ARCHIVE 2023
Christmas is coming...
Tuesday 12th December 2023
What a lovely morning we had, not only festive treats, but the rooms smelt lovely with all the foliage.
Some beautiful table decorations were created.
Thank you Sue for leading us with this activity.
Some beautiful table decorations were created.
Thank you Sue for leading us with this activity.
Christmas Tree
Our entry for the Hucknall Christmas Tree Festival.
Janet did an amazing job putting it together and whilst it wasn't this years winner it will be a winner for the children in hospital who will benefit from the lovely toys made by our members.
Janet did an amazing job putting it together and whilst it wasn't this years winner it will be a winner for the children in hospital who will benefit from the lovely toys made by our members.
Christmas Party
Friday 1st December 2023
Thank you Jan for organising our Christmas Party, a lovely eveing was had by 80 of our members.
Wreath Making Fun
Thursday November 23rd 2023
We had a lovely evening creating our Christmas wreaths. Thank you to Sue and Jo and the team of helpers that guided us through the process. There were some beautiful creations.
The evening started with a presentation of a cheque of £700 to Our Dementia Choir (£600 from their recent craft fair and £100 from the husband of one of their members).
The evening started with a presentation of a cheque of £700 to Our Dementia Choir (£600 from their recent craft fair and £100 from the husband of one of their members).
Foraging with Lucy
17th November 2023
A very enjoyable time foraging and saying ‘hello’ to the alpacas at Oak Tree Farm led by our very knowledgeable host Lucy.... and remember those delicious cakes - well the recipes are on our recipes page.....Foraging Recipes
There will never be another you...
Tuesday 14th November 2023
We welcomed back Paul Newsham a Forensic Lecturer back for a talk on biometrics.
Paul, who is a retired Forensic Expert Witness explained about the uniqueness of the Human Being and how this is being used in today's modern society and world environs and in particular Police elimination and detection.
Paul also told us about further areas of Biometric identification such as Retina, Primary Colour, Odontology, facial recognition, tattoo's and many other areas such as Ethics, cognition, Ear Prints all of which made the talk very interesting and gave us all much to think about … it was such a fascinating subject, but presented in such a way that we learnt a lot and laughed a lot.
Paul, who is a retired Forensic Expert Witness explained about the uniqueness of the Human Being and how this is being used in today's modern society and world environs and in particular Police elimination and detection.
Paul also told us about further areas of Biometric identification such as Retina, Primary Colour, Odontology, facial recognition, tattoo's and many other areas such as Ethics, cognition, Ear Prints all of which made the talk very interesting and gave us all much to think about … it was such a fascinating subject, but presented in such a way that we learnt a lot and laughed a lot.
November Craft Fair
Saturday 11th November 2023
Wow!! What a fantastic turn out and amazing contributions from all our Lapwings members resulting in a fabulous craft fair.
We will be able to make a good donation to The Dementia Choir and have money to provide good speakers and events for next year when we will also be celebrating our 10th birthday.
We will be able to make a good donation to The Dementia Choir and have money to provide good speakers and events for next year when we will also be celebrating our 10th birthday.
Where hasn't the intrepid traveller been?
Barry Harper, husband of Lapwing member Liz, with 7 Nottinghamshire police colleagues successfully attempted the 105 mile crossing of the Great Slave Lake in Northern Canada in February 2003.
Temperatures between -34 to -55 degrees (not including wind chill factors) did not deter the team from completing the journey, in spite of many obstacles in their way, starting with having the wrong skis, heavy sledges, injuries, lack of sleep, energy loss and the COLD!
He read extracts from his accounts of the beautiful scenery - the awe- inspiring colours of the sunrises and sunsets, the Aurora Borealis, the Aurora Corona and ice dogs, all of which are now etched into his memories.
As energy and hope of completion were flagging and thoughts of giving up, they were given support by the Yellowknife Mounted Police (not on horseback but on skidoos), who brought out food, drink and just companionship to help in the last few miles of their journey. This spurred the team on and they finished the walk, welcomed by the people of Yellowknife as the first team ever to cross the Lake in winter - they became quite famous in Canada, and the Nottingham Evening Post ran a daily diary of their adventures. - which you can still read on the internet.
Their trek raised £10,000 for the NSPCC.
