mental Health Matters, calling on all members to recognise the parity between mental health and physical health and to take action to make it as acceptable to talk about mental health issues as physical health issues and to lobby government for better support for mental illness. This was discussed at Lapwings WI's latest meeting, with Jan Carrier giving a talk on the scale of the problem and the current situation in the UK. Joanne Oldham gave the pros and cons of the Resolution before members voted whether to accept it or not. The votes will go forward to the National Federation's Annual Meeting which is to be held in Cardiff next month.
After the vote Lapwings members enjoyed a craft session of decoupage, card making, adult colouring and painting rocks. Once the meeting had finished, several members also took part in a session of seated exercises set to some great music tracks, led by Anne McDowall.
Reiki - April 2018
Julie Leivers, a Reiki Master and practioner for over 20 years, came to our Thursday evening meeting to give us an insight and some practical demonstrations of the healing art of Reiki. Reiki is a Japanese universal life form which channels the Chi or healing power which is inside everyone. Julie also talked about the 7 Chakras, and her job as a healer which is to ensure that these are cleared so that the energy can be absorbed so you can get back to being you.
Julie started by giving us a grounding exercise when we imagined roots growing down from our feet and bringing colour, light and healing energy back into the body. Then we did a similar exercise to imagine light and healing coming from above and back through the body.
It proved to be an interesting and enlightening evening.
Julie Leivers, a Reiki Master and practioner for over 20 years, came to our Thursday evening meeting to give us an insight and some practical demonstrations of the healing art of Reiki. Reiki is a Japanese universal life form which channels the Chi or healing power which is inside everyone. Julie also talked about the 7 Chakras, and her job as a healer which is to ensure that these are cleared so that the energy can be absorbed so you can get back to being you.
Julie started by giving us a grounding exercise when we imagined roots growing down from our feet and bringing colour, light and healing energy back into the body. Then we did a similar exercise to imagine light and healing coming from above and back through the body.
It proved to be an interesting and enlightening evening.
Nottinghamshire Federation Annual Meeting - April 2018
Thirteen members of Lapwings WI attended the Annual Meeting of the Nottinghamshire Federation of WIs, held at the Royal Centre, Nottingham. The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Glyn Jenkins, welcomed members from115 WIs across the County before the Chair of the NFWI, Lynne Stubbings spoke about the doors that had opened for her as a result of joining the WI, including attending the Buckingham Palace Garden Party and a meeting at No 10 Downing Street.
Sheila Hammond, a dual member with Lapwings WI and Woodborough WI was presented with a trophy as winner of the Spring Scrabble competition.
After lunch, the members were entertained by antiques expert Charles Hanson who shared his passion for items that told a story. At the end of his talk he auctioned off 8 exciting packages of a day out at the races and filming of Bargain Hunt, with the proceeds going to the Associated Country Women of the World who are affiliated to the WI and who help women's projects around the world.
There was a lovely tribute to Jane Jefferson, the retiring Chair of Nottinghamshire Federation of WIs, followed by two songs from the WI choir before Pam Stoddart was announced as the new Chair for the coming year.
Thirteen members of Lapwings WI attended the Annual Meeting of the Nottinghamshire Federation of WIs, held at the Royal Centre, Nottingham. The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Glyn Jenkins, welcomed members from115 WIs across the County before the Chair of the NFWI, Lynne Stubbings spoke about the doors that had opened for her as a result of joining the WI, including attending the Buckingham Palace Garden Party and a meeting at No 10 Downing Street.
Sheila Hammond, a dual member with Lapwings WI and Woodborough WI was presented with a trophy as winner of the Spring Scrabble competition.
After lunch, the members were entertained by antiques expert Charles Hanson who shared his passion for items that told a story. At the end of his talk he auctioned off 8 exciting packages of a day out at the races and filming of Bargain Hunt, with the proceeds going to the Associated Country Women of the World who are affiliated to the WI and who help women's projects around the world.
There was a lovely tribute to Jane Jefferson, the retiring Chair of Nottinghamshire Federation of WIs, followed by two songs from the WI choir before Pam Stoddart was announced as the new Chair for the coming year.
Medical Detection Dogs - April 2018
Members enjoyed a very informative talk by Wendy Coley about Medical Detection Dogs, a little known charity, started in 2008 by Dr Claire Guest. She had heard anecdotal stories about how pet dogs alerted their owners when there was a problem and wondered if cancerous cells gave off a certain smell. Having trialled this with urine samples she found the dogs were over 90% correct in the first trials. Unfortunately there was little interest from the medical profession at first, but now HRH the Duchess of Cornwall is patron and the charity has embarked on a 3 year study to see if the dogs can detect cancer from urine or breath smells.
