Constellations theatre trip

A group of London West End WI ladies braved the cold on Wednesday to watch the very interesting Constellations at the Duke of York's theatre.

Starring Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall, Constellations explores, love, bee keeping and physics!

Source

Constellations will be at the Duke of York's until Saturday the 5th of January 2013, so buy your tickets soon.

Kieren

London West End Women's Institute Secretary

Craft Club 4/12/2012

Made by me! Pattern can be found here.

We will be meeting for the last Craft Club of 2012 on Tuesday. All levels of experience are welcome. Bring along any works in progress or forgotten projects that you have to the Seven Dials Club, in Covent Garden from 6:00pm.

See you there,
Kieren
London West End Women's Institute Secretary

November meet: quick round up

Source

A merry time was had by all as we voted in our new committee. 

We would like to thank all of the committee members for their work and dedication over the year, to everyone who baked or helped at our cake stalls, and also to all our members for joining us, coming to the meetings, and making this such a fun, interesting and diverse group of ladies to be a part of. Here's to the next 12 months!

If you are interested in joining the London West End WI or finding out more about what we do send us an e-mail on londonwestendwi@gmail.com .

20th November meet: AGM & Cocktails

source

We will be having our Annual General Meeting this November, where we will be voting for our new committee. To follow we will be tasting an array of cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

See you there,

Kieren
London West End Women's Institute Secretary

Craft Club 6/11/2012

source

...or crochet, cross stitch, stitch, mend. 

What ever your skill level or experience bring along any projects you are working on (or have abandoned) or clothes that need mending.

Where? We will be meeting at the Seven Dials Club in Covent Garden from 6:00pm. 42 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LA. Near the Cambridge Theatre.

Kieren

London West End Women's Institute Secretary

October meet: quick round up

For our October meeting Barbara gave us a jewellery demonstration. Barbara has only been making jewellery for a year and has produced such beautiful pieces.

Barbara and some of her lovely pieces of jewellery

A man appeared with a vacuum cleaner

Barbara helping some of our members

If you are interested in joining the London West End WI or finding out more about what we do send us an e-mail on londonwestendwi@gmail.com .

Kieren, London West End Secretary

16th October meet: Pimp my Jewellery

The lovely Barbara will be showing us how we can give our old or broken jewellery a new lease of life. Bring along any odd earrings, broken necklaces, chains and buttons to transform into a beautiful pieces to our usual home at St George's.

source

If you are interested in joining or finding out more about the LWEWI feel free to come and have a nice chat and a piece of cake with us to find out more, or send us an e-mail on londonwestendwi@gmail.com .

Kieren, London West End Secretary

Craft Club 2/10/2012

After much demand (mainly from me!) we will be starting Craft Club again. Whether your passion is cross stitch or crochet, feel free to bring along any WIPs or forgotten projects. All levels of experience welcome!

The last thing I made!

Where? We will be meeting at the Seven Dials Club in Covent Garden from 6:00pm. 42 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LA. Near the Cambridge Theatre.

source

Open House 22nd-23rd September 2012

Open House is the annual opportunity to discover and find out more about unique spaces and buildings within London, this weekend Open House is at our home, St George's which is regarded for its majestic portico and stepped tower with lion and unicorn sculptures. You will find us selling home made refreshments on both Saturday and Sunday, we'd love to see you there!

St George's, Bloomsbury source

If you are interested in joining or finding out more about the LWEWI feel free to come and have a nice chat and a piece of cake with us to find out more, or send us an e-mail on londonwestendwi@gmail.com .

Kieren, London West End Secretary

September meet: quick round up

For our September meeting we were extremely lucky to have a talk from Geraldine Beskin from Atlantis Bookshop. Geraldine is an excellent speaker and I recommend that you pop into Atlantis Bookshop on Museum street.

Source

Source

If you are interested in joining the London West End WI or finding out more about what we do send us an e-mail on londonwestendwi@gmail.com .