Barry seems to have the 'adventure' streak in his blood as he is already planning his next journey somewhere to the Andes. He has done it all - Arctic, Antarctic, Kilimanjaro, Mount Blanc, Inca Trail, Everest Base Camp and more locally he can be seen as a steward at Trent Bridge.
Temperatures between -34 to -55 degrees (not including wind chill factors) did not deter the team from completing the journey, in spite of many obstacles in their way, starting with having the wrong skis, heavy sledges, injuries, lack of sleep, energy loss and the COLD!
He read extracts from his accounts of the beautiful scenery - the awe- inspiring colours of the sunrises and sunsets, the Aurora Borealis, the Aurora Corona and ice dogs, all of which are now etched into his memories.
As energy and hope of completion were flagging and thoughts of giving up, they were given support by the Yellowknife Mounted Police (not on horseback but on skidoos), who brought out food, drink and just companionship to help in the last few miles of their journey. This spurred the team on and they finished the walk, welcomed by the people of Yellowknife as the first team ever to cross the Lake in winter - they became quite famous in Canada, and the Nottingham Evening Post ran a daily diary of their adventures. - which you can still read on the internet.
Their trek raised £10,000 for the NSPCC.
Barry seems to have the 'adventure' streak in his blood as he is already planning his next journey somewhere to the Andes. He has done it all - Arctic, Antarctic, Kilimanjaro, Mount Blanc, Inca Trail, Everest Base Camp and more locally he can be seen as a steward at Trent Bridge.
Who do you think you are....
Tuesday October 10th 2023
We had a fun morning enjoying lots of discussion/debate over the celebrity babies, three footballers, royalty and stars of the stage and screen...which we were presented with.
There were some surprising results. Who would have thought John Travolta would turn into a screen heartthrob after seeing his baby photo?
We also had a good selection of members' photos to look at, some were easier to identify than others along with an abundance of Silver Cross prams!
There were some surprising results. Who would have thought John Travolta would turn into a screen heartthrob after seeing his baby photo?
We also had a good selection of members' photos to look at, some were easier to identify than others along with an abundance of Silver Cross prams!
A very buzzy evening
Thursday 28th September 2023
'Phil', the Beeman, owns around 18 hives which keep him extremely buzzy all the time. He appeared wearing the usual 'garb' worn by beekeepers to ensure as little possibility of getting stung as possible. Err, not be the ladies!
Bee-keeping and honey extraction goes back a long, long, long way and in today's times there are concerns regarding the diminishing number of bees which growers rely upon to pollinate the produce we, as humans, eat. However the bees are not the only pollinators, but they are the only ones which produce honey for human consumption.
One of the by-products of honey production is 'propolis' - which has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal properties. It has and continues to be used by the medical profession to speed up the healing of wounds.
Phil talked about the life cycle of the bee, in particular the 'queen bee' whose sole function is to produce eggs. It amused the ladies when he mentioned that the drones are chucked out in autumn/winter time as they are no longer needed!
It was a fascinating talk and judging by the queue to buy the honey his bees made, everyone enjoyed getting to know a little more about honey and honey production.
Bee-keeping and honey extraction goes back a long, long, long way and in today's times there are concerns regarding the diminishing number of bees which growers rely upon to pollinate the produce we, as humans, eat. However the bees are not the only pollinators, but they are the only ones which produce honey for human consumption.
One of the by-products of honey production is 'propolis' - which has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal properties. It has and continues to be used by the medical profession to speed up the healing of wounds.
Phil talked about the life cycle of the bee, in particular the 'queen bee' whose sole function is to produce eggs. It amused the ladies when he mentioned that the drones are chucked out in autumn/winter time as they are no longer needed!
It was a fascinating talk and judging by the queue to buy the honey his bees made, everyone enjoyed getting to know a little more about honey and honey production.
Getting to know you...
Tuesday 12th September
So today didn't go to plan... as our planned speaker was a "no show"....
Instead we played games and learnt a lot about each other. We had a couple of rounds of "the last person standing", then a guessing game on what was anyone's first paid jobs. Quite a few were babysitting or newspaper rounds, although butchers' and bakers' shop work were also amongst them.
We went onto the famous people we have met from Prince Philip and HM the Queen to name drop a couple, a few local celebrities and sports players, to others who have appeared on the small screen and stage.
