Fulham WI

March Meeting - 1 March from 7:30pm

2010-02-26T15:38:25+00:00

The March Fulham WI meeting will take place on Monday 1 March at 7:30pm. Our speaker will be Captain Henry Finnegan of the Welsh Guards.

SPEAKER
Captain Henry Finnegan of the Welsh Guards
"International military operations in Afghanistan since 2001, now known in the UK as OPERATION HERRICK, have increased in size and breadth to match the International Security Assistance Force’s (ISAF) growing geographical intervention. Initially, ISAF’s mission was not effectively described by the media, and the public thus lacked understanding. Now there is a huge amount of media attention driven by several factors including the growing casualty figures - attributed to the dire lack of protected mobility; the public‘s concern about Britain’s global political position; and the huge economic pressures. Whatever the reasons, we are all far more aware of what is going on out there. However, on return from a deployment in Afghanistan everyone wants to know what the actual experience was ‘like’. And that is what I shall cover.
The Welsh Guards Battle Group returned home in October last year after an intense summer tour. Although I will describe what the Welsh Guards were doing and their operations in Nad e Ali, which is at the heart of the ongoing OPERATION MOSHTARAK, my main focus will be to attempt to give a picture of what life is like on the front line in Afghanistan: the daily routine of a Guardsman, living conditions, interaction with locals, the constant patrolling and operations in severe heat, the morale, the risks of road travel with I.E.D.’s, was there anytime to relax... Essentially, I hope to tell you what we lived through for six months in Afghanistan.”

As always, the meeting will be in the upstairs room at the Peterborough/Southern Cross pub on the New Kings Road (on the junction of Wandsworth Bridge Road) nearest tube is Fulham Broadway. Please find here a link to Google Maps for directions. We look forward to welcoming new members and returning members alike.

EVENTS
International Women's Day
Monday, 8 March from 10:30am - 2pm

This is an important day for many women all around the world. On this day, many people celebrate the achievements and strengths of women. As part of the NFWI's Women Reaching Women project, this year we will celebrate International Women's Day by supporting Women for Women Internationals' "Join me on the Bridge" campaign. This campaign will bring women together by meeting on bridges all around the world to show that women everywhere are united in building the bridges of peace and development for our global future.
Together we aim to pressure the international community to fulfil its obligations to meet the Millennium Development Goals, promises made by world leaders in 2000. Each has specific targets, most of which are not on track to be fully achieved by 2015, meaning that millions more women die unnecessarily in childbirth, and millions of girls are denied the basic education which would improve their lives and the lives of future generations.
We don't want women and girls to be forgotten. To raise awareness, we will be leading a walk in London at 10:30am from Victoria Embankment Gardens to the Millennium Bridge where all participants will join together on the bridge for a photo opportunity at 12:00. Please do join us for this significant day and show your solidarity with women worldwide. Please bring either a white banner, sheet, piece of fabric or t-shirt (if you are artistic, painted with your vision of peace). If you would like to attend, please email us with your contact details.

Theatre Group : Private Lives Starring Kim Cattrall
Tuesday, 9 March from 7:30pm

We are going to see Kim Cattrall in Private Lives at the Vaudeville Theatre. If you have not already booked, unfortunately we are unable to get any more tickets for this performance. We do, however, have a waiting list, so please let us know if you would like your name added.

Fulham WI Archery Taster Session
Saturday, 27 March at 2pm

Fun, have-a-go, 1.5 hour archery session at an Islington venue. Includes a safety briefing to start the session, insurance, equipment hire, individual instruction for each person to shoot the first three arrows, tips and advice from an archery instructor throughout the session. The session lasts for 1.5 hours and they've promised to get everyone hitting the target.

Friends are welcome. The cost is £20 per person, cash or cheques payable to '2020 Archery.' If you would like to attend, please email us your contact details. You will also be able to sign up and pay at the March meeting.

