Archive 2020
A Musical Interlude
30th December via zoom
What a fun way to end this year. We had Phil Rylance talk us through the 50's and 60's music scene. He explained the basic rythms and demonstrated them. His first guitar was purchased for the princely sum of £3 in 1953 and he taught himself to play (and pose wth it).
For a young lad growing up in Crewe, where the whole family history was working in the railway industry it was a remarkable story. When playing with The Hot Rods they had been the support band to The Beatles at the Iron Door Club in Liverpool. Their fee for the gig was £12, where as The Beatles were paid £25!
His first job was working as a Bingo caller in Blackpool, when as a member of the The Crescents they had a call from Brian Epstein and they went on to accompany Cilla on tour. Unfortunaly single success was not great as the single they recorded at Abbey Road only made it No. 39 in the charts.
The evening sped by as Phil told his tales and quizzed us on our musical knowledge from this era.
All of us that joined in enjoyed the evening, however it would be great to see a few more member joining us in the future. If anyone is struggling with Zoom, please just ask and someone will help you through the process.
For a young lad growing up in Crewe, where the whole family history was working in the railway industry it was a remarkable story. When playing with The Hot Rods they had been the support band to The Beatles at the Iron Door Club in Liverpool. Their fee for the gig was £12, where as The Beatles were paid £25!
His first job was working as a Bingo caller in Blackpool, when as a member of the The Crescents they had a call from Brian Epstein and they went on to accompany Cilla on tour. Unfortunaly single success was not great as the single they recorded at Abbey Road only made it No. 39 in the charts.
The evening sped by as Phil told his tales and quizzed us on our musical knowledge from this era.
All of us that joined in enjoyed the evening, however it would be great to see a few more member joining us in the future. If anyone is struggling with Zoom, please just ask and someone will help you through the process.
Christmas Floral Decorations
11th December 2020 via Zoom
Those of us that remembered to log on enjoyed a demonstation by Caroline, as she showed us how to make a festive floral display.
Caroline talked us through what she was doing as she built her arrangement in front of us. She also gave us some valuable tips to ensure we were happy with the end results;-
Caroline talked us through what she was doing as she built her arrangement in front of us. She also gave us some valuable tips to ensure we were happy with the end results;-
- Think about where you are going to put it your display, does it need to look good all the way round, or just the front, and how does it look from above.
- Start at the bottom layer and build up (this way you can hide the oasis).
- Keep checking to make sure you are happy with the progress.
- If using flowers keep the number odd, 3, 5 or 7.
Christmas Wreath
December 2020
Like everything this year the Hucknall's Christmas Tree Festival has been a little different, with participants being asked to create a weath that is displayed on the railings outside the church.
There will be no voting this year, the wreaths will remain in place until the 19th of December so if you are in Hucknall please go and have a look.
Janet did an amazing job with this years wreath and it represents all the community projects we have helped this year.
There will be no voting this year, the wreaths will remain in place until the 19th of December so if you are in Hucknall please go and have a look.
Janet did an amazing job with this years wreath and it represents all the community projects we have helped this year.
Hucknall Foodbank Appeal
December 2020
What a generous lot you all are...
There has been a magnificent response to the Hucknall Christmas Foodbank appeal and the photo's just show a little of the food mountain our members donated.
Along with this there has been the on going cash donations, this has been bolstered by the refunds of deposits for cancelled events that many members kindly donated, that alone over a £1000.
There has been a magnificent response to the Hucknall Christmas Foodbank appeal and the photo's just show a little of the food mountain our members donated.
Along with this there has been the on going cash donations, this has been bolstered by the refunds of deposits for cancelled events that many members kindly donated, that alone over a £1000.
Make Time for You....
16th November via Zoom
It was great to see so many of you join our zoom meeting. Our own Caroline Bradley showed everyone how to make their own hand cream just using some aqueous cream and add in a couple of drops of essential oils. She then talked us through a hand massage and explained about different parts of the hand relating to other parts of the body.
Caroline talked about anxiety and ways we can help ourselves, there are lots of useful apps for anyone who has difficulty sleeping as well as mindfulness and meditation apps, such as CALM, Headspace and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). We then did a breathing exercise which can activate your sympathetic nervous system. Longer breaths will help and if you equalise your breathing it lifts your emotions.
General mindfulness can be done through breathing, walking and visualisation where you think about the thing that is making you anxious and let it go. Why not try fire or candle gazing or you could lie on the floor and stretch, seeing life from a different perspective.
The final part was a session of mountain mindfulness, focussing on a favourite mountain, seeing it through the different seasons and weathers. Everyone really enjoyed the session and will hopefully have a good night's sleep.
Caroline talked about anxiety and ways we can help ourselves, there are lots of useful apps for anyone who has difficulty sleeping as well as mindfulness and meditation apps, such as CALM, Headspace and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). We then did a breathing exercise which can activate your sympathetic nervous system. Longer breaths will help and if you equalise your breathing it lifts your emotions.