It just goes to show you don't need a speaker to have a great morning in good company. It was especially good to see our Secretary Janet for the first time in ages, though we know she has continued to do her sterling work in the background.
Janet Tilford has requested small (average 6inches high) soft toys this year for the children's hospital.
Loads of patterns can be found on www.ravelry.com/ - just filter for free, knitting, crochet, toys and hobbies. The choice is huge. Free templates are also available on craftworld craftworld.com/cms/free-toys-to-sew/
Instead we played games and learnt a lot about each other. We had a couple of rounds of "the last person standing", then a guessing game on what was anyone's first paid jobs. Quite a few were babysitting or newspaper rounds, although butchers' and bakers' shop work were also amongst them.
We went onto the famous people we have met from Prince Philip and HM the Queen to name drop a couple, a few local celebrities and sports players, to others who have appeared on the small screen and stage.
It just goes to show you don't need a speaker to have a great morning in good company. It was especially good to see our Secretary Janet for the first time in ages, though we know she has continued to do her sterling work in the background.
Janet Tilford has requested small (average 6inches high) soft toys this year for the children's hospital.
Loads of patterns can be found on www.ravelry.com/ - just filter for free, knitting, crochet, toys and hobbies. The choice is huge. Free templates are also available on craftworld craftworld.com/cms/free-toys-to-sew/
Annesley Hall's connections to Byron and DH Lawrence
David Amos, who has been a guest speaker a couple of times, regaled us with the history of Annesley Hall, from its beginnings to the unfortunate state it is in now.
Mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book as Aneslie (Anna - a pagan masculine name + lea/lie/ley meaning a clearing in the wood). Its church originated in Saxon times, became a Norman Church in 1150, but is now a ruin.
In 1066 King William gave the manor to Ralph Fitz Hubert and from then it passed onto many families ending with Major Robert Chaworth-Musters (or Major Bob). He sold the property to Felley Priory.
There were close connections to Newstead Abbey, Wiverton Hall and Felley Priory, mostly through marriages or as close landowners. They all seemed related in some way!
Byron, so the story goes, became the childhood sweetheart of Mary Ann Chaworth, however she rejected him and married John 'Jack' Musters, Being the rejected romantic, Byron wrote poems which were obviously dedicated to her and the rejected love - The Hills of Annesley' and 'The Dream'.
D.H. Lawrence describes Annesley Hall in his story 'The White Peacock.'
Annesley Hall was sold to the Football Association in 1973, who instead of preserving it began to tear out many of its wood panelling, etc. It suffered 2 fires, the most recent in 2015. However, the present owners, Dennis Rye Ltd, did repair some of the roof, but have done very little to preserve this historic Grade II listed building
Annesley Hall, its church and connections to Annesley and Annesley Woodhouse made a very interesting talk. David himself, has connections to the place as his maternal grandfather became the butler, and his grandmother was the cook; living in the Lodge which can be seen from the road.
If you'd like to know more, go on Google and choose any of the sites - they all hold interesting information about the families who owned Annesley Hall.
www.awcommunity.co.uk
Southwell and Nottingham Church History project
Mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book as Aneslie (Anna - a pagan masculine name + lea/lie/ley meaning a clearing in the wood). Its church originated in Saxon times, became a Norman Church in 1150, but is now a ruin.
In 1066 King William gave the manor to Ralph Fitz Hubert and from then it passed onto many families ending with Major Robert Chaworth-Musters (or Major Bob). He sold the property to Felley Priory.
There were close connections to Newstead Abbey, Wiverton Hall and Felley Priory, mostly through marriages or as close landowners. They all seemed related in some way!
Byron, so the story goes, became the childhood sweetheart of Mary Ann Chaworth, however she rejected him and married John 'Jack' Musters, Being the rejected romantic, Byron wrote poems which were obviously dedicated to her and the rejected love - The Hills of Annesley' and 'The Dream'.
D.H. Lawrence describes Annesley Hall in his story 'The White Peacock.'
Annesley Hall was sold to the Football Association in 1973, who instead of preserving it began to tear out many of its wood panelling, etc. It suffered 2 fires, the most recent in 2015. However, the present owners, Dennis Rye Ltd, did repair some of the roof, but have done very little to preserve this historic Grade II listed building
Annesley Hall, its church and connections to Annesley and Annesley Woodhouse made a very interesting talk. David himself, has connections to the place as his maternal grandfather became the butler, and his grandmother was the cook; living in the Lodge which can be seen from the road.