Possible Event: Fulher's Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting
29 March - 2 April

The lovely ladies who run Fulher's Brewery in Chiswick have invited us to attend a tour and beer tasting at the time of our choosing during their annual 'Cask Ale Week,' which is a celebration of Britain's national drink. This would be an opportunity for women to taste and learn more about beer, and they in turn are interested in learning about the WI. We will do a count at the March meeting but please do let us know if you are interested and we can arrange.

Clothes Swap/Knitting Meeting
Monday, 5 April from 7:30pm
Our next meeting will be a knitting stitch 'n' bitch evening, along with a clothes swap! More information will be given at the March meeting and a detailed e-mailer will follow.

Possible Addition to Theatre Group: Mrs. Warren's Profession by Bernard Shaw
Wednesday, 19 May from 7:30pm

We are able to get discount top-price tickets for £29.50 each if we have enough numbers. We will be taking names of those interested at the February meeting, but please email us if you know that you would like to see it.
What is Mrs Warren’s profession? Her daughter Vivie has never really known much about her mother. A prim young woman, she has enjoyed a comfortable upbringing, a Cambridge education and a generous monthly allowance. Now she has ambitions to go into Law. Is it conceivable that all this privilege and respectability has been financed from the proceeds of the oldest profession? How will Vivie react when she finds out the awful truth about her mother’s ill-gotten gains?

Shaw’s ultimate test of a mother-daughter relationship is one of his most witty and provocative plays. Written in 1894 but banned from performance until the racy 1920s, Mrs Warren’s Profession lays bare the rampant hypocrisy of Victorian society and its constrained morals.

Theatre Group Dates
We have set the following dates for 2010 theatre outings. Please enter them into your diary and we will work out what we want to go and see nearer the time.

Tuesday 15th June
Tuesday 14th September
Tuesday 30th November

xFulham WI Committee

Upcoming Events

2010-02-09T14:33:01+00:00

We've got lots of upcoming events on our schedule and would love for you to join us!

In particular we would like to draw your attention to our next Theatre Group date on Tuesday, 9 March. Please see below for details:

International Women's Day
Monday, 8 March from 10:30am - 2pm

This is an important day for many women all around the world. On this day, many people celebrate the achievements and strengths of women. As part of the NFWI's Women Reaching Women project, this year we will celebrate International Women's Day by supporting Women for Women Internationals' "Join me on the Bridge" campaign. This campaign will bring women together by meeting on bridges all around the world to show that women everywhere are united in building the bridges of peace and development for our global future.

Together we aim to pressure the international community to fulfil its obligations to meet the Millennium Development Goals, promises made by world leaders in 2000. Each has specific targets, most of which are not on track to be fully achieved by 2015, meaning that millions more women die unnecessarily in childbirth, and millions of girls are denied the basic education which would improve their lives and the lives of future generations.

We don't want women and girls to be forgotten. To raise awareness, we will be leading a walk in London at 10:30am from Victoria Embankment Gardens to the Millennium Bridge where all participants will join together on the bridge for a photo opportunity at 12:00. Please do join us for this significant day and show your solidarity with women worldwide. Please bring either a white banner, sheet, piece of fabric or t-shirt (if you are artistic, painted with your vision of peace). If you would like to attend, please reply to this email giving us your contact details.

Theatre Group : Private Lives Starring Kim Cattrall
Tuesday, 9 March from 7:30pm

Tickets are still available for our theatre outing on Tuesday 9 March to see Private Lives with Kim Catterel and Mathew MacFayden at the Vaudeville Theatre (on Strand ) starting at 7.30pm. We have top price tickets in the stalls with a 20% discount – so we are only paying £39.50 a ticket.

We need to confirm numbers by Sunday 14th (and pay for them) so please let us know if you would like to join us. Cheques to Fulham WI can be sent to Katrina Quinton, 1a Chepstow Hall, 29 Earls Court Square, London SW5 9DB or if not possible brought to the March meeting.

Please let us know if you would like to attend by replying to this email with your contact details.