General mindfulness can be done through breathing, walking and visualisation where you think about the thing that is making you anxious and let it go. Why not try fire or candle gazing or you could lie on the floor and stretch, seeing life from a different perspective.
The final part was a session of mountain mindfulness, focussing on a favourite mountain, seeing it through the different seasons and weathers. Everyone really enjoyed the session and will hopefully have a good night's sleep.
Mayflower Celebrations
21st October 2020 via Zoom
Tonight we has a fascinating talk by Tom Cable about the Mayflower story. Tom, who was born and raised in Hucknall delivers character-driven history days in primary schools across the county.
As a recipient of a Roosevelt Scholorship Tom travelled to America to research the facts around the Mayflower story itself and the hardships faced by the people onboard. His aim was to package this story in a compelling way and celebrate Nottinghamshire’s role in a story that changed the world forever.
Tom told us the story of William Brewster and John Robinson and how they left Scrooby Manor and established a settlement in the Netherlands, before some years later taking the Mayflower over to America.
He told us about the hardships of these first settlers and about their relationship with the local Wampanoag Native Indians. Without who's help they would have struggled far more than they already did.
Tom also told us about his own personal difficulties as his travels took place just as Covid 19 hit and American seemed to close up around him. However, he built and has maintained a wonderful relationship with a local family who hosted him for part of his time there and he hopes to return next year to celebrate Thanksgiving with them.
This Zoom meeting was recorded and can be viewed on our closed Lapwings Facebook Page.
As a recipient of a Roosevelt Scholorship Tom travelled to America to research the facts around the Mayflower story itself and the hardships faced by the people onboard. His aim was to package this story in a compelling way and celebrate Nottinghamshire’s role in a story that changed the world forever.
Tom told us the story of William Brewster and John Robinson and how they left Scrooby Manor and established a settlement in the Netherlands, before some years later taking the Mayflower over to America.
He told us about the hardships of these first settlers and about their relationship with the local Wampanoag Native Indians. Without who's help they would have struggled far more than they already did.
Tom also told us about his own personal difficulties as his travels took place just as Covid 19 hit and American seemed to close up around him. However, he built and has maintained a wonderful relationship with a local family who hosted him for part of his time there and he hopes to return next year to celebrate Thanksgiving with them.
This Zoom meeting was recorded and can be viewed on our closed Lapwings Facebook Page.
Tales of a dairy farmer's wife
29th September 2020 via Zoom
A look at life on a dairy farm from the farmer's wife point of view.
Very interesting and entertaining talk by Jane Barnes - with a view from behind the scenes and the problems faced when lockdown came into force.
Yearly, the Farmer Barnes Dairy produces over 1.3 million litres of milk which is then solely used by the makers of Stilton Blue Cheese in Long Clawson.
In 2018 they took the unprecedented step and built a brand new modern dairy farm. The main focus is on Ayrshire cows as they produce the 'right' kind of milk for cheese production.
Jane talked about the intense breeding programme and how the calves are reared. They begin to produce milk at 2 years old, and as long as a cow gets pregnant every year she will then produce milk - up to 6,000 litres per year!
When asked if they ever took a holiday Jane amused us with the tales of their adventurous journeys not only in the UK but to America and New Zealand - just by coincidence these were the times that Ayrshire conferences were held!
They are the 4th generation of dairy farmers, with son, Harry, already taking the helm.
Jane is passionate about educating the younger/ older generation about 'cows' and has set up a 'Cow Classroom' from where you can watch the cows being milked and learn everything about the dairy farming process.
If you want to learn more about the Farmer Barnes Dairy go to 'farmerbarnesdairy.com' and onto the section 'About Us' and you can learn the full history of this amazing enterprise!
Hopefully when we are freely out and about we can visit the farm and see it all for ourselves.
Very interesting and entertaining talk by Jane Barnes - with a view from behind the scenes and the problems faced when lockdown came into force.
Yearly, the Farmer Barnes Dairy produces over 1.3 million litres of milk which is then solely used by the makers of Stilton Blue Cheese in Long Clawson.
In 2018 they took the unprecedented step and built a brand new modern dairy farm. The main focus is on Ayrshire cows as they produce the 'right' kind of milk for cheese production.
Jane talked about the intense breeding programme and how the calves are reared. They begin to produce milk at 2 years old, and as long as a cow gets pregnant every year she will then produce milk - up to 6,000 litres per year!
When asked if they ever took a holiday Jane amused us with the tales of their adventurous journeys not only in the UK but to America and New Zealand - just by coincidence these were the times that Ayrshire conferences were held!
They are the 4th generation of dairy farmers, with son, Harry, already taking the helm.
Jane is passionate about educating the younger/ older generation about 'cows' and has set up a 'Cow Classroom' from where you can watch the cows being milked and learn everything about the dairy farming process.
If you want to learn more about the Farmer Barnes Dairy go to 'farmerbarnesdairy.com' and onto the section 'About Us' and you can learn the full history of this amazing enterprise!
Hopefully when we are freely out and about we can visit the farm and see it all for ourselves.