If you'd like to know more, go on Google and choose any of the sites - they all hold interesting information about the families who owned Annesley Hall.
www.awcommunity.co.uk
Southwell and Nottingham Church History project
The Nottingham Forager
Tuesday 11th July 2023
This morning we enjoyed a talk from Lucy the Nottingham Forager.
She informed us of all the goodies that can be found at this time of year, encouraging us to smell, feel and eat some of the things that she had bought in to show us.
She also very kindly treated us to nettle leaf cake which was delicious.
More informationcan be found on her website www.thenottinghamforager.com/
She informed us of all the goodies that can be found at this time of year, encouraging us to smell, feel and eat some of the things that she had bought in to show us.
She also very kindly treated us to nettle leaf cake which was delicious.
More informationcan be found on her website www.thenottinghamforager.com/
So many memorable songs!
Thursday 22nd June 2023
Lapwings WI's 9th Birthday was a real birthday party - food, drink, a disco and a hot night!
The AGM was quickly dealt with and all votes taken (see AGM information details from Tuesday 13th June).
The table was laden with the 'fuddle' food, soon disappearing as ladies tucked in, all ready to start the dancing.
C.J. Jackson, soul singer, was already giving us a taster session of his music as we ate and then 'the disco' went into full swing. Oh so many notable and memorable songs from the 60s and 70s+. If you weren't dancing (no handbags in sight though!) then you were certainly singing and swaying to the rhythms of the well known songs. Just the right way to celebrate a birthday.
The AGM was quickly dealt with and all votes taken (see AGM information details from Tuesday 13th June).
The table was laden with the 'fuddle' food, soon disappearing as ladies tucked in, all ready to start the dancing.
C.J. Jackson, soul singer, was already giving us a taster session of his music as we ate and then 'the disco' went into full swing. Oh so many notable and memorable songs from the 60s and 70s+. If you weren't dancing (no handbags in sight though!) then you were certainly singing and swaying to the rhythms of the well known songs. Just the right way to celebrate a birthday.
Running Wild Floral Demo
Tuesday 13th June 2023
What a lovely fragrant morning we had as Chrissy from Running Wild Floral Design talked to us about her wild flower cutting garden in Bleasby, how she started and developed it. She talked us through the different types of flowers she grows and how to prepare them for a bouquet.
She then went on to demonstrate how to build a hand tied bouquet using her own beautiful home grown flowers. She explained some of her tricks - using odd numbers, being able to add to an existing bunch, not forgetting the awkward stems, cutting stems at an angle and the depth of water.
All of which resulted in a beautiful bouquet.
Chrissie is on Facebook and Instagram @runningwildfloraldesigns
She then went on to demonstrate how to build a hand tied bouquet using her own beautiful home grown flowers. She explained some of her tricks - using odd numbers, being able to add to an existing bunch, not forgetting the awkward stems, cutting stems at an angle and the depth of water.
All of which resulted in a beautiful bouquet.
Chrissie is on Facebook and Instagram @runningwildfloraldesigns
2023 Annual Meeting Information
To ensure everyone had all the information required this was sent out via an e-mail, as always the Secretary's Report and President's Report are worth another read...
Annual Report by Secretary, Janet Stevenson
Lapwings WI Report 2022 - 2023
150 members joined us again this year
For more fun and friendship with Lapwings here,
With something for all to enjoy once more
With speakers and groups galore.
We had to find a temporary place
When a car crashed into our normal space
The Grove was closed, we had nowhere to meet
But St John’s Hall proved hard to beat.
We’ve had a very busy year with lots to do.
We’ve met Bess of Hardwick and Lady Denman too.
We heard about guide dogs and being deaf aware,
Enjoyed the guitar and did yoga on a chair.
Lapwings WI Report 2022 - 2023
150 members joined us again this year
For more fun and friendship with Lapwings here,
With something for all to enjoy once more
With speakers and groups galore.
We had to find a temporary place
When a car crashed into our normal space
The Grove was closed, we had nowhere to meet
But St John’s Hall proved hard to beat.
We’ve had a very busy year with lots to do.
We’ve met Bess of Hardwick and Lady Denman too.
We heard about guide dogs and being deaf aware,
Enjoyed the guitar and did yoga on a chair.