Fulham WI Archery Taster Session
Saturday, 27 March at 2pm

Fun, have-a-go, 1.5 hour archery session at an Islington venue. Includes a safety briefing to start the session, insurance, equipment hire, individual instruction for each person to shoot the first three arrows, tips and advice from an archery instructor throughout the session. The session lasts for 1.5 hours and they've promised to get everyone hitting the target.

Friends are welcome. The cost is £20 per person, cash or cheques payable to '2020 Archery.' If you would like to attend, please reply to this email giving us your contact details.

x Fulham WI Committee

Meet The Author Invitation - The Magnificent Mrs. Tennant by David Waller

2010-02-03T17:17:17+00:00

Author David Waller is giving a free talk on his new, impressively researched and engaging biography of Gertrude Tennant, a formidable 19th Century hostess, entitled "The Magnificent Mrs Tennant". The talk will be held at Richmond Lending Library on 23rd February from 18.30-19.45.

David was runner-up in the Biographers' Club Prize 2009 for "The Magnificent Mrs Tennant" and has published two other books. He currently works as a writer and business consultant.

Here is a teaser about the book: Gertrude Tennant's life was remarkable for its length, but even more so for the influence she achieved as an unsurpassed London hostess. The salon she established when widowed in her early fifties attracted legions of celebrities. This book recovers the lost life of Gertrude Tennant, drawing on a treasure-trove of recently discovered family papers.

More information about the book can be found via amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Tennant-Runner-up-Biographers-Prize/dp/0300139357/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265203797&sr=1-1

This is not a sponsored event, but Fulham WI members have been invited to attend. Although the event is free, booking is essential. Tickets can be reserved either by calling the library on 0208 940 0981 or online via www.richmond.gov.uk/libraries.

Fulham WI February Meeting - 1 February from 7:30pm

2010-01-28T14:00:00+00:00

Hello Ladies!

The February Fulham WI meeting will take place on Monday 1 February at 7:30pm. Our speaker will be Christine Hodgson of the Chelsea Physic Garden.

Members will have to complete new membership forms for 2010 with their annual subs (£29.50) by the end of February or risk losing their membership. These forms will be available at the February meeting.

SPEAKER

Christine Hodgson: Chelsea Physic Garden
The Chelsea Physic Garden is a jewel on our doorstep. Founded in 1673 as the Apothecaries’ Garden with the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants, Chelsea Physic Garden has been in continual cultivation ever since, maintaining its importance as a centre for education and research. Today, as well as being a fascinating oasis in stunning surroundings, the garden has developed a major role in public education focusing on the renewed interest in natural medicine.
We are delighted to be welcoming Christine Hodgson, an historian who is also a volunteer guide. Christine will be giving us an introduction to the garden and brightening up what is likely to be a dark winter evening with some wonderful pictures of the garden!

Fulham WI Fencing Taster Session
Wednesday, 3 February from 7-9pm

A fun introduction to fencing - the ancient art of swordplay! Only a normal level of fitness is required. All equipment is provided.

The cost is £20 per person, cash or cheques payable to 'Central London Fencing Club.' If you would like to attend, please email us with your contact details. You will also be able to sign up and pay at the February meeting.

International Women's Day
Monday, 8 March from 10:30am - 2pm

This is an important day for many women all around the world. On this day, many people celebrate the achievements and strengths of women. As part of the NFWI's Women Reaching Women project, this year we will celebrate International Women's Day by supporting Women for Women Internationals' "Join me on the Bridge" campaign. This campaign will bring women together by meeting on bridges all around the world to show that women everywhere are united in building the bridges of peace and development for our global future.
Together we aim to pressure the international community to fulfil its obligations to meet the Millennium Development Goals, promises made by world leaders in 2000. Each has specific targets, most of which are not on track to be fully achieved by 2015, meaning that millions more women die unnecessarily in childbirth, and millions of girls are denied the basic education which would improve their lives and the lives of future generations.

Theatre Group : Private Lives Starring Kim Cattrall
Tuesday, 9 March from 7:30pm

We are planning to see Private Lives starring Kim Cattrall at the Vaudeville Theatre. We are unable to get group tickets as yet but are hoping to have them for around £35 - £40 each. Please let us know if you would like to attend please email us your contact details. You will also be able to sign up at the February meeting.