Lets talk about sleep.....
3rd September2020 via Zoom
We had an interesting talk by Susan Booth about Sleep. This covered a whole range of tips we could try to ensure that we get a good night's sleep and what a good sleeping pattern looks like.
The talk covered such topics as;
This talk was recorded, so is available to those that missed it by using the following link; https://youtu.be/Ye2Ddbd6cX8
The talk covered such topics as;
- Why sleep is important
- What constitutes a good night's sleep
- Exercise
- What to avoid eating/drinking 3 hours before bed
- Foods that promote sleep
- Sleeping sanctuaries and pre sleeping routines
- Supplements that might help
This talk was recorded, so is available to those that missed it by using the following link; https://youtu.be/Ye2Ddbd6cX8
Real Life at last...
18th August, Hall Farm Potato Barn
Whilst we can't go back to our normal meetings yet, we did the next best thing.
With a limit on numbers we had 24 of us in groups of six. The original plan had been to use the Lapwings Garden at the Linby Heritage Centre, but weather being as it was Plan B came into play and Claire kindly said we could use the empty potato barn.
It was lovely to have a natter (which clearly we excel at) and see people in real life as opposed to on a computer screen. Look out for details of future 'meet-ups' on the weekly email and ensure you register your interest to be included.
With a limit on numbers we had 24 of us in groups of six. The original plan had been to use the Lapwings Garden at the Linby Heritage Centre, but weather being as it was Plan B came into play and Claire kindly said we could use the empty potato barn.
It was lovely to have a natter (which clearly we excel at) and see people in real life as opposed to on a computer screen. Look out for details of future 'meet-ups' on the weekly email and ensure you register your interest to be included.
Lockdown Reflections
Published August 2020
You should have by now received your Lapwings Lockdown Reflections booklet. Hope you all enjoy the read and that it will be a useful reminder of this unusual year.
The A to Z picture challenge on Facebook will be published as a photobook later in the year.
The A to Z picture challenge on Facebook will be published as a photobook later in the year.
Show and Tell
14th July 2020 via Zoom
To reflect that we would in normal circumstances have a morning meeting and an evening meeting, this zoom meeting was held in the morning to try to get a few more of our regular mornings only members involved.
After the usual fun and games of getting everyone logged in and hearing/seeing everyone (this can be rather entertaining), there was a lot of chatter around what people had been during lockdown and a couple of people showed off quilts which they had made or been given.
Clare promised to share her saucy beetroot recipe, this is on our Facebook page, but will also be added to our recipes here on the website.
There was a reminder that for one week only members can use our Facebook page to sell items they no longer want.
As usual it was lovely to see so many members and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
After the usual fun and games of getting everyone logged in and hearing/seeing everyone (this can be rather entertaining), there was a lot of chatter around what people had been during lockdown and a couple of people showed off quilts which they had made or been given.
Clare promised to share her saucy beetroot recipe, this is on our Facebook page, but will also be added to our recipes here on the website.
There was a reminder that for one week only members can use our Facebook page to sell items they no longer want.
As usual it was lovely to see so many members and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
The Old Market Square
25th June 2020 via Zoom
We started our evening with a toast to Lapwings as we celebrate our 6th Birthday.
Off we then went with Felicity Whittle who took us on a virtual tour of the Old Market Square. Not only did we learn a lot, but it made us think about the amazing history and architecture of the area.
Did you know that there had been a market in the centre of Nottingham since the 11th century and the market only moved in 1928 when the Council house was built? It was shortly after that the name changed to The Old Market Square. It still remains as one of the largest slab squares in the UK.
Other fascinating facts;-
All in all, a interesting evening, we learnt a lot and we must try to remember to look up when we go "down town", but please be careful not to trip up!
Off we then went with Felicity Whittle who took us on a virtual tour of the Old Market Square. Not only did we learn a lot, but it made us think about the amazing history and architecture of the area.
Did you know that there had been a market in the centre of Nottingham since the 11th century and the market only moved in 1928 when the Council house was built? It was shortly after that the name changed to The Old Market Square. It still remains as one of the largest slab squares in the UK.
Other fascinating facts;-
- The Nat West bank is on the site of one of the first provincial banks outside of London.
- Joseph Else designed the lions and the Wetherspoons pub bears his name.
- Beastmarket Hill (site of the cattle market) was the site of the first John Player shop.
- The Bell Inn is on the site of a Carmelite Friary and the building dates back to 1437.
- Bromley House Subscription Library is the home of Nottingham's Meridian Line which is 4 minutes 33 seconds behind the Greenwich Meridian Line.
- Long Row was once Nottingham's premier shopping street and the architecture of the buildings (above the modern day facades) is stunning; culminating in one of Watson Fothergill's masterpieces - Queens Chambers.
All in all, a interesting evening, we learnt a lot and we must try to remember to look up when we go "down town", but please be careful not to trip up!
Annual Meeting via e mail....
June 2020
Normally, at this time of the year, we would be getting ready to have our Annual Meetings and celebrate our birthday. These are unprecedented times ( so they tell us at least 10 times a day!!!)
