Another enjoyable Christmas Lunch at Haddenham Garden Centre -
4 December 2023
4 December 2023
Activity Day - Saturday 21 October 2023
30+ members gathered at the Fairford Leys Community Centre to enjoy a delicious lunch of soup and rolls/cheese scones. The vegetable soup was made by our Chairlady, Bev and the rolls and cheese scones provided by Wendy. After lunch, Julie Hopton from "Nature's Jewels" then demonstrated how to make a willow bird feeder, before our members made their own. Julie and her assistant, Margaret, were on hand to help, where necessary. As can be seen from the photos below, the outcomes were very successful.
The afternoon ended with tea, coffee and a selection of cakes. Special thanks to Bev, Wendy and the Catering Corps for providing such delicious eats for another very enjoyable Activity Day.
30+ members gathered at the Fairford Leys Community Centre to enjoy a delicious lunch of soup and rolls/cheese scones. The vegetable soup was made by our Chairlady, Bev and the rolls and cheese scones provided by Wendy. After lunch, Julie Hopton from "Nature's Jewels" then demonstrated how to make a willow bird feeder, before our members made their own. Julie and her assistant, Margaret, were on hand to help, where necessary. As can be seen from the photos below, the outcomes were very successful.
The afternoon ended with tea, coffee and a selection of cakes. Special thanks to Bev, Wendy and the Catering Corps for providing such delicious eats for another very enjoyable Activity Day.
Summer 2023 Activities
The summer (I use the term loosely!) has been a busy one for FLWI members. In addition to our usual meetings and gatherings, there have been two visits to gardens open to the public under the "National Gardens Scheme"; participation in the "Fair in the Square", one of our fundraising events; and a day trip to Brighton.
The gardens visited were very different, both in size and the variety of trees, plants and shrubs grown there. Cedar House Gardens is situated in the Wendover Hills. A wild array of shrubs, clematis, hydrangeas and roses greeted the visitors. A very old and large Copper Beech framed the view of undulating lawns and beds of herbaceous perennials. There was a natural pond filled with water lilies, and a small meadow with an array of wild orchids, cornflowers and poppies. The delightful walk round was followed by tea and cake in the owner's very large and comfortable kitchen. The other garden "Acer Corner", also in Wendover, was much smaller and an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Divided into three areas, a narrow pathway meanders through densely planted beds, where over 70 acers and roses are growing. There are various art objects and containers on display with a Japanese influence. Both these gardens are well worth a visit when next open to the public.
The day trip to Brighton took place on one of the worst days of wind and rain of the summer. We were all well-prepared, having checked the forecast, but brollies were useless in the strong winds, and hoods and coats not great protection against the "horizontal" rain which battered us. Nevertheless, our intrepid members made the most of their day out in various ways: visiting the famous Royal Pavilion; walking along the pier (brave!); exploring the Lanes; visiting the Sea World Centre; and seeking shelter in coffee shops, the shopping centre, fish 'n' chip restaurant or a pub!! Two of our ladies had booked a guided walking tour, which went ahead despite the weather and a much-reduced number of participants. Certainly a day out which will not be forgotten in a hurry by those who took part.
Bucks County Show - Thursday 31 August
Being an adventurous WI, we again entered the WI competition for the Bucks County Show. This year the theme was "Alice in Wonderland". A team was assembled and tasks were divided up according to the strengths of the members: Laura was in charge of creating an amazing White Rabbit, Martha did an awesome floral arrangements in a miniature top hat, and Sarah and Wendy were given the task of jam making. Wendy also "volunteered" to make the jam tarts, three of which were displayed. They all rose to the occasion and Martha and Wendy assembled our entry in the Home & Garden marquee the afternoon before the Show. I think you will agree from the photo below, that it was a tremendous team effort. Sadly, we did not win, but were awarded 78.5% out of 100 and a "Well Done" rosette - which was well-deserved.
Laura received a prize for her beautiful teddies entered in the "Something new from something old" category, also shown below.
The summer (I use the term loosely!) has been a busy one for FLWI members. In addition to our usual meetings and gatherings, there have been two visits to gardens open to the public under the "National Gardens Scheme"; participation in the "Fair in the Square", one of our fundraising events; and a day trip to Brighton.
The gardens visited were very different, both in size and the variety of trees, plants and shrubs grown there. Cedar House Gardens is situated in the Wendover Hills. A wild array of shrubs, clematis, hydrangeas and roses greeted the visitors. A very old and large Copper Beech framed the view of undulating lawns and beds of herbaceous perennials. There was a natural pond filled with water lilies, and a small meadow with an array of wild orchids, cornflowers and poppies. The delightful walk round was followed by tea and cake in the owner's very large and comfortable kitchen. The other garden "Acer Corner", also in Wendover, was much smaller and an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Divided into three areas, a narrow pathway meanders through densely planted beds, where over 70 acers and roses are growing. There are various art objects and containers on display with a Japanese influence. Both these gardens are well worth a visit when next open to the public.