Fulham WI Archery Taster Session
Saturday, 27 March at 2pm

Fun, have-a-go, 1.5 hour archery session at an Islington venue. Includes a safety briefing to start the session, insurance, equipment hire, individual instruction for each person to shoot the first three arrows, tips and advice from an archery instructor throughout the session. The session lasts for 1.5 hours and they've promised to get everyone hitting the target.

Friends are welcome. The cost is £20 per person, cash or cheques payable to '2020 Archery.' If you would like to attend, please email us your contact details. You will also be able to sign up and pay at the February meeting.

Theatre Group Dates
We have se the following dates for 2010 theatre outings. Please enter them into your diary and we will work out what we want to go and see nearer the time.

Tuesday 15th June
Tuesday 14th September
Tuesday 30th November

x Fulham WI Committee

http://www.fulhamwi.org.uk

Contact Us:

Fulham WI January Meeting - 4 January from 7:30pm

2009-12-30T14:17:20+00:00

Happy New Year!

The January Fulham WI meeting will take place on Monday 4 January at 7:30pm.  Our speakers will be Oliver Symons of the Royal Ballet and Christopher Millard of London Transport Police.

Members will have to complete new membership forms for 2010 with their annual subs (£29.50) by the end of February or risk losing their membership. These forms will be available at the January and February meetings.

SPEAKERS

Oliver Symons: In and Around The Royal Ballet

Local Fulham resident Oliver Symons has been involved in dance, in one form or another, since 1954. He retired in 2001 after 36 years with The Royal Ballet, 15 as Ballet Master of ‘Ballet for All’, the remainder as Assistant Ballet Master with the Company at Covent Garden. He appeared in a number of ballets, most notably as an Ugly Sister, Widow Simone and Mrs Tiggywinkle, as well as in many similar roles. Oliver was a teacher for the Company and supervised its education programme for several years.

Prior to his career with The Royal Ballet Oliver was a founder member of Western Theatre Ballet, dancing with the company for seven years, following which he danced at the Zurich Opera House for a year.

Since his retirement Oliver has become an experienced raconteur, having given over 100 talks, so we look forward to hearing his tales entitled ‘In and Around The Royal Ballet’.

Christopher Millard from the London Transport Police will also be coming to give us all some quick tips on keeping safe on the tube. He will briefly introduce our local British Transport Police Neighbourhood Policing Team, what their aims are and how they intend to achieve them. He will also take any questions that we may have.

As always, the meeting will be in the upstairs room at the Peterborough/Southern Cross pub on the New Kings Road (on the junction of Wandsworth Bridge Road) nearest tube is Fulham Broadway. Please find here a link to Streetmap for directions. We look forward to welcoming new members and returning members alike.

EVENTS

Fulham WI Fencing Taster Session

Wednesday, 3 February from 7-9pm

A fun introduction to fencing - the ancient art of swordplay! £20 per person, cheques payable to 'Central London Fencing Club.' Only a normal level of fitness is required. All equipment is provided. Just wear tracksuit bottoms, a t-shirt, and trainers. If you would like to attend, please email us with your contact details and 'Fencing Taster' in the subject line.

International Women's Day

Monday, 8 March from 10:30am - 2pm

This is an important day for many women all around the world. On this day, many people celebrate the achievements and strengths of women. As part of the NFWI's Women Reaching Women project, this year we will celebrate International Women's Day by supporting Women for Women Internationals' "Join me on the Bridge" campaign. This campaign will bring women together by meeting on bridges all around the world to show that women everywhere are united in building the bridges of peace and development for our global future.

Together we aim to pressure the international community to fulfil its obligations to meet the Millennium Development Goals, promises made by world leaders in 2000. Each has specific targets, most of which are not on track to be fully achieved by 2015,
meaning that millions more women die unnecessarily in childbirth, and millions of girls are denied the basic education which would improve their lives and the lives of future generations.