We line danced together and played table games.
Learning about body language was one of our aims.
We learned to make chocolates and ice cakes too
And heard tales from a pitman and journalist too.
We’ve used ink and alcohol to paint in art class
And made lovely decorations by fusing glass.
Some fabulous arrangements were produced
When our new flower group was introduced.
Our team of gardeners have worked so well
Providing plants to swap and sell.
It looks a picture of perfection
In our wonderful Garden of Reflection.
Learning about body language was one of our aims.
We learned to make chocolates and ice cakes too
And heard tales from a pitman and journalist too.
We’ve used ink and alcohol to paint in art class
And made lovely decorations by fusing glass.
Some fabulous arrangements were produced
When our new flower group was introduced.
Our team of gardeners have worked so well
Providing plants to swap and sell.
It looks a picture of perfection
In our wonderful Garden of Reflection.
As always, our Craft Fair proved another high
With some lovely gifts and food to buy.
We raised lots of money to build our foundations
And supported Maggie’s with a generous donation.
We were all inspired by the Dementia Choir
And look forward to seeing them flying higher.
The Greatest Showman was our sing-a-long choice.
At the Arc we were all in good voice.
Our Summer Picnic is always great fun,
With fab food, company and games in the sun.
Our Clue Walk took us all round the town
Then for fish and chips we all sat down.
With some lovely gifts and food to buy.
We raised lots of money to build our foundations
And supported Maggie’s with a generous donation.
We were all inspired by the Dementia Choir
And look forward to seeing them flying higher.
The Greatest Showman was our sing-a-long choice.
At the Arc we were all in good voice.
Our Summer Picnic is always great fun,
With fab food, company and games in the sun.
Our Clue Walk took us all round the town
Then for fish and chips we all sat down.
Christmas is always a time of good cheer
And our tree was a winner again this year.
All year we’ve made baby clothes and hearts too
And helped the foodbank all year through.
At our Christmas party at the village hall
Rocks ‘n’ Frocks entertained us all.
We have lunched and walked and cycled together
Enjoying the time whatever the weather.
We look forward to sharing another year
With old and new friends we hold so dear
Our President and committee will lead us through
With events and experiences especially for you.
May 2023
And our tree was a winner again this year.
All year we’ve made baby clothes and hearts too
And helped the foodbank all year through.
At our Christmas party at the village hall
Rocks ‘n’ Frocks entertained us all.
We have lunched and walked and cycled together
Enjoying the time whatever the weather.
We look forward to sharing another year
With old and new friends we hold so dear
Our President and committee will lead us through
With events and experiences especially for you.
May 2023
President's address:Joanne Oldham
Well it’s been another fun filled year of activities and events at Lapwings WI. Members have been kept entertained with talks, demonstrations and also enjoyed the sub groups of art, floristry and crafts. The past has been delved into through our ancestry group, we’ve enjoyed keeping fit with netball, walking and cycling and enjoyed each other's company through lunch club and other outings throughout the year.
I personally have been supported by our wonderful committee and members during my first year as president and would be happy to continue for a second year with your approval.
I would also like to thank
JANET STEVENSON
Our beloved secretary who even through periods of ill health still coordinates speakers, writes up the minutes of the meetings and sends us all our weekly email, sometimes from her hospital bed!
Janet we hope you’re soon well enough to attend our meetings, we all miss you so much.
TERESA HOGG
Our treasurer that keeps our books balanced and makes sure we don’t overspend so that we have enough money for all our talks and goodies
JAN CARRIER, KATH HOWARD, SUE ARNOLD, MAGGIE HUCKERBY, JANET TILFORD, ANN WHYTE and JO PARRIS who between them organise our outings, visits, lunch club, walking, cycling and netball. Also the art, floristry and craft classes, send us all birthday cards, organise the breast hearts, twiddle muffs, blankets etc. our Christmas tree and ancestry. They also do all the prep for the meetings and get there early to set up and help pack away. All in all a wonderful team it’s great to be a part of.