Kieren, London West End Secretary

18th September meet: Geraldine Beskin

Established in 1922 Atlantis Bookshop is the oldest independent Occult bookseller in the world

Geraldine Beskin from Atlantis Bookshop will give a talk on Women of the Golden Dawn.  The Golden Dawn was a magical order established in Bloomsbury in 1888, Geraldine Beskin is an expert on the Occult World and along with her daughter is co-owner of Atlantis Bookshop in Bloomsbury www.theatlantisbookshop.com We will be at our usual home of Upper Vestry Hall at St.George's Bloomsbury (Bloomsbury Way). Use the rear entrance to the church on Little Russell street between Museum St & Bury Place. Look for the iron railings & gate.  Guests very welcome if you would like to come try us out!  6.30-8.30pm, doors open from 6pm.  Guests pay £3. Kieren London West End WI Secretary

The 4th Phoenix Garden Agricultural Show & St. Giles Fayre recap

Saturday was the 4th Phoenix Garden Agricultural Show & St. Giles Fayre, it was a village fete in the capital. The beautiful Phoenix Gardens was the host of such delights as a brilliant brass band, Punch and Judy, farm animals, fancy pigeons and of course us. We were extremely pleased to be asked to run the cake stall at the fayre, donning our aprons we did a fantastic job of feeding the visitors. 

Pictures from our stall, along with some members of our committee 

Some of the highlights of the 4th Phoenix Garden Agricultural Show & St. Giles Fayre on Saturday

Fancy Pigeon

If you are interested in joining the London West End WI or finding out more about what we do send us an e-mail on londonwestendwi@gmail.com .

Kieren, London West End Secretary

Saturday 1st September 2012 12 - 6pm The 4th Phoenix Garden Agricultural Show & St. Giles Fayre

The Westend WI are proud to announce our involvement with The 4th Phoenix Garden Agricultural Show & St. Giles Fayre. The fayre is a great day out for the family and will be the biggest yet featuring: farm animals, morris dancers, punch & judy, a brass band, fancy pigeons, spinners & weavers, BBQ, show art competition, show marketplace and of course us!

If you are interested in joining or finding out more about the LWWI feel free to come and have a nice chat and a piece of cake with us to find out more, or send us an e-mail on londonwestendwi@gmail.com .

Dates for the Diary - August

Next Meeting

Tuesday 21st August 

Summer Get-together

At our next meeting, on Tuesday 21st August, we will be having a summer get-together, and we'd also like to have a discussion with you all about the future of our WI, and what sort of things you'd like us to organise.  Ideas for getting more members are also welcome!  We'll also have some sewing if you want to get crafty, so please do come along from 6.00pm, and bring some refreshments, some sewing and some ideas!  (If all committee members could try to attend, that would be fab as we really need to have a committee meeting.)

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Bake Sales

A quick reminder - we have two table sales coming up in September.  

Saturday 1st September is Phoenix Gardens, and we'll need both helpers on the day and bakers of cakes (+ makers of jams, etc) to help out. 

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September is Open House weekend, and we'll be doing the refreshments for St Georges on both days. Again, helpers and bakers are needed.

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London WIs Picnic, 15th September

As mentioned in previous dates for the diary, on Saturday 15th September,  George from the Barnes WI is arranging a picnic in Hyde Park for members of London WIs.  I hope some of our members will be able to come along?  Details are here:

MEETING VENUE: Hyde Park near'ish' the Princess Diana Memorial Playground which is near Queensway Tube.
TIME: from 12 noon
WHAT TO BRING: Something to share to eat and/or drink and something to sit on. 
WHAT YOU'LL GET: lots of fun and laughter as well as ideas for meeting and speakers.  

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Craft Club Training

Dear Federations and London WIs

I apologise for the short notice but we have, today, received the following dates for free Craft Club Training Events and a Cinema event and would be grateful if you could publicise to your members.  Please remember that WI ladies can claim up to £50 travel expenses to attend the free training sessions and should complete an NFWI Expenses form attached.

These are the upcoming Craft Club training dates:

London Craft Club Training
Friday 14th September 2012
Pump House Gallery
Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
Morning session - 10.00-12.30
Afternoon session - 14.00-16.30
(we are running two short sessions to accommodate high demand for London events. The two sessions are the same)
Booking at www.craftclub.org.uk/volunteer

North West Craft Club training
Friday 19th October 2012
10.30-15.30
Manchester Art Gallery
Mosley Street, Manchester
M2 3JL
Booking at www.craftclub.org.uk/volunteer

And our South East Cinema event

Cinema knit-along with Craft Club
Saturday 8th September
12.00-13.00
FREE family event
Cinema City Norwich
St Andrew's Street, Norwich.
NR2 4AD
booking at www.craftclub.org.uk

Dates for the Diary July 2012

Hello Ladies
A brief but cheery thought for the month.