The dogs are being used for different studies, including bowel cancer, malaria, bacteria and Parkinsons disease. The charity uses unwanted dogs, taking them from places like Battersea Dogs Home, retired guide dogs and even puppies. Training is all positive reward based and they also undertake social training so that they behave appropriately in different situations where dogs are not normally allowed.
Medical Alert Assistance Dogs are trained to alert their owner to often life threatening medical events, often saving lives. Currently dogs are working with people who suffer with Type 1 diabetes, Addisons disease, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and severe nut allergies. This reduces the need for paramedic call outs and hospital admissions and enables people to lead a full life.
Members enjoyed a very informative talk by Wendy Coley about Medical Detection Dogs, a little known charity, started in 2008 by Dr Claire Guest. She had heard anecdotal stories about how pet dogs alerted their owners when there was a problem and wondered if cancerous cells gave off a certain smell. Having trialled this with urine samples she found the dogs were over 90% correct in the first trials. Unfortunately there was little interest from the medical profession at first, but now HRH the Duchess of Cornwall is patron and the charity has embarked on a 3 year study to see if the dogs can detect cancer from urine or breath smells.
The dogs are being used for different studies, including bowel cancer, malaria, bacteria and Parkinsons disease. The charity uses unwanted dogs, taking them from places like Battersea Dogs Home, retired guide dogs and even puppies. Training is all positive reward based and they also undertake social training so that they behave appropriately in different situations where dogs are not normally allowed.
Medical Alert Assistance Dogs are trained to alert their owner to often life threatening medical events, often saving lives. Currently dogs are working with people who suffer with Type 1 diabetes, Addisons disease, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and severe nut allergies. This reduces the need for paramedic call outs and hospital admissions and enables people to lead a full life.
Organ Donation - March 2018
Our Thursday evening group had the opportunity to hear from our own Janet Tilford.
Janet told us the story of her remarkable recovery from her liver transplant. From being a healthy individual, Janet developed rapid liver failure which necessitated an emergency liver transplant. She told us of her illness, transplant and recovery, and of how it is not only necessary to sign the organ donor register, but also to make our wishes known to our nearest and dearest. Janet is now a poster girl for the transplant service.
Our Thursday evening group had the opportunity to hear from our own Janet Tilford.
Janet told us the story of her remarkable recovery from her liver transplant. From being a healthy individual, Janet developed rapid liver failure which necessitated an emergency liver transplant. She told us of her illness, transplant and recovery, and of how it is not only necessary to sign the organ donor register, but also to make our wishes known to our nearest and dearest. Janet is now a poster girl for the transplant service.
Lapwings Craft Fair - March 2018
Another successful craft fair was held by Lapwings. There were 25 stalls at the fair, selling a wide variety of hand made items. As always, the refreshements area was very popular with soups, sausage rolls and cakes, all made by WI members.
Twenty percent of the proceeds from the fair will be given to the local community First Responders. This is a group of volunteers who provide local emergency medical treatment. trained by the East Midlands Ambulance Service they can provide emergency or lefesaving care until the arrival of an ambulance, treating conditions from an asthma attack to cardiac arrest.
Another successful craft fair was held by Lapwings. There were 25 stalls at the fair, selling a wide variety of hand made items. As always, the refreshements area was very popular with soups, sausage rolls and cakes, all made by WI members.
Twenty percent of the proceeds from the fair will be given to the local community First Responders. This is a group of volunteers who provide local emergency medical treatment. trained by the East Midlands Ambulance Service they can provide emergency or lefesaving care until the arrival of an ambulance, treating conditions from an asthma attack to cardiac arrest.
Flower Arranging - March 2018
Our own Sandra Hutchinson gave the Tuesday morning group a demonstration of flower arranging. Sandra is a long standing member of Hucknall Flower Arranging Group, and has done demonstrations, and displays in stately homes such as Chatsworth.
Sandra started by making a low arrangement for a table centrepiece using foliage from her own garden and white and yellow roses. Then she also made a taller arrangement with foliage tinged with purple and pink gerbera and heather to tone. Both were beautiful, and became much sought after raffle prizes.
Our own Sandra Hutchinson gave the Tuesday morning group a demonstration of flower arranging. Sandra is a long standing member of Hucknall Flower Arranging Group, and has done demonstrations, and displays in stately homes such as Chatsworth.
Sandra started by making a low arrangement for a table centrepiece using foliage from her own garden and white and yellow roses. Then she also made a taller arrangement with foliage tinged with purple and pink gerbera and heather to tone. Both were beautiful, and became much sought after raffle prizes.
