Author: gosforthcentralwi

And I know it’s busy and too commercial but I love it!

I started really getting in the festive mood during the WI Christmas Carol Service on December 5th in St Nicholas Cathedral. It was packed to the rafters with women from all across Northumberland WI branches, all singing their hearts out, all getting into the Christmas spirit. It was lovely. Those of us who went met beforehand in Supernatural cafe for brunch. If you haven’t been, check it out – really good vegetarian and vegan food and a nice ambience.

https://www.facebook.com/Super-Natural-Cafe-788599297887313/

Our December meeting was postponed a week because of the Election as the Church Hall was a Polling Station. Despite being so close to Christmas (we met on the 19th), it was a good turn out with 22 of us there. Maybe it was the lure of the Christmas Hamper or the promise of Janis’s Christmas Crafts or even the escape from all the Christmas “chores”. Whatever it was, it was great to see everyone there and I think we all had a good time, eating and drinking (had to be done!), exercising the brain with Lesley’s Quiz on Famous Women, getting “crafty” (see the photos) and, for 4 of us at least, winning the Raffles. Congrats to Vicky who won the main Hamper – see the picture below – I’m sure you’ll agree that it looked fab. Thanks to everyone who donated goods for the Hamper and bought Raffle tickets – we made £51 for Maggie’s as a result.

Finally, I can’t sign off without saying “thanks” to Asda Gosforth, Ringtons and M&S Gosforth for donating generously to our Raffles. Their donations really helped and were very much appreciated.

Happy Christmas everyone 🙂

Liz

..Because suddenly it’s Christmas and, like many of us, I’m not sure how that happened so quickly 🙂

Looking back, though, November was a memorable month! Our speaker at the November meeting regaled us with stories from his long career in the Police service and particularly his more recent work as a Forensic Artist. It was, of course a very serious topic with some harrowing examples but it did have its lighter moments too. Suffice it to say that the Metro ride home had women looking out for certain dentistry features..

During November, some of us also had a Wine Tasting session at Majestic wines. Very informative and interesting (hic..!). After the Wine Tasting, we walked all the way across the road (not far enough to walk off any of the wine loaded calories) and had supper at the Brandling Arms. A good night was had by all.

Hi everyone

It’s 4.30pm on a Sunday afternoon, it’s nearly dark and it has rained all day…

Just as well then that at our last meeting (on the 10th October) we were given some tips for surviving winter. We all know about wearing layers, keeping your head and toes warm etc etc. All good advice, of course, but the tips I’m talking about are…

Hot chocolate, sticky toffee pudding flavour (!) and ground Coffee with hazelnuts….

YUM!

Courtesy of the lovely Claire and Jack from Whittard’s of Chelsea (Eldon Square), we were treated to a short history of the company  – having first helped ourselves to the tea and biscuits they had brought. As they answered questions, the chocolate beans were passed around for tasting and the Christmas teas and coffees for sniffing!.The senses were well and truly awake…and it was impossible not to be caught up in the atmosphere – Claire and Jack were so passionate about their products and their work.

They were also extremely generous and brought fabulous prizes for our Raffle – check out the photos of the lucky winners, together with Claire and Jack. As if that wasn’t enough, they also gave everyone a “goody bag” of tea and a discount card to take away. My discount has already been claimed…..

And, yes, it went on the Hot Chocolate and Coffee 🙂  – winter, bring it on!

Liz

Hi everyone

I hope you’re all enjoying your summer, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.

Our WI summer got off to a great start when, in early July, some of us had a lovely sunny walk from Monkseaton to Tynemouth (chatting, walking, shopping, eating) and others had an equally sunny day at the Allotments, chatting, examining the budding produce and eating cake!Check out the photos – such a glamorous bunch! Then, at our meeting on July 11th, we heard from Dick and Russell about the work of Amnesty International and also some of what they do as volunteers. Most of us had little idea of the broad range of projects, knowing only about those cases that the media report on. I think it’s fair to say that we were both appalled at the many injustices but also delighted at some of the success stories. Check out their website here https://www.amnesty.org.uk/ for further information and insights.

Summer continues with an informal walk planned for 6.30pm Thursday 8 August. Our very own Chris (trainee City Guide extraordinaire) will lead us on a guided walk of Heaton Park for an hour and then we plan to eat at the restaurant in the park, Sambuca’s. All are welcome to do both or either, though you do need to let me know so I can reserve a big enough table.

Thursday 8th is not a “scheduled” event as we’ve decided to have a summer break and are not meeting as usual at St Nicholas Church Hall.

Our next “proper” meeting is Thursday 12 September – check out the calendar page here for details or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WIGosforthCentral/

It promises to be another great evening, hearing about the work of the Blood Bike Riders. Expect to be informed and inspired and very very grateful. Another side effect is that, once you’ve heard about them, you’ll start seeing them all over the North!

Happy holidays 🙂

Liz

And, no, that’s not a political statement but I couldn’t blame you if you thought it was. What’s going on in London and Europe seems to be front of mind for everyone at the moment.

So, hopefully, I’m going to give you something else to think about – it may not be “world stage” stuff  – but at least it’s something to look forward to!

Our next meeting will feature an introduction to Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is described as a Chinese martial art that also has heath benefits, boosts internal energy and helps with mindfulness and meditation. I don’t know about you but I think we could all do with some of that at the moment!

That’s on Thursday 13 June – usual time, usual place.

We can’t exit May without looking back at the meeting on the 9th when we were given an “Introduction to watercolours” by James Pocklington. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend that night as I had a big birthday bash to go to (not mine, thank heavens). So many people have told me how good it was and I know several have since gone onto James’s website and ordered more of his beautiful cards. I was so disappointed not to meet him that I went down to Grainger Market last Saturday to see if he was there. He wasn’t  😦 – I’m going to have to keep on trying!

Hope to see you all soon,

Liz