October meeting and AGM

Despite a slightly tardy entrance by half of the committee, the evening got off to a good start. 12 new people there which is brilliant news. We kicked off with the AGM, some nice short reports from the committee and, after a bit of coercion from Daphne, a show of hands (and hopefully, therefore, support) from the masses to keep the incumbent pres, treasurer and secretary (is that because they like us, because they know no better, or because nobody else wants to do the job??)

Bit of a break for important stuff like wine and cake, then we moved swiftly (ish) onto our speaker Adrian Boots who chatted to us for about 45 mins about wild food, foraging, and the perils or otherwise of purple mushrooms. Woe betide any who dig up a horseradish that doesn’t belong to them! Really interesting stuff and a lovely speaker (sadly, no hat). Might keep him to ourselves, might share him with the rest of the W.I. – haven’t quite decided yet!

We had a brief introduction to Transition Keynsham http://keynshamt.wordpress.com/ from Laura, and then, the bit you’d thought you’d got away with, the President’s Ramblings. Finally, Chris flogged us all some sloe gin and chutney, and I think everyone went away spent up but happy.

I’ve already sent most of the reminders by email but just confirmed the date for the Jamie @ Home evening (chez moi). This will be Wednesday November 24th. Please let me know if you’d like to come to that. All proceeds will come back to our W.I. rather than end up as gifts for the host.



Once again, help with begging for raffle prizes would be gratefully received and offers of good stuff grabbed with both hands.


Actually remembered to take photos this time – unfortunately, focus doesn’t appear to be a strong point. Perhaps we should appoint a photographer. Any volunteers?

Don't know my own address!

No wonder you're not all hammering on my email door to share your ideas and suggestions - I gave you the wrong email address!
wingskeynsham@hotmail.co.uk

Sitting back now, waiting for the onslaught......

Summer holidays - finally!

Life's been so hectic at the minute, lots of family stuff going on so I'm afraid I've been neglecting the blog.  There's lots to say (and so little time).  We're planning a bake sale for Children in Need.  Could use some suggestions as to venue, date, general logistics!

 

Also, one of the things I was supposed to mention at the meeting (but forgot) is that we're hoping to start up some subgroups within WINGs and are planning a "job fair" style start to the meeting in November.  Anyone who wants to form a group (wine guzzling society, reading, film group, knitting circle, rock choir - whatever floats your boat) can put up a stall and make your pitch.  See how many others are interested in your thing and get your group together.  If there's something you fancy, email me wingskeynsham@hotmail.com and let me know.  If we get duplicates, I can put you in touch with each other and you can share your stand.  Anyway, that's the plan, hope it makes sense.

I'm going now.  Have just checked the weather for Kyrenia (Cyprus) and after months of glorious sunshine, it's forecast for rain and a 10 degree drop in temperature for the first 2 days we're there.  Bristol, of course, will be dry!

Back at the end of the month - hope y'all don't miss me too much!
Mandy x

Dancing Shoes

Our September meeting has a slight change.  Where once we would have zumba'd, now we shall salsa!

Should be a good night with a chance to learn some steps and also see a demonstration of how it ought to be done.  Thanks to Sam Vernon for stepping in at the last minute.

Don't forget your dancing shoes (no trainers or flipflops!)

Cheers

August meeting

Yet again I forgot to take photos - I  would have liked to have had evidence of the chaos that ensued whilst trying to put chairs into 2 circles for a bit of introductory 'speed dating'.  In the end, we left them where they were and everyone just chinwagged with whoever they'd ended up next to.  Not quite as organised as planned, but the end result was the same. 

August brought wine to the meetings!  with a new system of vouchers, and Ang brought cake to the meeting (a lemon drizzle - very nice).  Mel from Melanie's Kitchen brought canapes and a list of instructions and I think everyone went home with nice full tums.

We had a chat about getting involved with the Girl Guides campaign about airbrushing.  Julie, our resident Guide Leader has sent these links for more information and to sign the petition. 

The petition: https://gguk.wufoo.com/forms/girlguiding-uk-against-airbrushing/



And a couple of videos to give people a better understanding of what is involved when we say something has been 'photoshop'd':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eur19EWdVI4&NR=1
this has flashing images, but interesting nonetheless:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei6JvK0W60I&feature=related
and this site has the best mistakes that gets you really looking at images and how things are presented to people as if they were fact:
http://photoshopdisasters.blogspot.com/
 
Many volunteering opportunities also mentioned - see your emails for a reminder!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  See you next month
Mandy x