The NFWI told us all to close down our meetings so Annual Meetings are not possible. We have 15 months in which to have a meeting but the advice from Notts Federation is as follows:
The NFWI told us all to close down our meetings so Annual Meetings are not possible. We have 15 months in which to have a meeting but the advice from Notts Federation is as follows:
- The present Officers (President, Secretary and Treasurer) would stay in place for another year
- The committee would also stay in place
- The President's address, Treasurer's financial statement and Trustees Report to be sent out via email
The Secretary's report June 2020
One way and another it’s been quite a year
But our Lapwings flock are always here.
We come together in so many ways
With different events to fill our days.
At our regular meetings we have done all kinds
To interest and educate our enquiring minds.
We’ve heard about Nottingham’s villainy and vice
And Chatsworth gardens, which are always nice.
We have supported charities and heard what they do,
Like the Air Ambulance and Blood Bikers too.
Awareness of Breast Cancer and Mental Wellbeing
Provided speakers who were well worth hearing.
We have made decorations and arranged our flowers
We learned about colour therapy and crafted for hours.
We heard about pantomimes and “Ay Up Me Duck”,
We’ll understand the dialect now - with a bit of luck.
Taste testing foods opened a few eyes
With some different shops winning the prize.
A fabulous evening was had by us all
When Mortimer’s Morris Dancers came to call.
One way and another it’s been quite a year
But our Lapwings flock are always here.
We come together in so many ways
With different events to fill our days.
At our regular meetings we have done all kinds
To interest and educate our enquiring minds.
We’ve heard about Nottingham’s villainy and vice
And Chatsworth gardens, which are always nice.
We have supported charities and heard what they do,
Like the Air Ambulance and Blood Bikers too.
Awareness of Breast Cancer and Mental Wellbeing
Provided speakers who were well worth hearing.
We have made decorations and arranged our flowers
We learned about colour therapy and crafted for hours.
We heard about pantomimes and “Ay Up Me Duck”,
We’ll understand the dialect now - with a bit of luck.
Taste testing foods opened a few eyes
With some different shops winning the prize.
A fabulous evening was had by us all
When Mortimer’s Morris Dancers came to call.
We continue with our makes and collections
To help with charities in all directions:
Heart shaped cushions, twiddlemuffs and mats,
Crisp packets, milk bottle tops and all kinds of hats.
The Underground Reservoir and Papplewick Pumping Station
Provided a visit of great fascination.
Our Trentham trip was a lovely day out
For gardens and shopping, without a doubt.
There have been three visits to the BBC
And some of us sat on that red settee!
We saw how they work and report the news,
And for weather forecasters, the green screen they use.
Our Craft Fair was more popular than ever,
Supporting Blood Bikes with our endeavour.
Hats for the homeless was our winning tree theme.
To help keep the homeless warm is our dream.
We have collected tins, packets and money too
For our local Food bank, to help a few.
Sanitary towels have been sewn and pants collected
So African children are safe and protected.
To help with charities in all directions:
Heart shaped cushions, twiddlemuffs and mats,
Crisp packets, milk bottle tops and all kinds of hats.
The Underground Reservoir and Papplewick Pumping Station
Provided a visit of great fascination.
Our Trentham trip was a lovely day out
For gardens and shopping, without a doubt.
There have been three visits to the BBC
And some of us sat on that red settee!
We saw how they work and report the news,
And for weather forecasters, the green screen they use.
Our Craft Fair was more popular than ever,
Supporting Blood Bikes with our endeavour.
Hats for the homeless was our winning tree theme.
To help keep the homeless warm is our dream.
We have collected tins, packets and money too
For our local Food bank, to help a few.
Sanitary towels have been sewn and pants collected
So African children are safe and protected.
We celebrated together when Christmas bells rang
With a lovely evening when the Community Choir sang.
At our New Year Party there were hilarious games.
To build a snowman was one of our aims.
Our subgroup meetings have been a mixture,
From craft afternoons to painting a picture.
Walking and strolling and running now too
Are ways to keep fit for quite a few.
Our netball players have enjoyed their game
And Facebook adverts promote their fame.
For those who like to chat and eat
Lunch and supper groups are a chance to meet.
Our wellbeing group has just begun
Looking after our health and having fun.
Our Garden of Reflection looks a dream
Thanks to our green fingered gardening team.
Down at the pub there’s knitting and nattering
And in Spanish some ladies are now chattering.
We continue to grow our family trees.
With all these groups we aim to please.
With a lovely evening when the Community Choir sang.
At our New Year Party there were hilarious games.
To build a snowman was one of our aims.
Our subgroup meetings have been a mixture,
From craft afternoons to painting a picture.
Walking and strolling and running now too
Are ways to keep fit for quite a few.
Our netball players have enjoyed their game
And Facebook adverts promote their fame.
For those who like to chat and eat
Lunch and supper groups are a chance to meet.
Our wellbeing group has just begun
Looking after our health and having fun.