The day trip to Brighton took place on one of the worst days of wind and rain of the summer. We were all well-prepared, having checked the forecast, but brollies were useless in the strong winds, and hoods and coats not great protection against the "horizontal" rain which battered us. Nevertheless, our intrepid members made the most of their day out in various ways: visiting the famous Royal Pavilion; walking along the pier (brave!); exploring the Lanes; visiting the Sea World Centre; and seeking shelter in coffee shops, the shopping centre, fish 'n' chip restaurant or a pub!! Two of our ladies had booked a guided walking tour, which went ahead despite the weather and a much-reduced number of participants. Certainly a day out which will not be forgotten in a hurry by those who took part.
Bucks County Show - Thursday 31 August
Being an adventurous WI, we again entered the WI competition for the Bucks County Show. This year the theme was "Alice in Wonderland". A team was assembled and tasks were divided up according to the strengths of the members: Laura was in charge of creating an amazing White Rabbit, Martha did an awesome floral arrangements in a miniature top hat, and Sarah and Wendy were given the task of jam making. Wendy also "volunteered" to make the jam tarts, three of which were displayed. They all rose to the occasion and Martha and Wendy assembled our entry in the Home & Garden marquee the afternoon before the Show. I think you will agree from the photo below, that it was a tremendous team effort. Sadly, we did not win, but were awarded 78.5% out of 100 and a "Well Done" rosette - which was well-deserved.
Laura received a prize for her beautiful teddies entered in the "Something new from something old" category, also shown below.
Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III - Thursday 11 May 2023
A celebratory afternoon tea was held in our meeting room at the Fairford Leys Community Centre. We started the proceedings by singing 'Jerusalem' before tucking into the delicious and varied plates of food supplied by members of our "Catering Corps". We also exercised our brains by completing two questionnaires: one on the Kings & Queens of Britain since 1066 and the other to test our knowledge of our newly-crowned King. We also had 2 rounds of "Royal Bingo". A raffle for Coronation-themed prizes was held, with the proceeds being donated to "Emmett's Genies", a local charity. The afternoon ended with a rendition of 'God Save the King' and thanks expressed to all who had contributed and worked so hard to make the celebration a success.
A celebratory afternoon tea was held in our meeting room at the Fairford Leys Community Centre. We started the proceedings by singing 'Jerusalem' before tucking into the delicious and varied plates of food supplied by members of our "Catering Corps". We also exercised our brains by completing two questionnaires: one on the Kings & Queens of Britain since 1066 and the other to test our knowledge of our newly-crowned King. We also had 2 rounds of "Royal Bingo". A raffle for Coronation-themed prizes was held, with the proceeds being donated to "Emmett's Genies", a local charity. The afternoon ended with a rendition of 'God Save the King' and thanks expressed to all who had contributed and worked so hard to make the celebration a success.
Christmas Lunch at Haddenham Garden Centre - Wednesday 7 December
A total of 39 members gathered at Haddenham Garden Centre for our first Christmas Lunch, kindly arranged by Diane and Linda. The food was delicious and the event was enjoyed by all.
A total of 39 members gathered at Haddenham Garden Centre for our first Christmas Lunch, kindly arranged by Diane and Linda. The food was delicious and the event was enjoyed by all.
Saturday Morning Get-together
Last Saturday morning (22 October) saw over 40 members and guests meet at the Fairford Leys Community Centre to be entertained by SOLT (Sing Out Loud Together), a Community Choir which meets weekly in Amersham. They sang two songs in Swahili (one of which we all reprised at the end of the concert to call ourselves to lunch!), and a variety of songs which included "A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman and two songs which had been written during the Covid lockdowns and were quite poignant. We thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment and joined in heartily when asked by Choir Master David. The morning was topped off by a delicious buffet spread, provided by a number of the members.
The event was the brainchild of Bev, our Chairman, and it was voted a huge success by everyone present.
Last Saturday morning (22 October) saw over 40 members and guests meet at the Fairford Leys Community Centre to be entertained by SOLT (Sing Out Loud Together), a Community Choir which meets weekly in Amersham. They sang two songs in Swahili (one of which we all reprised at the end of the concert to call ourselves to lunch!), and a variety of songs which included "A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman and two songs which had been written during the Covid lockdowns and were quite poignant. We thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment and joined in heartily when asked by Choir Master David. The morning was topped off by a delicious buffet spread, provided by a number of the members.