Most people have never learned that one of the main aims in life is to enjoy it.

LWWI July Meeting

Tuesday 17^th July 2012

The speaker on Tuesday will be Emily Clark from The Mayhew Animal Home

The Mayhew Animal Home was established in 1886 it is one of the busiest animal welfare organisations in London. As well as rescuing and re-homing, the Mayhew run a Foster Care programmes for cats and dogs awaiting adoption and a Pet Refuge programme for pet owners in crisis, allowing them to place their animals in a caring foster home for a short period of time.   

Do join us on Tuesday for a glass of wine for what promises to be an interesting and entertaining evening among friends

Members / Non-members please bring a bottle / food 

 

Thank you x

http://themayhew.org

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Jubilee Street Party Photos

Kate & Helena have sent us a link to some photos from the Jubilee Street Party
 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24190460@N08/sets/72157629998016091/

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Interesting twitter competition deadline 13th July 2012

Writers & Artists are also launching a Twitter competition to find the book idea with the most potential to follow the success of Fifty Shades. The idea must be Tweet-sized and submitted to @Writers_Artists by Friday 13th July. The winner will receive a free Writers’ & Artists’ How Strong Is Your Book Idea consultation with an agent and editor, worth £119

I thought your members might be interested in entering this competition too.

Very best wishes

Claire Daly

Bloomsbury Institute Events Manager
Direct Line: +44 (0)207 631 5717
www.bloomsburyinstitute.com

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August Meeting

We want  know what your feelings are about having an August meeting.

Also how would members feel about resurrecting the sewing club? it was a great way to socialise outside of WI and work on craft projects or just get to know each other better.

Please either speak to Pam at the meeting on the 17th or email her at londonwestendwi@gmail.com

************************************************** 
Bloomsbury Fair - Rescheduled to August 2012

The Bloomsbury Fair has been rescheduled due to the weather to Friday 17th August 12-9.30pm

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London Forum

LWEWI were the second London WI to be formed in 2006, and now there are over 25 WI branches in London and more in the pipeline. For financial reasons, a London Federation  would not be possible at the moment so the next best thing would be to start using the London Forum to exchange ideas, recommend speakers, unite for campaigns, have joint events and outings etc.

( Before 1980 a WI branch could only be formed in an area where the population was under a certain number, i.e. rural areas, and it was only when the rules changed that WIs were able to be formed in the suburbs, who came under the Federation they were geographically closer to. When WIs began to mushroom in London twenty years later  they were divided between the 5 counties surrounding London; Surrey, Essex, Middlesex, West Kent & Hertfordshire)

 It is a rather long winded process but If you would like to become part of the London WI Forum

    1.       Contact LWEWI’s MCS officer Jenny Anderson who will add your email address to your MCS entry   londonwestendwi@gmail.com
    2.       24 hours later you should receive an email with your user name & temporary password from NFWI , then go to  www.witraining.org.uk to login in
    3.       The London Forum is in the “Your WI”
    4.       You will then need an a password so you contact London WI Forum teacher (Anna Hartley)
    5.       Approximately 12 hours later Anna Hartley will email you back to say that you are now registered  with The London Forum – SIMPLES !

 **************************************************

Website of the Month 

Found this super resource which I thought some of you might be interested in: www.alison.com

Check out this site with the most amazing food photography. It will not be at all what you are expecting:

http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/article/28-fascinating-food-art-photos.html?nl=Email-July-04-2012-foodnetworkweekly&utm_source=email-foodnetwork&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=updates-date-04-July-12

As always don't forget to use our Amazon link when shopping at Amazon.co.uk

Can you help with the following?

simone.christensen@gmail.com sent us the following request for help

Does anyone know of an after school childcare person who can speak French or Italian?
They would need to collect a child after 3pm each day from Our Lady of Grace Infant School in Dollis Hill NW2.
Then do activities with said child such as - speaking Italian/French, taking the child to clubs,
feeding etc five days a week. Having their own car would be a bonus!

Additionally she asked:
Does anyone know of a very short term let on any residential property in W9?

If you can help with either request please contact Simone via simone.christensen@gmail.com

Dates for the Diary - June 2012

What a busy month June has been and we are only a few days into it. We have
already had the big Lunch, the 4 day diamond jubilee celebrations and we
are at the end of volunteers week.