We don't want women and girls to be forgotten. To raise awareness, we will be leading a walk in London at 10:30am from Victoria Embankment Gardens to the Millennium Bridge where all participants will join together on the bridge for a photo opportunity at 12:00. Please do join us for this significant day and show your solidarity with women worldwide. Please bring either a white banner, sheet, piece of fabric or t-shirt (if you are artistic, painted with your vision of peace). If you would like to attend, please email us your details with the subject line 'International Women's Day.'

Fulham WI Archery Taster Session

Saturday, 27 March at 2pm

Fun, have-a-go, 1.5 hour archery session. £20 per person, cheques payable to '2020 Archery.' Includes a safety briefing to start the session, insurance, equipment hire, individual instruction for each person to shoot the first three arrows, tips and advice from an archery instructor throughout the session. The session lasts for 1.5 hours and they've promised to get everyone hitting the target. Strictly no alcohol beforehand. Please wear comfortable and footwear, warm clothes, no heels, no baggy sleeves. Robin hood hats entirely optional! Islington venue. Friends welcome.

Theatre Group Dates
We have se the following dates for 2010 theatre outings. Please enter them into your diary and we will work out what we want to go and see nearer the time.

Tuesday 9th March
Tuesday 15th June
Tuesday 14th September
Tuesday 30th November

x Fulham WI Committee

http://www.fulhamwi.org.uk

Contact Us:

Fulham WI December Meeting - 7 December from 7:30pm

2009-12-02T11:57:57+00:00

The December Fulham WI meeting will take place on Monday 7 December at 7:30pm.

The December meeting is a special edition. Our speaker will be Clare Watson of Miss Dress, a stylist who will bring along high street fashions and tell us how we can wear them! We will of course be holding our annual mince pie competition (possibly to be featured in the Mail on Sunday) and also a couple of people selling pretty things for Christmas presents and parties. Additionally, we will supply a few bottles of wine to start the festive period!

Members will have to complete new membership forms for 2010 with their annual subs (£29.50) by the end of February or risk losing their membership. These forms will be available at the December, January, and February meetings.

SPEAKER

Clare Watson – Styling for the party season!

Clare Watson has been a stylist for 8 years. Since graduating with a degree in Fashion Promotion from the prestigious Surrey Institute of Art and Design, Clare has strived at carving herself a highly successful career as a fashion stylist.

She has travelled around the world working on both photographic shoots and film productions for a multitude of British and International media publications and advertising projects styling men, women and children. Her work has covered all areas from high end fashion magazines, mainstream commercials and celebrity shoots to personal shopping for individual clients. Some of her clients to date include; BBC, CDUK, Guardian Newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, Glamour Magazine, London ’s Liberty store and Timeout. She has also worked with the likes of Hollywood actresses Renee Zellwegger and Mandy Moore as well Duran Duran, Jamelia and Will Young.

Clare’s in-depth knowledge of fashion, coupled with her experience in styling normal everyday people prompted her to set up her own company; Miss Dress (http://www.miss-dress.com) to offer firsthand, the secrets of celebrity style, top fashion advice and styling know how and ultimately an individual service that shows anybody no matter what shape, size or situation how to look amazing any time of the day.

At our December meeting Clare will offer a very light hearted look at fashion, with an underlying tone of the importance style and ideas on how to revamp individuals’ looks. She will walk us through current trends, teach us how to dress to suit our shapes and leave us with top styling secret tricks on how to revamp an outfit in seconds. Clare will be bringing a selection of clothes and accessories with her, all be available from current stores, and will spend the evening preparing all of us for making a splash this Christmas!

A £25 discount off Miss Dress services will be offered to all FWI ladies attending on the evening.

As always, the meeting will be in the upstairs room at the Peterborough/Southern Cross pub on the New Kings Road (on the junction of Wandsworth Bridge Road) nearest tube is Fulham Broadway. Please find here a link to Streetmap for directions. We look forward to welcoming new members and returning members alike.