Our Garden of Reflection looks a dream
Thanks to our green fingered gardening team.
Down at the pub there’s knitting and nattering
And in Spanish some ladies are now chattering.
We continue to grow our family trees.
With all these groups we aim to please.
Everything was going with such a swing
Then along came this coronavirus thing!
Meetings and groups all got the chop
When most of our world came to a stop.
Many of our members went into isolation
While others worked for the good of the nation.
Our key workers are our heroes too.
We are all so very proud of you!!
Lockdown has meant that home we must stay
But to keep in touch we have found a way.
Facebook posts and emails each week
Help provide some of the company we seek.
And who knew how we would all become
Technical wizards – what an outcome!
We’ve played games and quizzes via Zoom
Bringing our friends into our room.
We had a speaker with his prize green cock
To entertain our Lapwings flock.
The menopause featured on our Facebook chat
With ideas and suggestions to tackle that.
Then along came this coronavirus thing!
Meetings and groups all got the chop
When most of our world came to a stop.
Many of our members went into isolation
While others worked for the good of the nation.
Our key workers are our heroes too.
We are all so very proud of you!!
Lockdown has meant that home we must stay
But to keep in touch we have found a way.
Facebook posts and emails each week
Help provide some of the company we seek.
And who knew how we would all become
Technical wizards – what an outcome!
We’ve played games and quizzes via Zoom
Bringing our friends into our room.
We had a speaker with his prize green cock
To entertain our Lapwings flock.
The menopause featured on our Facebook chat
With ideas and suggestions to tackle that.
Our very own Janet talked to us too
About organ donors and what we should do.
Her life was saved by a selfless donation,
Her story told through a moving narration.
While staying home we haven’t been lazy
We’re going gardening and de-cluttering crazy!
Some have been crafting and painting through,
Books have been read and films watched too.
Many have sewn to relieve the stress
With scrubs and wash bags for the NHS.
Headbands and masks have all made the grade,
Carers are clapped for and rainbows displayed.
The committee called everyone on the phone -
So welcome, especially for those on their own.
Cards were sent with seeds to sow,
Sunflowers and pumpkins to hopefully grow.
Looking forward to a future day
When we can all meet in some way,
Meetings and subgroups starting anew
But most of all seeing our friends too.
Until we can all be together once more
The Committee is here for you, whatever the score.
Whether lockdown has been heaven or hell
We hope all our members are safe and well.
About organ donors and what we should do.
Her life was saved by a selfless donation,
Her story told through a moving narration.
While staying home we haven’t been lazy
We’re going gardening and de-cluttering crazy!
Some have been crafting and painting through,
Books have been read and films watched too.
Many have sewn to relieve the stress
With scrubs and wash bags for the NHS.
Headbands and masks have all made the grade,
Carers are clapped for and rainbows displayed.
The committee called everyone on the phone -
So welcome, especially for those on their own.
Cards were sent with seeds to sow,
Sunflowers and pumpkins to hopefully grow.
Looking forward to a future day
When we can all meet in some way,
Meetings and subgroups starting anew
But most of all seeing our friends too.
Until we can all be together once more
The Committee is here for you, whatever the score.
Whether lockdown has been heaven or hell
We hope all our members are safe and well.
Janet's amazing story....
8th June 2020 via Zoom
In Just over five years ago in the early hours of the 4th of June Janet received her life saving liver transplant and got a 2nd chance of life.
Janet told us the story of her remarkable recovery from her liver transplant. From being a healthy individual, Janet developed a rare liver disease, which rapidly deteriorated and which necessitated in an emergency liver transplant.
She astounded us with some of the statistics around transplants and how, even now, with the recent change in the law which assumes that we have consented unless we opt out, families still can overrule your decision. You can opt out of the register, but don't do that on the basis of any medical issue as every donor is fully screened prior to any donation taking place to ensure the safety of anyone involved.. The statistics show that you are more likely to need a transplant then be in the position of being a donor.
The message from Janet was clear, talk to your family and make sure that they are fully aware of your wish to donate. Janet told us that she thinks about her donor and her family quietly everyday. In their darkest of times they were able to think about others in need and agreed to her wish to be a donor. Donor families are truly amazing and are never forgotten.
So live your live to the full, take lots of photos, make lots of memories and when you can, hug those you love a few seconds longer.
Janet told us the story of her remarkable recovery from her liver transplant. From being a healthy individual, Janet developed a rare liver disease, which rapidly deteriorated and which necessitated in an emergency liver transplant.
She astounded us with some of the statistics around transplants and how, even now, with the recent change in the law which assumes that we have consented unless we opt out, families still can overrule your decision. You can opt out of the register, but don't do that on the basis of any medical issue as every donor is fully screened prior to any donation taking place to ensure the safety of anyone involved.. The statistics show that you are more likely to need a transplant then be in the position of being a donor.
The message from Janet was clear, talk to your family and make sure that they are fully aware of your wish to donate. Janet told us that she thinks about her donor and her family quietly everyday. In their darkest of times they were able to think about others in need and agreed to her wish to be a donor. Donor families are truly amazing and are never forgotten.