Sometimes we are so busy it takes a while for us to slow down and just
breathe and gather ourselves.  I have been meaning to draft D4D for a
while now. I have put it off  and off and distracted myself with jam making,
learning to point a small wall and other activities. Finally bad weather and the proximity
of our next meeting have focused my mind on the task at hand and so here it is.

This month our D4D email is shorter than normal. We are experimenting at
present with the idea of shorter but more frequent notices.


June 19th LWWI meeting details
For our next meeting, on 19th June we'll be decorating cupcakes with the
lovely ladies from Brown Sugar Cupcakes http://www.brownsugarcupcakes.co.uk

They'll be demonstrating how to decorate the perfect cupcake, and then we
can all have a go at decorating some, with their guidance. And we get to
eat the cakes afterwards!

As usual it would be super if you could come along and it would be super if
you could also bring some refreshments to share with the group.


LWWI news for June
Jenny attended the NFWI AGM last week, and will report back at the meeting on 19th June
- the motion for more midwives was passed with a 96% vote in favour.

We were represented ably by Kate and Helena at the Jubilee Street Party
held near St George's. Kate said it was brilliant to hang out with friends
and family who live nearby.

Pam, Rachel, Jane and Joanna represented LWWI at The People's Supermarket
Jubilee celebrations on June 2nd. Thank you so much ladies for participating and
thanks also to all cooks/bakers who created produce for us to sell.
We could not participate in such events without the help and support of our members.
These events help us make vital connections in our community and also bring in funds for
us.

Don't forget we have Phoenix Gardens and Open House coming up in September
so there is still time and opportunity to help LWWI at those events.

There is a trip to Woburn Abbey next week 14th of June, several of us went
last year and had a lovely time. Do let us know if you wish to go.
As before it will cost £12, which includes coach travel, entry fees and a very
basic snack. If you can't make this trip don't worry as there should also
be trips over the summer to Brighton and Kent. Kate will supply more
details as soon as she has them. We will enable you to purchase tickets
closer to the time via the blogspot.


LWWI Secretary
If anyone on the committee would like to temporarily take on the role of
LWWI Secretary until official elections in November 2012 then please do
have a word with Pam or email londonwestendwi@gmail.com


St George's seek LWWI volunteers for Summer 2012
St George's have asked if we would be prepared to volunteer and act as
guides at the church over the summer. Full details below
Diocese is encouraging churches to be open as much as possible for the
duration of summer 2012 – i.e. Friday 27th July – Saturday 9th September
inclusive.  We are hoping to open for longer hours during the day, and more
especially in the evenings: first priority is 6-8 pm, and 8 – 10 pm if
possible.

Existing volunteers and members of the congregation are being asked to help
out, but as you know, their numbers are limited, and I think unlikely to
stretch to covering anywhere enough sessions.  St George's wondered whether members
of London West End WI who are not regular church-goers might be prepared to
help out?  It is really a matter of being welcoming, having a little
information at one’s fingertips, and keeping an eye out for trouble (very
rare).  Training – not too onerous or time-consuming – will be provided.
It would be an opportunity to get to know the building better, and as
members of the Bloomsbury neighbourhood welcome visitors to London to one
of its finer attractions.  I thought we might arrange a little
end-of-season get together as a thank you, once we’ve limped over the
finishing line in September.

Pam will bring along a sign up sheet to the June meeting.
if you miss this meeting but are interested in participating then please contact
Jo directly via  info@stgeorgesbloomsbury.org.uk



Let's Cook Local Tutor Training Session - London Saturday 14 July
Lesley from NFWI wrote to say: I am writing to let you know that we are
intending to run a special Let’s Cook Local Tutor Training Day on Saturday
14 July.  We are currently sourcing the venue but it will be in London with
easy transport links.  The free training day will commence at 10.30am for
coffee, start at 11.00am and finish around 3-3.30pm.  Lunch will be
provided.

WI members can claim up to £50 in travel expenses to attend these free
sessions which are designed to give members all the information they need
to run Let’s Cook Local courses for young, disadvantaged parents.  Full
details of the project are on the Moodle.

This special Saturday session is being organised following requests from
London WIs and ladies who work so we need sufficient numbers (up to 25) to
make it viable.  Can you please confirm to me as soon as possible whether
you or any of your members will be able to attend – a schedule of the day
and registration form is attached to this email.  I will confirm the venue
details as soon as I have them.