EVENTS

The Wave Climate Change March – Saturday 5 December

11am

As you may be aware, there is a climate change march taking place in Central London on 5 December, which the WI is involved with. The march is organised by the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, of which the WI is a founder member, and is timed to coincide with the UN climate change talks in Copenhagen. They are really looking forward to seeing lots of WI members at the march. Members are coming from around the country and it would be great to have a really fantastic showing from the London area.

What:    a march around the Houses of Parliament, starting from Grosvenor Square
When: 5 December, meet at 11am. The march should finish at around 3.30pm.
Where: meet in the event room, Mayfair Library, 25 South Audley Street, London, W1K 2PB
Why:     to draw attention to the dangers of runaway climate change and provide decision-makers with the grassroots mandate to take strong action at the UN Climate Change talks in Copenhagen
Wear:    something blue!!

Thrive Battersea Christmas Wreath Sale

This year’s charity Thrive Battersea are selling exclusive Christmas wreaths designed by Simon Lycett. They will be available to order for £9.99 and order forms will be available at the December meeting.

Theatre Group Dates

We have se the following dates for 2010 theatre outings. Please enter them into your diary and we will work out what we want to go and see nearer the time.

Tuesday 9^th March

Tuesday 15^th June

Tuesday 14^th September

Tuesday 30^th November

MERCHANTS

Jules Charms

Jules Charms is back with a brilliant new website www.charmnecklaces.co.uk, showcasing lots of lovely jewellery collections. Jules makes stunning sterling silver and gold plated charm necklaces, charm bracelets, charm earrings, charm bangles and button rings. Each piece is created with great charm and attention – so most designs are unique, funky and oh so wearable. Jules like to source lots of fabulous vintage, new and unusual beads, charms and pendants – it’s her love of all things trinkety that make Jules Charms what it is today. Jules takes personal commissions – whatever you would like, Jules can pretty much make it for you. She also does home jewellery parties and sets up shop in your office too. Check out the website for all the information and sign up to the monthly newsletter, to get exclusive offers and exciting news! www.charmnecklaces.co.uk

Laurel Wilson

“flights of fancy fascinators

feathers, flowers and fripperies for everyone!”

Using a variety of materials from opulent velvet and grosgrain ribbons, antique marcasite brooches, feathers (from free-range British poultry breeders wherever possible) to butterflies, bumblebees and hummingbirds, each of Laurel Wilson’s fascinators and headpieces is completely unique.

From statement pieces to show off at the office party to chic, understated embellishments for a Christmas wedding, there is something for everyone – including the younger members of the family who will be delighted by this year’s new collection of neon brights!

Laurel also makes bespoke headdresses and fascinators for weddings and special occasions so do feel free to come and chat to her during the evening.

Patchi’s and Flaxi’s

We are deligted to be welcoming back Natalie and her bespoke cushions! Many of you will remember Natalie from our Christmas meeting last year, or have met her at the Parson’s Green Fair this summer. Now is your opportunity to snaffle some of her wares as extra special Christmas presents or commission her to create something just for you!   Natalie is extremely excited to announce the launch of her new website www.patchisandflaxis.com for her cushion company Patchi’s and Flaxi’s!

Natalie makes hand-made cushions by clashing different fabrics and textures together, such as silks, wools, velvets, felts and cottons, and adds beads and buttons, to achieve dynamic cushions. Natalie enjoys what she does so much, that she feels each cushion she makes has positive energy and karma behind it.

You can contact Natalie at natalie@patchisandflaxis.com or on her mobile 07532282058, to order Ready-Made Cushions and Personalised Cushions, for which you can choose the theme, the colour, the size, the fabric, including fabric which you already have or your old clothes, and to be piped and zipped. Natalie can deliver your cushion to wherever you are, since her cushions have already travelled far and wide to Portugal, Ireland, Malta, Canada, Australia and Luxembourg. With Natalie’s four years experience in Interior Design and recently having supplied a £13 million Belgravia home with stunning silk and velvet cushions, Natalie also offers Interior Design advice and property site visits,