So live your live to the full, take lots of photos, make lots of memories and when you can, hug those you love a few seconds longer.
'My green cock.....'
26th May 2020 via Zoom
It's OK ...it's only the speaker's, Kevin Rostance, usual attempt to shock the ladies.
After some 'tech' problems to connect with Kevin, he appeared on screen to entertain 29 of us with his account of his long time hobby of keeping and showing specific birds - budgies, macaws and parrots.
In between his talk he challenged us to a quiz based on birds, which was won by Julie Chambers - sure she will enjoy her wine and chocolates!
Kevin spoke about the ways a bird is prepared for 'showing'; how he breeds them and gave a lot of statistics with regards to the number of breeders and shows. Unfortunately there are less and less breeders and shows nowadays, even thought there were many breeders in the Hucknall and Bulwell areas. A breeder from Bulwell provided the parrots, etc, for the Timotei shampoo advert.
'My green cock' refers to his prize winning budgerigar. He told us that unlike the human, where the female is prettier than the male, in the bird world the male is more often prettier than the female! To prepare for showing they have to be spruced up, shampooed and 'tweezered' to remove unwanted spots - this refers to the dark spots they have around their neck/collar - of which there should be 3 equal ones.
He has aviaries in his back garden, but has been made, by his wife Jayne, to make them look more like beach huts! He showed some of the larger birds, who then became very quiet - even though throughout his talk we could hear them squawking
Kevin gave an insight into a hobby which he loves, but he did add that Jayne does not share his hobby - it's the flapping of the wings which she dislikes.
After some 'tech' problems to connect with Kevin, he appeared on screen to entertain 29 of us with his account of his long time hobby of keeping and showing specific birds - budgies, macaws and parrots.
In between his talk he challenged us to a quiz based on birds, which was won by Julie Chambers - sure she will enjoy her wine and chocolates!
Kevin spoke about the ways a bird is prepared for 'showing'; how he breeds them and gave a lot of statistics with regards to the number of breeders and shows. Unfortunately there are less and less breeders and shows nowadays, even thought there were many breeders in the Hucknall and Bulwell areas. A breeder from Bulwell provided the parrots, etc, for the Timotei shampoo advert.
'My green cock' refers to his prize winning budgerigar. He told us that unlike the human, where the female is prettier than the male, in the bird world the male is more often prettier than the female! To prepare for showing they have to be spruced up, shampooed and 'tweezered' to remove unwanted spots - this refers to the dark spots they have around their neck/collar - of which there should be 3 equal ones.
He has aviaries in his back garden, but has been made, by his wife Jayne, to make them look more like beach huts! He showed some of the larger birds, who then became very quiet - even though throughout his talk we could hear them squawking
Kevin gave an insight into a hobby which he loves, but he did add that Jayne does not share his hobby - it's the flapping of the wings which she dislikes.
Fun and Games
12th May 2020
Fun and games was had by all the attendees at our last Zoom meeting.
Not only did we have a frantic beetle drive, somewhat suspiciously the same people seemed to win each game. Although the funniest part was Rachel and her dice without a "6".
We also had a fun scavenger hunt. We all seemed to find something to meet every possible category in very quick time.
This time nearly 30 of us logged in to the Zoom meeting and it is great to see so many familiar faces on line.
Not only did we have a frantic beetle drive, somewhat suspiciously the same people seemed to win each game. Although the funniest part was Rachel and her dice without a "6".
We also had a fun scavenger hunt. We all seemed to find something to meet every possible category in very quick time.
This time nearly 30 of us logged in to the Zoom meeting and it is great to see so many familiar faces on line.
Positives all around..
27th April 2020
It was great to see so many of you at our latest Zoom meeting. We had a great chat about the positive things we have enjoyed about lockdown.
We have a range of members from those in complete lockdown to key workers but all have found positive aspects:
Counting our blessings ❤️❤️❤️❤️
And thanking all our ladies who are key workers too - clapping on Thursday for our NHS workers, school staff, shop workers, farmers, people helping those who have been furloughed...👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏etc. etc.
For those who have fallen back in love with their sewing machines on the patterns pages you will find the details of the heart pillows and the bonding hearts.
Until next time ladies - Stay Safe and Well
We have a range of members from those in complete lockdown to key workers but all have found positive aspects:
- Being able to hear the birds sing,
- finding new walks around our area,
- enjoying the garden,
- finding time to sew (many have been making wash bags and headbands for local hospitals and care homes),
- read,
- paint,
- crochet,
- do yoga,
- exercise,
- re-engaging with neighbours and friends and family around the world,
- even getting to work more easily because there is less traffic.
Counting our blessings ❤️❤️❤️❤️
And thanking all our ladies who are key workers too - clapping on Thursday for our NHS workers, school staff, shop workers, farmers, people helping those who have been furloughed...👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏etc. etc.
For those who have fallen back in love with their sewing machines on the patterns pages you will find the details of the heart pillows and the bonding hearts.
Until next time ladies - Stay Safe and Well
We don't let social distancing stop us....
22nd April 2020
Whilst we all deal with life following social distancing rules and many of us are still working it's amazing to see some of the things that Lapwings have achieved:
We have, more importantly, kept each other amused on our private group Facebook page. if you are on Facebook and haven't joined our Private Group please do so as there are things posted on there most days,
Please continue to read our weekly e mail as there is always lots of useful advice in there and you never know there may be more Zoom meetings to look forward to. Stay safe and well.
- Our Committee have held their meetings via Zoom
- We have raised over a £1000 for the local Foodbank
- Toiletries have been collected for the key workers in the NHS and distributed at City Hospital
- 100s of Headbands and Scrub Wash Bags have been made by our members (at the last count there were over 450 Scrub Wash Bags and over 300 Headbands)
- Some of our members have crocheted the "ear savers"
- Our amazing committee phoned all of our members to check that we were okay
- We had our first meeting on Zoom and Helen won the quiz.
- A number of us have learnt new skills as unused sewing machines were dusted off and put back into service.
We have, more importantly, kept each other amused on our private group Facebook page. if you are on Facebook and haven't joined our Private Group please do so as there are things posted on there most days,
Please continue to read our weekly e mail as there is always lots of useful advice in there and you never know there may be more Zoom meetings to look forward to. Stay safe and well.
Update
16th March 2020
In the light of today's announcements from the government, the committee have taken the decision to cancel all WI meetings and subgroups until the end of March.
This is a decision that has not been taken lightly but the main concern is for the health and wellbeing of our members.
No monies will be lost as everything will be re-arranged when we come out the other side of this situation.
The situation will be reviewed as further information is received and we will keep you informed.
With this in mind please remember the ideas for keeping busy that were on last night's email:
- Social isolation does not have to mean being totally cut off from others.
- Use social media. Keep in touch.
- Choose something positive to do each day so you have a goal.
- Put on our Facebook any suggestions you may have for keeping busy.
- Add any photos of things you have done.
Positive things to do if you are in isolation:
If you need help please let us know.
Keep calm, keep your sense of humour .keep smiling, stay safe and well.
This is a decision that has not been taken lightly but the main concern is for the health and wellbeing of our members.
No monies will be lost as everything will be re-arranged when we come out the other side of this situation.
The situation will be reviewed as further information is received and we will keep you informed.
With this in mind please remember the ideas for keeping busy that were on last night's email:
- Social isolation does not have to mean being totally cut off from others.
- Use social media. Keep in touch.
- Choose something positive to do each day so you have a goal.
- Put on our Facebook any suggestions you may have for keeping busy.
- Add any photos of things you have done.
Positive things to do if you are in isolation:
- Make the most of social media - Facetime, Skype, etc. to keep in touch with others
- Ring someone every day for a chat
- Sort that paperwork you have been putting off
- De-clutter those cupboards
- Start on your family tree (you will be amazed how fast the time goes)
- Use your stash of wool, material, etc and make something
- Finish those works in progress, finally!
- Get out in the garden when the weather allows, even if only for a cuppa in the fresh air.
- Read those books you have been meaning to read for ages
- Do some light exercises to music
- Watch all those boxsets and series you've missed
- Put your ideas on our Facebook group page
If you need help please let us know.
Keep calm, keep your sense of humour .keep smiling, stay safe and well.
Spring is in the air
10th March 2020
What a wonderful morning as our own Caroline Banton demonstrated a spring flower arrangement and then we were all let loose to create our own.....
We certainly are a creative bunch (no pun intended).
Some of the works in progress and the beautiful finished works of art are shown below, but more can be found in our gallery.
We certainly are a creative bunch (no pun intended).
Some of the works in progress and the beautiful finished works of art are shown below, but more can be found in our gallery.
What is also worth mentioning is the huge pile of children's underwear that was so generously donated by our members.
These will be going to a school in Africa, along with the reusable sanitary towels that some of our members are making.
No doubt these will make a huge difference to some young children's lives.
These will be going to a school in Africa, along with the reusable sanitary towels that some of our members are making.
No doubt these will make a huge difference to some young children's lives.
Biggest dance group ever!
27th February 2020
Mortimer's Morris dancers, accompanied by an instrumental group, came to entertain the Lapwings at Thursday's meeting. Not the usual array of Morris men dancers, but ladies instead, in their colourful ribboned waistcoats and skirts.
They entertained with a brief history of Morris dancing, how they formed as a group, their choice of name, music (French!), clothing and the instrumental backing. And now we know what a 'hurdy-gurdy' looks like!
The ladies performed dances and then it was the turn of the Lapwings, who really got into the spirit of the dancing. A little awkward at the beginning but they soon got into the swing of things, thoroughly enjoying the experience. It must have been the biggest Morris dance 'participation' ever!