The event was the brainchild of Bev, our Chairman, and it was voted a huge success by everyone present.
Thursday 1 September 2022 - Bucks County Show
For the first time in a long time, Fairford Leys WI entered the competition held annually by Bucks Federation. The requirements for this year's competition was to produce a display with a green theme to celebrate the Queen's Green Canopy. The display, 0n a decorated round base, had to consist of:
A jar of Green Chutney;
A green-themed decorated cake (judged on decoration only);
A pincushion in a teacup with saucer decorated to represent the Green Canopy; and
A Foliage arrangement made from fresh foliage (no flowers).
Laura, Martha and Bernice created an amazing display and we are all very proud of them. The judges' comments were complimentary and very encouraging. Roll on Bucks County Show 2023!
For the first time in a long time, Fairford Leys WI entered the competition held annually by Bucks Federation. The requirements for this year's competition was to produce a display with a green theme to celebrate the Queen's Green Canopy. The display, 0n a decorated round base, had to consist of:
A jar of Green Chutney;
A green-themed decorated cake (judged on decoration only);
A pincushion in a teacup with saucer decorated to represent the Green Canopy; and
A Foliage arrangement made from fresh foliage (no flowers).
Laura, Martha and Bernice created an amazing display and we are all very proud of them. The judges' comments were complimentary and very encouraging. Roll on Bucks County Show 2023!
Tuesday 19 July 2022 - WI Trip to "Superbloom" at the Tower of London
On what was, quite literally, the hottest day EVER in the UK, an intrepid group of our members set off early in the morning to visit the Superbloom display in the Moat at the Tower of London, which was part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Thankfully, the coach was air-conditioned so we had a comfortable journey but that probably made the 38 degree temperature feel even hotter when we alighted at the Tower. It was unfortunate that the heat over the previous week had caused quite a lot of the plants and flowers to die off. However, we all felt that the visit was worth it; at the same time, feeling glad that it only took about 40 minutes or so to walk through the display!!
The afternoon was spent in the relative cool of the V&A Museum before heading homewards.
On what was, quite literally, the hottest day EVER in the UK, an intrepid group of our members set off early in the morning to visit the Superbloom display in the Moat at the Tower of London, which was part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Thankfully, the coach was air-conditioned so we had a comfortable journey but that probably made the 38 degree temperature feel even hotter when we alighted at the Tower. It was unfortunate that the heat over the previous week had caused quite a lot of the plants and flowers to die off. However, we all felt that the visit was worth it; at the same time, feeling glad that it only took about 40 minutes or so to walk through the display!!
The afternoon was spent in the relative cool of the V&A Museum before heading homewards.
Tuesday 17 May 2022 - Bucks Federation Annual Council Meeting held at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
This was a special day for Fairford Leys WI. BFWI's County Resolution this year was "We Need a Change of Heart", which members of our branch had been working on before the days of Covid. It was excellently presented by Rosemarie, Madge and Lynn. The Resolution highlights the warning signs of heart attacks in women, which are different to those experienced by men. To our delight, the Resolution was passed and BFWI will now promote it.
The whole day was enjoyed by the members who attended. The two Guest Speakers were: Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE, Award-winning producer, actress, parliamentarian, TV presenter and advocate for the welfare and education of children; and Julie Siddiqi MBE, Founder of "Together we Thrive", mentor, consultant and gender equality campaigner, specifically focussing on Jewish-Muslim and other inter-faith relations.
This was a special day for Fairford Leys WI. BFWI's County Resolution this year was "We Need a Change of Heart", which members of our branch had been working on before the days of Covid. It was excellently presented by Rosemarie, Madge and Lynn. The Resolution highlights the warning signs of heart attacks in women, which are different to those experienced by men. To our delight, the Resolution was passed and BFWI will now promote it.
The whole day was enjoyed by the members who attended. The two Guest Speakers were: Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE, Award-winning producer, actress, parliamentarian, TV presenter and advocate for the welfare and education of children; and Julie Siddiqi MBE, Founder of "Together we Thrive", mentor, consultant and gender equality campaigner, specifically focussing on Jewish-Muslim and other inter-faith relations.