Kindest regards

Lesley

Lesley S Quirk
Special Projects Co-ordinator:  Centenary Projects: Craft Clubs: Lets Cook
Local
NFWI Unit, Denman College, Marcham, Abingdon, Oxon OX13 6NW
T: 01865 391788 ext. 239  :  Fax: 01865 391908  :  E:
l.quirk@nfwi-unit.org.uk
www.thewi.org.uk


WI Proposed picnic for Saturday August 18th 2012
George from Barnes Wi barneswi@hotmail.co.uk sent us the following picnic
invite for August 2012:
Hello

For those of you that were at the Jubilee pageant in Battersea Park last
weekend, I sure you will agree that it was a fantastic event as well as a
great way to meet other members from different WI's in and around London.
With this in mind, I thought that it would be a nice to have a get together
in the summer and have a joint picnic in Hyde park, where we can make links
with each other as well 'steal' loads of meeting ideas and possible
speakers.

The proposed date for this would be Saturday 18th August. We can always
rearrange and meet at a different venue if the good old English weather is
at its best! I also understand that this is in the middle of holiday time
but hope that a few of your members will be free to come along.

If you think that this is something your WI would be interested in being
involved with, please fill in the poll with your WI's name and click yay or
nay (or you may contact me at barneswi@hotmail.co.uk if you would rather.)
When we have an idea of the WI's who would like to be involved we can start
organising. Although there won't be much to organise - just bring something
to eat as well as something to sit on.
http://whenshouldwe.com/polls/8oto13

Other local things of interest
Bloomsbury Fair held in Bedford Square on FRIDAY 13th JULY 2012. 12
noon to 9.30pm for more information see: http://www.bloomsburysummerfete.org.uk

Walking Tours in Central London for those keen on exploring
unknown London are organised by Green London
http://www.green-london.org.uk

This weekend 9-10th of June is Open Squares weekend.
See http://www.opensquares.org/

Interior and DIY Course info from Karen.
Karen sent the following information: RE courses she runs
Contact info mail@londonpropertymakeover.com

Hello
I have a couple of spaces left on an Interior Design class this Saturday in
Clapham from 1pm- 4.30pm.

If you recommend a friend and they mention your name, I will give a 10%
discount for the class and also
give you a 10% discount on any Interior Design work that you might need for
your home.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

As an aside, I am also thinking of running some DIY classes so that you can
learn to do easy jobs around
the home yourself.  If you are interested, then please send me a mail to
find out more.

Karen

Website of the Month
HRH has complained about the small Bodleian being constructed in our own
little corner of South London and so has pointed me towards two sites which
he thinks I could make use of www.readitswapit.co.uk/TheLibrary.aspx and
www.bookcrossing.com

Mid month dates for the diary update

Hello Ladies!

A quick reminder that we have a table at The People's Supermarket this Saturday from 2pm until 6pm.  We'll be selling strawberries and cream (sourced from local suppliers for us by the lovely people at TPS), and baked savouries. If anyone is able to bake for us, you can drop your goodies off at our table any time from 1.15pm on Saturday. Contact Pam (primula3@hotmail.com) if you want any further information.

Also, I've had the email below from Jo at St George's asking for our help in opening the church to the public over the summer. If anyone is interested, I'll bring along the sign-in sheet to the next meeting for you to sign up.

Hello Pam,

Helena may have mentioned that the Diocese is encouraging churches to be open as much as possible for the duration of summer 2012 – i.e. Friday 27^th July – Saturday 9^th September inclusive.  We are hoping to open for longer hours during the day, and more especially in the evenings: first priority is 6-8 pm, and 8 – 10 pm if possible.

Existing volunteers and members of the congregation are being asked to help out, but as you know, their numbers are limited, and I think unlikely to stretch to covering anywhere enough sessions.  I wondered whether members of London West End WI who are not regular church-goers might be prepared to help out?  It is really a matter of being welcoming, having a little information at one’s fingertips, and keeping an eye out for trouble (very rare).  Training – not too onerous or time-consuming – will be provided.

It would be an opportunity to get to know the building better, and as members of the Bloomsbury neighbourhood welcome visitors to London to one of its finer attractions.  I thought we might arrange a little end-of-season get together as a thank you, once we’ve limped over the finishing line in September.

Do you think there would be any takers?  I could provide a sign-up sheet (with calendar to mark sessions individuals could do) for your meeting next month if you feel it would be appropriate, or approach it any other way you suggest.  Let me have your thoughts.  You may have ideas of how to make it more attractive/interesting to your members?