Before the dancing started Bernadette talked to us about the need for washable sanitary wear for girls in Africa, as well as the need for pants for both boys and girls (aged 4 - 15), as children who wear pants are less susceptible to sexual assault. Lapwings are already involved in the production of sanitary wear.
They entertained with a brief history of Morris dancing, how they formed as a group, their choice of name, music (French!), clothing and the instrumental backing. And now we know what a 'hurdy-gurdy' looks like!
The ladies performed dances and then it was the turn of the Lapwings, who really got into the spirit of the dancing. A little awkward at the beginning but they soon got into the swing of things, thoroughly enjoying the experience. It must have been the biggest Morris dance 'participation' ever!
Before the dancing started Bernadette talked to us about the need for washable sanitary wear for girls in Africa, as well as the need for pants for both boys and girls (aged 4 - 15), as children who wear pants are less susceptible to sexual assault. Lapwings are already involved in the production of sanitary wear.
Ay up mi duck
11th February 2020
We had a fascinating talk from David Amos about the Erewash dialect. It was interesting to hear how it had been influenced over the years and how words are being lost from use.
Who would have thought that Maggie Thatcher, when she was Prime Minister would have accused Jim Callaghan of being "Frit" in the House of Commons. Or that GP's new to the area were given information on the more commonly used words that they might come across in their surgeries! Even the police were given "translation tips" during the miners' strike.
Bringing his knowledge from the mining industry and more recently in academia, David tested our knowledge and we had a lot of fun as we "translated" words and saying
-Oo worree wee - worree wee issen?
- Stik woodin tow'l.
- A tow'd im e'kud pleez issen!
- Gerrup yo, else al bat ya tab, to give just a few examples.
I think we all agreed - Ezz gorrabee lont ow tertolk proppa
Who would have thought that Maggie Thatcher, when she was Prime Minister would have accused Jim Callaghan of being "Frit" in the House of Commons. Or that GP's new to the area were given information on the more commonly used words that they might come across in their surgeries! Even the police were given "translation tips" during the miners' strike.
Bringing his knowledge from the mining industry and more recently in academia, David tested our knowledge and we had a lot of fun as we "translated" words and saying
-Oo worree wee - worree wee issen?
- Stik woodin tow'l.
- A tow'd im e'kud pleez issen!
- Gerrup yo, else al bat ya tab, to give just a few examples.
I think we all agreed - Ezz gorrabee lont ow tertolk proppa
Powerful Colours
23rd January 2020
What an interesting night we had for our first evening back for 2020. Not only was the hall packed but we had an interesting and insightful talk from Paula-Marie Turner about Colour.
Paula shared her life's journey with us and explained how she became a colour therapist. She told us about how this holistic therapy works and how the language of colour can reveal our personality, character, gifts and talents.
Her fascinating display of colourful bottles, which are a mixture of oil and water are the starting point of this. The individual selects 4 of these bottles and then, using her own knowledge and training, Paula explores your story with you. She demonstrated this with two willing participants from the audience. Overall it was really enjoyable and thought - provoking. www.facebook.com/truecolourtherapiesuk
Paula shared her life's journey with us and explained how she became a colour therapist. She told us about how this holistic therapy works and how the language of colour can reveal our personality, character, gifts and talents.
Her fascinating display of colourful bottles, which are a mixture of oil and water are the starting point of this. The individual selects 4 of these bottles and then, using her own knowledge and training, Paula explores your story with you. She demonstrated this with two willing participants from the audience. Overall it was really enjoyable and thought - provoking. www.facebook.com/truecolourtherapiesuk
Tantalising tasting!
14th January 2020
The first Tuesday morning meeting of the 2020 was dedicated to 'food' - a tasting session.
Three samples of 7 different foods were offered for the discerning palettes, with the tasters marking each sample. On offer were samples of Cheddar cheese, chocolate, cookies, Hot Cross buns, jam, plain crisps and popcorn. Some surprising results - Aldi's crisps were favourite above Walker's - see for yourself how each product was judged and the concentration of the judges!
14th January 2020
Three samples of 7 different foods were offered for the discerning palettes, with the tasters marking each sample. On offer were samples of Cheddar cheese, chocolate, cookies, Hot Cross buns, jam, plain crisps and popcorn. Some surprising results - Aldi's crisps were favourite above Walker's - see for yourself how each product was judged and the concentration of the judges!
14th January 2020
A great party night.
6th January 2020
A great attendance at our January party night. A true WI evening full of fun, laughter and friendship - no falling out about the best snowwoman!
The evening started on a more serious note with a presentation of £400 from the Craft Fair, made by President Joanna Parris to the Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes, who came to talk to us earlier in September. Due to the generosity of the members a further £143.88 was collected and donated to this very worthy cause.
Then the fun and games started, as you can see from the pictures below....
6th January 2020
The evening started on a more serious note with a presentation of £400 from the Craft Fair, made by President Joanna Parris to the Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes, who came to talk to us earlier in September. Due to the generosity of the members a further £143.88 was collected and donated to this very worthy cause.
Then the fun and games started, as you can see from the pictures below....
6th January 2020