Saturday 11 December 2021 - "Christmas in the Square"
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Despite the rainy late afternoon/early evening, the "Christmas in the Square" event, organised by the Coldharbour Parish Council, was well attended by local residents. As usual, the ladies from FLWI were there to put everyone in a festive mood with their popular Mulled Wine & Mince Pie stall and Chocolate Tombola. This year, there was an additional stall run by the Knit & Natter group selling Ferrero Rocher and Chocolate Oranges (in disguise as miniature Christmas puddings), as well as other sweet delights. |
Thursday 16 September 2021 - A "Big Day" for FLWI
In the morning, our new Banner was proudly carried in the Bucks Federation Banner Parade around Aylesbury, which was part of the belated WI Centenary celebrations. At the monthly meeting that evening, we celebrated our 21st birthday. A fun evening was held in the decorated hall with delicious food and drink.
FLWI during Lockdown
During the lockdown, members of our WI kept themselves busy in various ways: sewing scrubs and laundry bags for scrubs for the NHS; knitting or sewing a total of 600 hearts for patients and their families at the Florence Nightingale Hospice and Stoke Mandeville Hospital; making twizzle mufflers for the dementia residents at The Fremantle Trust, as well as a collection of flowers and birds for a display at the home. We are now making poppies for a Remembrance display for the Trust.
Update in March 2021: Over the past few months, members have been knitting little "hats" for Innocent Smoothie bottles, which are then sold for funds for Age UK, as well as hats, bootees and mittens for newborn and premature babies at the Birmingham Hospital. An unbelievable total of 155 hats, 62 pairs of bootees and 29 pairs of mittens was reached!
Christmas Social Evening
BLENHEIM PALACE CHRISTMAS MARKET
MEDICAL DETECTION DOGS TRIP 2019
BRIGHTON TRIP 2019
A brilliant day in Brighton lots of walking and sightseeing.
A brilliant day in Brighton lots of walking and sightseeing.
AUGUST SOCIAL EVENING
We had a fantastic time at our August Social Evening. We played Handbag Bingo and sang " Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside" We held a competition for the best Seaside themes craft.
We had a fantastic time at our August Social Evening. We played Handbag Bingo and sang " Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside" We held a competition for the best Seaside themes craft.
SEW, KNIT AND NATTER
Our first Sew, Knit and Natter, over the next few months we will be make Poppies for the Royal British Legion.
Our first Sew, Knit and Natter, over the next few months we will be make Poppies for the Royal British Legion.
1st June 2019
A great evening on the Watling Flyer, fish and chip supper and quiz
A great evening on the Watling Flyer, fish and chip supper and quiz
18th April 2019
Call The Midwife
The "Call the Midwife" talk was really interesting. Susannah Hart (Jennifer's daughter) and Philip Worth (Jennifer's husband) explained how her books were written by hand in fountain pen (the photo shows the first page of her first book, which is used in the opening of the TV series), typed up by Philip and proof-read by Susannah before going to the printers. They read extracts from her book and talked about their favourite characters.
The other gentleman with them was Andrew Hart (no relation) who became involved as he ran a private bookshop in Berkhamsted and Jennifer had approached him to stock her first book in 2002.
Jennifer wrote a trilogy of books about her time in the East End (Call the Midwife, Shadows of the Workhouse, and Farewell to the East End). Very sadly, Jennifer passed away from cancer in the summer of 2010 as the scripts for the first series were being written, so never knew how popular it became. Her books are published in over 20 countries around the world and have been translated into many different languages.
Call The Midwife
The "Call the Midwife" talk was really interesting. Susannah Hart (Jennifer's daughter) and Philip Worth (Jennifer's husband) explained how her books were written by hand in fountain pen (the photo shows the first page of her first book, which is used in the opening of the TV series), typed up by Philip and proof-read by Susannah before going to the printers. They read extracts from her book and talked about their favourite characters.
The other gentleman with them was Andrew Hart (no relation) who became involved as he ran a private bookshop in Berkhamsted and Jennifer had approached him to stock her first book in 2002.
Jennifer wrote a trilogy of books about her time in the East End (Call the Midwife, Shadows of the Workhouse, and Farewell to the East End). Very sadly, Jennifer passed away from cancer in the summer of 2010 as the scripts for the first series were being written, so never knew how popular it became. Her books are published in over 20 countries around the world and have been translated into many different languages.
18th April 2019
Easter competition
Easter competition
21st February 2019
February Social Evening
At our February social evening we had a competition for the best Green Heart
February Social Evening
At our February social evening we had a competition for the best Green Heart
17th January 2019
Medical Detection Dogs
Medical Detection Dogs
20th December 2018
Christmas Social
A great evening with lots of fun and laughter at our Christmas social
24th November 2018
Christmas trip to Birmingham German Christmas Market
Christmas trip to Birmingham German Christmas Market
15 th November 2018
Saffron Summerfield folk music
Saffron Summerfield folk music
20 September 2018
Age Old Craft of Millinery Presented by Tracey Blaney
Age Old Craft of Millinery Presented by Tracey Blaney
18 August 2018
FLWI Visit to Windsor and Afternoon Tea
FLWI Visit to Windsor and Afternoon Tea
11 August 2018
Macmillan Cancer Support Afternoon Tea
We had a great afternoon raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support to date we have raised over £430.