Best

Jo

PS – I’m sure we’d like your support / joint venture for Open House in September too – still waiting on the starting gun on that one!

Speaking of the next meeting, on 19th June we'll be decorating cupcakes with the lovely ladies from Brown Sugar Cupcakes http://www.brownsugarcupcakes.co.uk/  They'll be demonstrating how to decorate the perfect cupcake, and then we can all have a go at decorating some, with their guidance. And we get to eat the cakes afterwards!  More details in the usual dates for the diary email in June.

LWWI Dates for the Diary - May 2012

Hello Ladies

Goodness can it really be May already. Summer seems to be around the corner.
Am watching Planet Earth Live and struck by how life is always evolving and milestones and moments in human life resemble those found in nature.
Kate and I were discussing the other day how life teaches us interesting lessons which at the time we don't understand why we are experiencing certains situations.Some one said to me the bumps are the rocks we climb on. Watching Planet Earth Live I am struck by how salient this simple sentence is.

We hope to see many of you at our May meeting, full details directly below

As always if you wish to get in touch please do so via londonwestendwi@gmail.com

We are heartily planning a day trip or two for 2012 so watch this space for details.

See you all on May 15th 2012

LWWI



May - London Westend WI monthly meeting event information - May 15th 2012

Knowing Me Knowing You (Aha!)

What makes us women? Why do some of us identify better with men? And why do some men enjoy wearing angora sweaters?  This Tuesday the 15th Dr Kenneth Demsky will be joining us to speak about gender and the many fascinating issues surrounding it.
Do come join us for a glass of wine and a lively discussion on what makes us tick!

(Questions / queries can be submitted anonymously in writing to Dr Demsky before the meeting – paper & pencils supplied)

Pls do come along, we will be in the Upper Vestry as usual. Pls feel free to bring along refreshments to share with other meeting attendees.

WI AGM Resolution Ratification at LWWI meeting on May 15th

Dear All

Jenny, who is the LWEWI rep at the AGM on 30th May, will need 5 minutes at the start of the meeting on Tuesday to confirm our support of this year's key resolution which the NFWI will adopt if ratified.

Employment of More Midwives

There is a chronic shortage of midwives. The NFWI calls on the Government to increase investment in the training, employment and retention of midwives in England and Wales to ensure services are adequately resourced and are able to deliver a high standard of care.

The info I received from Ruth re the AGM refers to me as a Link Delegate which means I vote on behalf of other WI's, but as this has not been mentioned to me I assume I represent only ours?

I plan to be at the June meeting to report back on the AGM. Many thanks!

Take care

Jenny

The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium theatre ticket offer        
£22.50WI Groups 10+ SeniorsWednesday Matinees 2.30pmTop Stalls & Dress Circle seats(reduced from £65) 

Also available..£29.50Groups 10+  (any age - why not bring your family & friends !)Wednesday 2.30pm & Sunday Matinees 3pm  
'We're off to see...'

The most magical adventure of them all.

Follow the yellow brick road over the rainbow and into the London Palladium, the capital's home of the family musical. Currently starring Russell Grant as the Wizard for a limited 12 week season, and Sophie Evans as Dorothy.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage by the award-winning creative team that delighted audiences of all ages with their recent London Palladium revival of The Sound of Music.

Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay this new production contains all the much-loved songs from the Oscar winning movie score, all the favourite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart's desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.
Booking until 28th October 2012

To reserve tickets or for more information, please contact:

Theresa Baker
Group Bookings - Ambassador Theatre Group
Tel 01327 844263 or j.t@lineone.net


Exhibitions

I have been notified of an exhibition Leather Forever organised by Hermes of Paris by arrangement with the Royal Academy of Arts.