You can see more Patchi’s and Flaxi’s cushions on some Sundays at Spitalfields Market in East London, on Etsy’s online store at www.tinyurl.com/patchisandflaxis and at Pop-In’s funky hairdressers in Kennington, London.



x Fulham WI Committee

http://www.fulhamwi.org.uk

Contact Us:

FWI Committee

2009-12-01T15:27:00+00:00

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Join The Wave - London, 5 December - Climate Change March

2009-11-23T16:09:01+00:00

As you may be aware, there is a climate change march taking place in Central London on 5 December, which the WI is involved with. The march is organised by the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, of which the WI is a founder member, and is timed to coincide with the UN climate change talks in Copenhagen. They are really looking forward to seeing lots of WI members at the march. Members are coming from
around the country and it would be great to have a really fantastic showing from the London area.

SNAPSHOT
What:    a march around the Houses of Parliament, starting from Grosvenor Square
When: 5 December, meet at 11am. The march should finish at around 3.30pm.
Where: meet in the event room, Mayfair Library, 25 South Audley Street, London, W1K 2PB
Why:     to draw attention to the dangers of runaway climate change and provide decision-makers with the grassroots mandate to take strong action at the UN Climate Change talks in Copenhagen
Wear:    something blue!!

What - march in London

Before the march, WI members will gather in the events room of the Mayfair Library (see 'where' details below). This is an opportunity to meet members who have similar interests, catch up with people you haven't seen for a while, enjoy some light lunch and to feel a little more at home if you've never been on a march before. During this gathering, we'll be handing out banners and placards for people to carry with them on the march - if you have any from your federation or WI, please feel free to bring them along!

At midday, we will head over to Grosvenor Square for the start of the march, staying together as a WI group. There will be a rally in Grosvenor Square whilst people assemble, then we'll move towards Westminster via Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and 10 Downing Street before encircling Parliament. The climax will be as Big Ben chimes 3pm, when a wave of blue will flow through the people circling parliament. The Wave will then pass over Westminster Bridge and disperse.

This event is being organised to demonstrate the diversity of support across the UK to tackle climate change. Other organisations attending include the RSPB, Oxfam, Cafod, Christian Aid and many more, and the event is designed to be family-friendly and welcoming. Throughout the planning, safety and security of the event have been a priority and the organisers are working in close cooperation with the police and other agencies to ensure that the day enables safe, peaceful and lawful protest.

Please see the Stop Climate Chaos website for more information:
http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/the-wave

When - 11am, 5 December 2009

WI members should meet at the Mayfair Library from 11am. We will leave to join the march at approximately midday.

Where - meet in the Mayfair Library, South Audley Street

WI members should meet in the events room of the Mayfair Library, 25 South Audley Street, London, W1K 2PB. A map of the location can be found by clicking here. We will then move to Grosvenor Square, which is approximately a 10 minute walk from the Mayfair Library.

Why - to raise awareness for Climate Change

This march coincides with the start of the UN Climate Change talks in Copenhagen - these are probably the most important discussions which world leaders have taken part in for the last decade, if not generation, and have the power to secure or destroy our world for the future. By turning out in great numbers, we're signifying to our leaders in the UK that we want urgent action to tackle climate change and we want it now. As WI members, this supports our Women and Climate Change campaign, as women around the world will be the ones who suffer first and hardest from the effects of climate change. We urgently need to make our voices heard.

Wear - something blue!

Please make sure that you are wearing something blue on the day - a hat, some gloves, a scarf, a coat, a whole blue outfit, even just bringing a blue umbrella will do! We're trying to create a blue wave around Parliament, to symbolise the rising waters which will be a direct result of climate change.

How (to get there and away)

The Mayfair Library is located within easy reach of Marble Arch, Green Park and Bond Street tube stations, as well as many bus routes. The closest station to the end of the march is Westminster. To check the best way of getting there for you, please use the TFL journey planner, using your start point and the library's postcode (W1K 2PB) to find the best route.

James Bond Cocktail Party A Success!