Macmillan Cancer Support Afternoon Tea
We had a great afternoon raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support to date we have raised over £430.
19 July 2018
This month we had a visit from the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. We enjoyed a lovely evening with our guest speaker Sarah Williamson.
This month we had a visit from the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. We enjoyed a lovely evening with our guest speaker Sarah Williamson.
19 April 2018
This month we were pleased to welcome back Christine Wallace, a quarter finalist in 2013's "Great British Bake Off" Competition. Christine first showed us how she makes lemon curd and then demonstrated how to make a
Lemon Meringue Roulade. We were all lucky enough to have taste of this amazing dessert.
The recipe (along with many others) can be found on her website (http://www.bakerchristine.co.uk)
This month we were pleased to welcome back Christine Wallace, a quarter finalist in 2013's "Great British Bake Off" Competition. Christine first showed us how she makes lemon curd and then demonstrated how to make a
Lemon Meringue Roulade. We were all lucky enough to have taste of this amazing dessert.
The recipe (along with many others) can be found on her website (http://www.bakerchristine.co.uk)
15 March 2018
Ikebana Japanese Flower Arrangement - Ruriko Kojima
At this month’s meeting, we were treated to a demonstration of Ikebana by Ruriko Kojima. Ikebana is the art of beautifully arranging cut stems, leaves, and flowers in vases and other containers that evolved in Japan over seven centuries.
Ruriko produced three beautiful arrangements which demonstrated the two forms of Ikebana – upright and inclining/slanting. Each arrangement needs balance and begins with the tallest or longest branch/twig/stem being put in place and the remaining flowers, leaves, branches arranged to complete the required effect. Unlike Western floral arrangements, where layers and layers of flowers are used, the aim of Ikebana is to use as few stems and leaves as possible in creating the elegant contours.
Ikebana Japanese Flower Arrangement - Ruriko Kojima
At this month’s meeting, we were treated to a demonstration of Ikebana by Ruriko Kojima. Ikebana is the art of beautifully arranging cut stems, leaves, and flowers in vases and other containers that evolved in Japan over seven centuries.
Ruriko produced three beautiful arrangements which demonstrated the two forms of Ikebana – upright and inclining/slanting. Each arrangement needs balance and begins with the tallest or longest branch/twig/stem being put in place and the remaining flowers, leaves, branches arranged to complete the required effect. Unlike Western floral arrangements, where layers and layers of flowers are used, the aim of Ikebana is to use as few stems and leaves as possible in creating the elegant contours.
15 February 2018
Social Evening - Bangers and Mash
A lovely evening was had by all at our February Social Evening. After a fantastic meal of Bangers and Mash followed by some delicious desserts, we played a few games of Bingo with prizes of Chocolates Truffles and a Spring house plant.
Social Evening - Bangers and Mash
A lovely evening was had by all at our February Social Evening. After a fantastic meal of Bangers and Mash followed by some delicious desserts, we played a few games of Bingo with prizes of Chocolates Truffles and a Spring house plant.
18 January 2018
Shiatsu Massage
Joan Copper was the speaker at this months meeting; she gave us all a lovely insight into the origin of Shiatsu Massage plus a demonstration.
21 December 2017
Christmas Social
9 December 2017
Christmas Fayre in the Square
Once again, the FLWI served mulled wine and mince pies, as well as running a Tombola stall
stocked with prizes generously donated by our members
Christmas Fayre in the Square
Once again, the FLWI served mulled wine and mince pies, as well as running a Tombola stall
stocked with prizes generously donated by our members
2 December 2017
Trip to St Albans Christmas Market
Trip to St Albans Christmas Market
November 2017
"Confessions of a Pantomime Dame"
Richard Westcott provided as evening of entertainment demonstrating the process of becoming a Pantomime Dame.
He was ably assisted by Beverly Edwards
"Confessions of a Pantomime Dame"
Richard Westcott provided as evening of entertainment demonstrating the process of becoming a Pantomime Dame.
He was ably assisted by Beverly Edwards
September 2017
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Christmas 2016
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Fairford Leys WI planted flowers in the troughs around the village centre Band Stand as part of BFWI Flower Festival to celebrate the Centenary of the WI. What a stunning display! |