The exhibition runs from 8 - 27 May 2012 10 am - 6 pm daily 10 am - 10 pm Friday.  The venue is 6 Burlington Gardens, London W1S 3ET.  Admission free.For further information please visit Hermes.com


LWWI really embracing new media

Also we are now on face book and twitter so please follow us.    If you want to contribute photos please let us know.
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/LondonWestEndWomensInstitute or you can find us at http://en-gb.facebook.com/LondonWestEndWomensInstitute
Follow us on twitter:  #londonwestendwi



Lets Cook Local Tutor Training - London 2012

Lets cook local Tutor training possibly in London on a weekend for interested London based Wi members.
If interested or you want more details pls contact Lesley Quirk whose email address is l.quirk@nfwi-unit.org.uk
As Ruth mentioned earlier in the month

The National Federation are looking for volunteers for their Lets's Cook Local Project.  Let’s Cook Local is a Big Lottery - Local Food funded project, involving trained WI Volunteers running 112 fully-funded cookery courses over two years. The project targets young, disadvantaged parents across England and provides courses in practical cookery over six weekly sessions using locally produced or sourced ingredients and leftovers to produce basic, healthy, cheap family meals. Courses are held in local venues with cooking facilities, usually through SureStart, PACT or other community-based organisations.  They want to see if there are any volunteers who would be happy to train on a saturday.  If you are interested please let us know and we will forward your details on.


Amazon button on blogspot

The eagle eyed among you may have spotted an Amazon button which has appeared on the blogspot.
If you use this button to shop via Amazon LWWI will receive a donation from Amazon of 5% of whatever you spent. For those of you worried we will know who you are or what was purchased it is all anonymous.

NB LWWI only gets the money if you go in via the button on the blog. we have also put the link here.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/?&tag=wwwlondonwest-21&linkCode=wsw&

Its basically free money for our wi
So far we have about 30pence for the purchase of a £6 book.


Udderbelly at London Southbank

We are delighted to announce that E4 Udderbelly Festival has opened its doors at Southbank Centre for its fourth ox-hilerating year, with family shows, music, theatre and the biggest comedy programme anywhere in London.

With an excellent line-up of internationally renowned artists like Tim Minchin, Greg Davies, Nina Conti, as well as daily doses of The Vocal Orchestra and Havana Rumba it's full cream ahead as E4 Udderbelly Festival entertains us until Sunday 8 July.


People's Supermarket. LWWI opportunity

We have also been asked to run a stall at the People's supermarket on the the 2nd of June selling some of delicious home baking.  The theme is savoury goods.  We are looking for people who would like to volunteer their time and of course baking.  If anyone is keen please contact londonwestendwi@gmail.com


Diamond jubilee celebrations
Please see below details of the Thames Diamond Jubilee event being held at Battersea Park Sunday 3rd June and further information about how you can get involved in the festivities.
 For any more information, or if you have any questions please contact Birdy Imoke by email at birdyat@gmail.com or telephone on 07774243206.


The Diamond Jubilee Festival in Battersea Park on Sunday 3rd
June 2012

The WI Tent needs you!

WI members from across London are needed to help make the WI Tent at
The Diamond Jubilee Festival in Battersea Park on Sunday 3rd June 2012 one
of the top attractions for the day. The tent is in prime position, almost directly
behind the Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park and there will be deck chairs, a
croquet lawn outside and a rose lined red carpeted area with a throne (where
you can be knighted throughout the day), plus a crystal cake tier stand is
close by with an area for picnic blankets.

There will be craft and NFWI information, archive photography and WI
merchandise on display, and space for individual WIs to display items that
represent you, and sell some items to raise funds for your WI. If you would
like to use this space, please get in touch with Birdy ASAP (contacts below)
to confirm details. We’re hoping that the tent will be a true reflection of all
aspects of the immense history of the body of women that is the WI and
the unique part that London WI members are playing in its Majesty (no pun
intended…!)

WI activities throughout the day

Inside the Tent we will be hosting the Amazing Angel Adoree from
The Vintage Patisserie and author of The Vintage Tea Party book
www.vintagepatisserie.co.uk, who will be providing some of her exquisite
decor splendour as a back drop, as well as running a jubilee rosette making
workshop. Her team of beauties will also be on hand doing vintage hair and
make up – roll up roll up for your Victory Curls....

The lovely Lydia Leith will be livening things up with her Temporary Tattoo
Parlour - corgi tattoo anyone? And will also have emergency Diamond Jubilee
sick bags if everything gets a bit too much…more details can be found here:
http://www.lydialeith.com/

The Tent itself will be decorated with a full host of WI memorabilia but craft
offerings from WI members across the UK will also be on display throughout
the Festival including the knitted crafts and the flag contributions (see
previous notifications).

Call for cakes

As part of the celebrations we are asking you to help create the most
imaginative and tasty jubilee themed cakes possible and contribute these to
the day. A giant diamond encrusted cake stand is being specifically designed
and built as a centre piece to the event – it will take pride of place within the
Tent – to display and showcase the cakes of the WI.