2009-11-17T16:48:51+00:00

The James Bond inspired cocktail party on 17^th October was a very jolly evening. Guests included ‘Austin Powers’, Rosa Klebb, M, Moneypenny, Q, as well as glamorous, sophisticated bright young things and dinner jacketed gentlemen. The University Women’s Club was a lovely venue – with glorious flowers swagging the staircase where guests were greeted with a choice of three cocktails. The Roulette table made millionaires of some of us, namely Jo Hackett, and the rest of us lost our shirts but seeing as it was all toytown money and not for real there was no guilt or shame involved at all and at least we now know the rules of the game! The croupier was very understanding.

We were very pleased to be joined by Sue who runs Thrive along with Jo Bell a volunteer and also Tabitha who came to the conclusion that she might like to become a member so not only did we have a good time but maybe have increased our numbers too! It was great that Judith Buchanan was able to join us too as she had chosen Thrive as her charity for the Windsor half marathon so was able to meet the people too.

The raffle prizes were very generous, varying from massage and hair products, to Boden vouchers and books, via tea, fencing lessons, the Make Lounge, a Walker Slater document bag and original art work by Jaci Hogan. All went to good homes – and it seemed it was almost a wish fulfillment session that the person who wanted it most won it. Not sure how we managed that when we raised over £200 on ticket sales but we did.

At the end of the evening groups of friends drifted off into the evening, whether to continue partying, going out to supper or home to toad-in-the-hole and everyone it seemed had had a happy time and helped us raise more money for Thrive.

Thanks are owed to everyone who came, those who bought raffle tickets (especially those who couldn’t join us), those who got us the wonderful raffle prizes and those who organized it. Thank you.

PS – More photos can be found on our Flickr site and on the Facebook group page. Be sure to have a look!

x Fulham WI Committee

Upcoming Events

2009-11-17T16:40:00+00:00

Upcoming Events

Holiday Gift-Making at Pottery Cafe - Thursday 19 November 7:30pm - 10pm

We will be spending the evening of 19 November painting pottery at the Pottery Cafe in Fulham. Choose from the menu of handmade pottery, select your paints and sponges, and have a go! If you aren't comfortable decorating freehand, don't worry - they have their own unique range of decorating sponges that are very easy to use. You will be amazed how professional your finished item looks - perfect for personalised gift-giving.

There is a £5.95 studio fee (per person, per session - NOT per item) to cover all materials plus glazing and firing of your decorated items, which are charged separately. A list of available pottery can be found on the website: http://www.pottery-cafe.com/index.html.

It’s still not too late to add your name to the list! To book your place, please email us with your contact details, quoting ‘Pottery Café’ in the subject line.

Reclaim The Night - Saturday 21 November from 6pm

As part of the NFWI's 'End Violence Against Women' campaign members have been invited to join other organisations working for women and to end violence on a march to demand justice for rape survivors.

According to the Reclaim the Night website: The British Crime Survey (2001) found that there are an estimated 47,000 rapes every year, around 40,000 attempted rapes and over 300,000 sexual assaults. Yet our conviction rate is the lowest it has ever been, one of the lowest in Europe, at only 5.3%. This means that more rapists were convicted in the 1970s when Reclaim The Night marches first started than they are now. Did you know that the maximum sentence possible for rape is life imprisonment? Probably not, because rarely are rapists even reported or convicted, let alone with a realistic sentence. This situation has to change. This is a women-only march, details below:

Assemble 6pm (march to start promptly at 6.30pm)

Whitehall Place, Central London Map here

To confirm your attendance, please email us with your contact details, quoting ‘Reclaim the Night’ in the subject line.

Save The Children Christmas Cocktail – Tuesday 1 December 1pm – 9pm

Save the Children are hosting their annual 'Christmas Cocktail' at the Banqueting House, Whitehall on Tuesday 1^st December from 1pm to 9pm and have invited the members of Fulham WI. Admission will cost £8 and include a glass of wine and canapes throughout. There will be stalls, tombola and a champagne bar - a perfect way to start the Christmas season with a spot of charity!

Everyone is welcome so please bring family and friends along.

x Fulham WI Committee