Walking Netball - March 2018
Our Walking Netball ladies were invited to take part in a photo shoot to become the faces of the England Netball / Walking Netball promotion. They spent the day having hair and makeup done, and then choosing suitable flattering clothes. This was followed by a professional photo shoot. Look out for the resulting posters. Don't they look wonderful!
Our Walking Netball ladies were invited to take part in a photo shoot to become the faces of the England Netball / Walking Netball promotion. They spent the day having hair and makeup done, and then choosing suitable flattering clothes. This was followed by a professional photo shoot. Look out for the resulting posters. Don't they look wonderful!
Suffragist or Suffragette? - February 2018
Mo Cooper posed this question to the Lapwings Ladies who had dressed in 'Votes for Women' sashes and the traditional colours of green, purple and white for the occasion. The Suffragists held rallies and lobbied for the vote with their motto of "Faith, Perseverence and Patience", whilst the Suffragettes were much more active and had the motto "Deeds Not Words". Mo related tales of the suffrage movements, and the many Nottingham women involved for well over a century before women over 30 were finally given the vote in 1918. Our evening had no force feeding, but everyone had a treat of a bag of chips followed by samples from the new local business, Flying Flapjacks.
Mo Cooper posed this question to the Lapwings Ladies who had dressed in 'Votes for Women' sashes and the traditional colours of green, purple and white for the occasion. The Suffragists held rallies and lobbied for the vote with their motto of "Faith, Perseverence and Patience", whilst the Suffragettes were much more active and had the motto "Deeds Not Words". Mo related tales of the suffrage movements, and the many Nottingham women involved for well over a century before women over 30 were finally given the vote in 1918. Our evening had no force feeding, but everyone had a treat of a bag of chips followed by samples from the new local business, Flying Flapjacks.
The Story of the Oxo Cube - February 2018
Lesley Bensley came to tell us the fascinating story of the Oxo cube, something that many of us use on a regular basis. Originally a liquid, the now familiar cube was developed in 1910. Every cube was individually hand wrapped!
Lesley also brought many Oxo related artefacts that she had collected over the years ,from tins, bottles and pictures to the rare Betty Oxo doll, which could originally have been obtained by collecting wrappers!
Lesley Bensley came to tell us the fascinating story of the Oxo cube, something that many of us use on a regular basis. Originally a liquid, the now familiar cube was developed in 1910. Every cube was individually hand wrapped!
Lesley also brought many Oxo related artefacts that she had collected over the years ,from tins, bottles and pictures to the rare Betty Oxo doll, which could originally have been obtained by collecting wrappers!
Walking Netball - January 2018
Our Walking Netball team goes from strength to strength. Now they have achieved fame on television. A unit came from the BBC Breakfast team to film and interview our ladies as the walking netball initiative is being rolled out nationwide.
England Netball presented our Lapwings netball team with all these balls and bibs. We are the only walking netball team in the world to have this kit at present. They are going to use us as their in house promotional videos for walking netball. How amazing is this.
Our Walking Netball team goes from strength to strength. Now they have achieved fame on television. A unit came from the BBC Breakfast team to film and interview our ladies as the walking netball initiative is being rolled out nationwide.
England Netball presented our Lapwings netball team with all these balls and bibs. We are the only walking netball team in the world to have this kit at present. They are going to use us as their in house promotional videos for walking netball. How amazing is this.
Lowland Rescue - January 2018
Nottinghamshire Search and Rescue Team (Lowland Rescue) have been our charity of the year, and they came to talk to our evening group. They told us of the way in which the organisation is structured, and then about some of the work that they do - ranging from searching for missing people of all ages in both urban and rural areas to following the banks of rivers when someone has gone into the water.
All members are volunteers, and can be of any age. We were astonished to discover that they had to buy all their own equipment, even down to First Aid supplies, and that all expenses, including the vehicle costs, are paid for by donations. Finally we had the opportunity to use the thermal imaging cameras that had been bought with our donations.
Seated Exercise - January 2018
After the excesses (!) of the Christmas season people are often very keen to start the new year with some exercise. Our own Anne McDowall stepped up and took us on a short work out of seated exercise.
Anne's enthusiasm shone through, inspiring us to make the most of the opportunity to exercise in a non-threatening way, inspiring us to greater efforts.
The next day twinges showed that we were not as fit as previously supposed, but we had all thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
After the excesses (!) of the Christmas season people are often very keen to start the new year with some exercise. Our own Anne McDowall stepped up and took us on a short work out of seated exercise.
Anne's enthusiasm shone through, inspiring us to make the most of the opportunity to exercise in a non-threatening way, inspiring us to greater efforts.
The next day twinges showed that we were not as fit as previously supposed, but we had all thoroughly enjoyed the morning.