WI members will then be running the cake stand throughout the afternoon and
selling the cakes to the hungry general public, offering whole cakes for picnic
groups, and individual slices.

The money raised will go to those who bring receipts on the day and wish to
be reimbursed, and any excess profit will be divided equally between those
WIs that volunteer on the day.

Cake details

The cakes should be no bigger than 8 inches diameter and must not contain
any fresh cream as a filling. Please provide a full list of ingredients along
with your name and contact details with your cake. For further information on
making cakes for public consumption, please visit http://www.food.gov.uk/

Please let Birdy know in advance if you are planning to make a cake so we
can gauge if we will have enough on the day to keep the hungry public happy.

The Great Cake Gathering

Birdy will be on site at Battersea Park from 11am till 6pm on Saturday 2 June
and there will be vehicle access to drop your cakes off. Unfortunately there is
NO vehicle access and some closing of roads on Sunday 3 June – the day of
the event – so it may be easier for you to drop off your cakes the day before.
If you are volunteering on the day please bring any cakes with you then –
after you have informed Birdy.

There may be a third option for getting your yummy offerings onto the site by
contacting Birdy directly to arrange pick ups from around London on Friday 1
June as we may have access to a car/van to do some pick ups.

For all options please contact me on birdyat@gmail.com or 0777 4243 206

Volunteering on the day

If you would like to come down and volunteer on the Sunday to represent
your WI, please let Birdy know if you wish to attend. The idea for the day is to
have enough WI members volunteering so that we can split up the jobs of the
day, including:

Discussing WI membership and what you get out of being a WI
member with the general public

Running the craft activities within our tent (mosaic making -
www.artmosaicdesign.co.uk)

Serving the cakes from the cake tier.

Four members will also be needed to make medals with the public on the day.
If you have experience of using knitting machines before, please get in touch
with Birdy and let her know.

Tasks can be swapped throughout the day and there will be plenty of free
time to explore the rest of the Festival – the line up for the day looks amazing.
We would like to involve as many WI members as possible so we all get to
enjoy the day and watch the magnificent spectacle of the 1000 boat Royal
flotilla.

The event will only run as planned with everyone’s help, so please get in
contact with Birdy if you wish to attend so she can sort passes for the day for
you. All Volunteers will be given a lovely WI Sash (provided by NFWI) to wear
on the day to identify us to each other and the public.

The event is running from 12pm until 7pm with the park being open from
10am till 9pm. The plan is to organise a rota with three-hour shifts – this will
be organised once everyone has been in touch.

We will also need some help before and after the event with set up (Saturday
2 June) and pack down – please let Birdy know separately if you can help with
these out of hour times.

Many thanks in advance – please see general details and travel information
for the event below.

Birdy, London WI Diamond Jubilee Event

birdyat@gmail.com 0777 4243 206

http://www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org/TeaAndCake.aspx

TICKETS

Tickets are £5 for Adults (booking fee included).
Tickets for Children aged 12 and under are free; children must be
accompanied by an Adult.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and can be purchased here:
http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/35004891F49696B3#

OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES

The festival programme commences from 12.00 and concludes at 19.00.
Please note that the gates to the park will open from 10.00 and will close at
21.00.

GETTING THERE

Nearest Stations: Clapham Junction, Fulham Broadway and Victoria

PARKING

General Parking is not available at Battersea Park. Travel on Public Transport
is strongly recommended.

There will not be designated parking for coaches or other methods of private
transport.

ROAD AND BRIDGE CLOSURES

There will be multiple road and bridge closures in place on 3rd June for
the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Road closures will commence
at 7am, with some bridges from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge being
closed to road traffic from that time until early evening. Details of the precise
locations and timings of these traffic disruptions, as well as all other important
information will be available from 16th May and communicated via http://
www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org/TeaAndCake.aspx.

DISABLED ACCESS

In Battersea Park there is a designated viewing area for the Pageant for
those requiring disabled access. Please note this area will be allocated
on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please contact
info@thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org


Websitesof the month
getaheadofthegames.com - site outlining potential impact of 2012 Olympics on Londoners Travel Plans during the games.
gojee.com - fabulous foodie website.

Two really amusing but slightly edgy twitterers you might want to read if you are having a bad day.
https://twitter.com/#!/MrsStephenFry
https://twitter.com/#!/GreySkyThinking