But of course alongside the committee there are others that make Lapwings what we are,
RITA PICKERING, GILL STRICKLAND, HELEN CABLE AND KATIE HUNT
Who help Kath with the walking netball
JULIE CHAMBERS AND RITA PICKERING
Who do great work on the Lapwings website which is well worth a look with its wealth of photos of past events, recipes and patterns for knitting and crochet
Available on lapwingswi.weebly.com
SHIRLEY COLEMAN
Who inputs all our details onto the MSC website
KATIE HUNT
and her gardening team for keeping our Garden of Reflection so beautiful and organising the garden swaps
MARGARET JANUSZYK
Who collects all our recycling from meetings and takes it to various collection points.
Last but certainly not least all of you for making this such a wonderful group to be part of, for all the help you give at meetings doing the raffle and refreshments, putting away the chairs and clearing away. All the donations of knitted goods for the places we support, for the food bank items and donations, baked goods and your time for our annual craft fair, which is our only source of income and also provides funds for our designated charity.
May I wish you all a happy and healthy year to come as we approach Lapwings 9th birthday. Here’s to a year of more fun, friendship and laughter
“I propose the adoption of the annual report”
Joanne Oldham
Well it’s been another fun filled year of activities and events at Lapwings WI. Members have been kept entertained with talks, demonstrations and also enjoyed the sub groups of art, floristry and crafts. The past has been delved into through our ancestry group, we’ve enjoyed keeping fit with netball, walking and cycling and enjoyed each other's company through lunch club and other outings throughout the year.
I personally have been supported by our wonderful committee and members during my first year as president and would be happy to continue for a second year with your approval.
I would also like to thank
JANET STEVENSON
Our beloved secretary who even through periods of ill health still coordinates speakers, writes up the minutes of the meetings and sends us all our weekly email, sometimes from her hospital bed!
Janet we hope you’re soon well enough to attend our meetings, we all miss you so much.
TERESA HOGG
Our treasurer that keeps our books balanced and makes sure we don’t overspend so that we have enough money for all our talks and goodies
JAN CARRIER, KATH HOWARD, SUE ARNOLD, MAGGIE HUCKERBY, JANET TILFORD, ANN WHYTE and JO PARRIS who between them organise our outings, visits, lunch club, walking, cycling and netball. Also the art, floristry and craft classes, send us all birthday cards, organise the breast hearts, twiddle muffs, blankets etc. our Christmas tree and ancestry. They also do all the prep for the meetings and get there early to set up and help pack away. All in all a wonderful team it’s great to be a part of.
But of course alongside the committee there are others that make Lapwings what we are,
RITA PICKERING, GILL STRICKLAND, HELEN CABLE AND KATIE HUNT
Who help Kath with the walking netball
JULIE CHAMBERS AND RITA PICKERING
Who do great work on the Lapwings website which is well worth a look with its wealth of photos of past events, recipes and patterns for knitting and crochet
Available on lapwingswi.weebly.com
SHIRLEY COLEMAN
Who inputs all our details onto the MSC website
KATIE HUNT
and her gardening team for keeping our Garden of Reflection so beautiful and organising the garden swaps
MARGARET JANUSZYK
Who collects all our recycling from meetings and takes it to various collection points.
Last but certainly not least all of you for making this such a wonderful group to be part of, for all the help you give at meetings doing the raffle and refreshments, putting away the chairs and clearing away. All the donations of knitted goods for the places we support, for the food bank items and donations, baked goods and your time for our annual craft fair, which is our only source of income and also provides funds for our designated charity.
May I wish you all a happy and healthy year to come as we approach Lapwings 9th birthday. Here’s to a year of more fun, friendship and laughter
“I propose the adoption of the annual report”
Joanne Oldham
Barn Dance
Saturday June 10th 2023
'On the hottest day of the year so far, we danced the night away. We 'dosey doe'd', spun around and had a "reel" good time.
The pictures speak a 1000 words...
The pictures speak a 1000 words...
Thank you Jan for your perserverance and organisational skills, we got there eventually after 4 years... and to Claire and Tim for your hospitality, a Barn Dance in a real barn.
Best bongo Caller Ever....
Who knew an evening of Bingo could be so much fun and that Maggie was such a natural.
1 and 5 15, young and keen.....
5 and 6 56, was she worth it! The hall was filled with laughter.
We also enjoyed a cheese and biscuit supper. I think we can safely say a fun night was had by all.
1 and 5 15, young and keen.....
5 and 6 56, was she worth it! The hall was filled with laughter.
We also enjoyed a cheese and biscuit supper. I think we can safely say a fun night was had by all.
Teacakes and Table Games
Tuesday May 9th 2023
We had a lovely relaxed meeting this morning.
Jo Parris read the WI resolution about clean rivers for people and wildlife, and a vote was taken.
Everyone enjoyed playing the games, with lots of chatting and thinking going on!
Jo Parris read the WI resolution about clean rivers for people and wildlife, and a vote was taken.
Everyone enjoyed playing the games, with lots of chatting and thinking going on!
An Evening with Lady Denman
Thursday 27th April 2023
We began our meeting with a rousing rendition of Jerusalem, although we were told we could have done better!
We had a fascinating evening with 'Lady Denman' as she told us all about her life in a very specific format. We were given numbered questions and as each question was asked by a Lapwing member, it was answered in detail by 'Lady Denman'
We perhaps learnt, at times, a little more than we expected and I think it is fairly clear who was the boss in her household!
But who knew she had "named" Canberra in Australia and was more comfortable on a horse in her flannel shirt and britches that in formal attire. She certainly led an interesting life.
We had a fascinating evening with 'Lady Denman' as she told us all about her life in a very specific format. We were given numbered questions and as each question was asked by a Lapwing member, it was answered in detail by 'Lady Denman'
We perhaps learnt, at times, a little more than we expected and I think it is fairly clear who was the boss in her household!
But who knew she had "named" Canberra in Australia and was more comfortable on a horse in her flannel shirt and britches that in formal attire. She certainly led an interesting life.
Learning the benefits of Chair yoga...
Tuesday 11th April 2023
So a slight change to our programme - we had a session of Chair Yoga as opposed to Chair Pilates. Led by our own Caroline we heard about the different forms of yoga and how it is more than just exercise, whereas Pilates is simply a form of exercise.
We were led through a number of breathing techniques and various exercises based around a chair for support.
It was a fun and very interesting morning and got us all moving and stretching. Thank you Caroline for stepping in at the last moment and guiding us.
We were led through a number of breathing techniques and various exercises based around a chair for support.
It was a fun and very interesting morning and got us all moving and stretching. Thank you Caroline for stepping in at the last moment and guiding us.
Line Dancing Fun
Thursday 23rd March 2023
What a fun evening, we didn't always go in the same direction but we laughed our way through it. We had the benefit of excellent instructions from Lynne Barnard.
With a lot of help from a friend...
Tuesday 14th March 2023
We were delighted to welcome David Newsham and his current guide dog Bridie. David has visited us in the past but this was a first time for Bridie.
David told us about the training and all the fabulous things Bridie can do, from finding the exact milk or bread in the supermarket, to being able ro guide him back to a car in a car park or amazingly a department in Queens Medical Centre! We could all do with a guide dog for the latter!
He talked about living and finding yourself suddenly blind and how having a guide dog gave him back his independence.
David told us about the training and all the fabulous things Bridie can do, from finding the exact milk or bread in the supermarket, to being able ro guide him back to a car in a car park or amazingly a department in Queens Medical Centre! We could all do with a guide dog for the latter!
He talked about living and finding yourself suddenly blind and how having a guide dog gave him back his independence.
His wife Frances also talked about fostering a dog that is in the advanced stages of training, which was of interest to one or two members.
The training and breeding of guide dogs was seriously affected by Covid but is gradually getting back to normal. We heard how dogs are matched to individuals to suit their lifestyle. There is about a two year waiting period but this can depend on the individual and the dogs available.
Members asked lots of questions and it was a really enjoyable and interesting talk. We all fell a little bit in love with Bridie.
The training and breeding of guide dogs was seriously affected by Covid but is gradually getting back to normal. We heard how dogs are matched to individuals to suit their lifestyle. There is about a two year waiting period but this can depend on the individual and the dogs available.
Members asked lots of questions and it was a really enjoyable and interesting talk. We all fell a little bit in love with Bridie.
How to make a drippy cake!
Thursday 23rd February
Sweet Success, a Nottingham cake and accessories business based on Radford Road, entertained the ladies with a demonstration and a little history about the firm.
This year the family run business will be celebrating 30 years, having started in 1993, providing ready baked cakes, fruit cakes and cupcakes, as well as all types of icings, cake bases and cake accessories to cake business and home bakers.
The demonstration showed the ladies how to ice and decorate a drip cake for whatever the occasion. The challenge came with an opportunity to make a rabbit topper out of sugar paste and to complete a cake quiz.
Sweet Success has moved with the demands of the times and now provides vegan cakes and fillings too, giving the ladies an opportunity to taste a vegan cake.
This year the family run business will be celebrating 30 years, having started in 1993, providing ready baked cakes, fruit cakes and cupcakes, as well as all types of icings, cake bases and cake accessories to cake business and home bakers.
The demonstration showed the ladies how to ice and decorate a drip cake for whatever the occasion. The challenge came with an opportunity to make a rabbit topper out of sugar paste and to complete a cake quiz.
Sweet Success has moved with the demands of the times and now provides vegan cakes and fillings too, giving the ladies an opportunity to taste a vegan cake.
A Valentines Seranade
Tuesday 14th Feruary 2023
What a wonderful way to spend Valentine's Day, with music and entertainment from the 60's and 70's provided by the talented Martin Perry and his guitar.
There were lots of entertaining anecdotes and quips and finally we got got to have a sing song - after being banned from singing to one number!
All the more reason to visit Beauvale Priory on a Friday morning so you can listen to Martin all over again.
There were lots of entertaining anecdotes and quips and finally we got got to have a sing song - after being banned from singing to one number!
All the more reason to visit Beauvale Priory on a Friday morning so you can listen to Martin all over again.
Moving some to tears and yet so enjoyable!
Thursday 25th January 2023
What a delightful performance by the one and only 'Our Dementia Choir' of TV and international fame. They entertained the 96 (was this a record!) Lapwings WI ladies with songs, music and dance.
Karen Bonser, the Secretary for the Dementia Choir, spoke of how the group was formed. Her own husband, Mick, a member of the choir, suffers from Alzheimer's - he is only 54. But he is not the youngest member of the choir. It's a condition which unfortunately, can affect those much younger.
The choir performed lively songs, under the direction of Daniela, to which we were invited to clap, sing-a-long and even dance. George had a solo spot and played the harmonica, as did Mick who sang and danced, supported by his wife Karen and the choir.
Then there were the comic interludes provided by Julie, who was determined to get us going and enjoying ourselves too.
It was all amazing, entertaining and moving! The standing ovation was well deserved.
Karen Bonser, the Secretary for the Dementia Choir, spoke of how the group was formed. Her own husband, Mick, a member of the choir, suffers from Alzheimer's - he is only 54. But he is not the youngest member of the choir. It's a condition which unfortunately, can affect those much younger.
The choir performed lively songs, under the direction of Daniela, to which we were invited to clap, sing-a-long and even dance. George had a solo spot and played the harmonica, as did Mick who sang and danced, supported by his wife Karen and the choir.
Then there were the comic interludes provided by Julie, who was determined to get us going and enjoying ourselves too.
It was all amazing, entertaining and moving! The standing ovation was well deserved.
Hear Together
Tuesday 10th January 2023
We welcomed Diana Harbor from the charity Hear Together to talk about hearing loss and it was surprising how much we learnt from her.
We had the chance to reflect on how a loss of hearing would impact on us personally and learnt how statistics show that 1 in 6 people are affected by hearing loss. This statistic bore out in our own group, as of the 41 members in attendance, 6 were aware of a hearing issue.
It can take up to 10 years from becoming aware of a potential problem to accepting and wearing hearing aids! It is thought that up to 6 million people in the UK would benefit from wearing hearing aids, but only £2 million do.
What was perhaps the most surprising information was the impact hearing loss has on your general health with a far greater risk of Dementia, Cardio Vascular disease and Diabetes, if it remains untreated.
Further information can be found at www.heartogether.org.uk/
We had the chance to reflect on how a loss of hearing would impact on us personally and learnt how statistics show that 1 in 6 people are affected by hearing loss. This statistic bore out in our own group, as of the 41 members in attendance, 6 were aware of a hearing issue.
It can take up to 10 years from becoming aware of a potential problem to accepting and wearing hearing aids! It is thought that up to 6 million people in the UK would benefit from wearing hearing aids, but only £2 million do.
What was perhaps the most surprising information was the impact hearing loss has on your general health with a far greater risk of Dementia, Cardio Vascular disease and Diabetes, if it remains untreated.
Further information can be found at www.heartogether.org.uk/