On 7 December, a group of members, friends and family had a great day out at Lullingstone Country Park. When we arrived the weather was less than friendly, but 15 of the group set off on a pre-lunch walk around the park. Rangers Mark and Freya took us round and gave us lots of information about the location and woodlands. After the walk, the walkers joined the others for a very tasty Christmas lunch.
Darts Tournament: Catford Thundercats Vs Flighty Frogs of Istead Rise
On 3 December, the Catford Thundercats played its last first-round away match against the Flighty Frogs of Istead Rise. Caroline got the winning double 2 for the Thundercats in the first game. The Flighty Frogs threw a winning bull’s-eye to take the second game. The final game came down to double 1 and the 5-minute rule was imposed. Neither team could get the double and the captains had to throw nearest bull to win the match. Unfortunately for the Thundercats, the Flighty Frogs threw nearest to the bull and took the match 2–1. A big thank you to the Flighty Frogs of Istead Rise for being great hosts, making an enjoyable evening and putting on a good spread.
The Capital Ring – Stage 2: Falconwood to Grove Park
On 1 December, undeterred by the weather, the ‘Fearless Four’ set off from Falconwood Station in the rain. Once again, we took a selfie before we started the walk. Still not grasping exactly how it can be done, Tom from Southeastern Trains rescued us and took a picture. Thanks Tom!
Early on in the walk Kay and Audrey tested the anti-climb paint on the bridge over the A2 and can attest it works! We walked past the old water-supply system to Eltham Palace and continued on to Mottingham, walking past farmland, parks and playing fields, meeting the odd horse and donkey along the way. Ever-ready Ursula, armed with secateurs, started collecting Christmas decorations. We finished our 4-mile walk at Grove Park by the Quaggy River.
Darts Tournament: Catford Thundercats Vs Frindsbury Extra
On 28 November, Catford Thundercats played its away match to Frindsbury Extra and won 2–0. The first game was won on double 1, thrown by Caroline. The second game came down to needing 65 to win. Sue B threw 15, which meant a bull’s-eye was needed to win the match. To everyone’s joy, Sue B hit the bull’s-eye with her third dart. What a finish! Thank you to Frinsbury Extra for hosting the match.
The Capital Ring – Stage 1: Woolwich Foot Tunnel to Falconwood
On 23 November, four members walked Stage 1 of the Capital Ring Walk, setting out from a foggy Woolwich along the Thames Path. A short distance ahead of us was The Thames Barrier, shrouded in fog. We walked on to Maryon Wilson Park, where there is a small children’s zoo and through Charlton Park, where Charlton House is situated. We walked across Woolwich Common to Oxleas Woods, where Sevendroog Castle is situated. We finished our 7-mile walk at the Oxleas Meadows Cafe, where we enjoyed a welcome hot drink and bite to eat.
Our November Meeting
For our November monthly meeting, Jean H taught us how to make beautiful paper baskets, ideal for holding gifts – especially with Christmas fast approaching – or as a decoration. Thanks very much to Jean and her helpers for making the evening a great success.
Darts Tournament: Catford Sweet Peas Vs Ightham
On 31 October, Ightham WI darts team hosted a first-round match with Catford Sweet Peas. It was a close competition but Catford Sweet Peas won the match 2–1. Well done Linda for getting the double needed in the second game and Kay for getting the double in the final game.
Darts Tournament: Catford Thundercats Vs Gravesend
Catford Thundercats played Gravesend in a first-round home match on 16 October. It was a close match with good darts played from both teams. Gravesend won the match 2 -1
Tenpin Bowling
An good evening of tenpin bowling was had on 15 October. Scores of 100 or over were achieved by quite a few of the members.
Crossbow Shooting II
Another group of members, friends and family enjoyed a great afternoon of crossbow shooting at the Harris Academy. Again, thank you to Alan at Target Sports World for teaching us.
Tour of the Natural History Museum
Members of Catford WI were given a private guided tour of the Natural History Museum on 12 October. The Natural History Museum cares for more than 80 million specimens spanning billions of years and aims to use its unique collections and unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. A big thank you to Alex Hetherington for giving us such an interesting tour.
Our October Meeting
For our October monthly meeting, a group of Catford WI members prepared a delicious variety of savoury and sweet West Indian dishes for us to taste. A big thank you to Sue H and her team for their hard work in preparing these dishes.
Crossbow Shooting I
On 6 October, a group of members, friends and family had the opportunity to try crossbow shooting at the Harris Academy. A great time was had by all and quite a few centres were hit. A big thank you to Alan at Target Sports World for teaching us.
Archery Days
A great day of archery was had on 22 September at Bromley Archery Club. Both morning and afternoon sessions were well attended and even the rainy weather couldn’t dampen our spirits. Phoenix got the highest score in the morning session and Kay in the afternoon session.
Darts Tournament: Catford Sweet Peas vs Downe
Catford Sweet Peas played their first match in the 2018/19 West Kent Federation Darts Tournament against Downe on 18 September. Downe won the first game, Sue H got the winning double in the second game, so it was all to play for in the third and final game. Downe got the winning double and took the match 2–1. It was a good night of darts and lovely meeting the ladies of Downe WI darts team.
Suffragette Walk
On 15 September, Kate Boyle led us around Parliament Square on a guided walk about the suffragettes.
Our September Meeting
For our September meeting, Kate Willoughby joined us to discuss her work as a writer, performer and campaigner. Kate describes herself as a proud Yorkshire woman and a part-time suffragette.
She gave a fascinating talk about her campaigning work and how she uses drama and creativity to inspire people to vote. At the end of the evening, Kate performed a powerful and moving speech as Emily Wilding Davison, a suffragette who fought for votes for women and who is, perhaps, most famous for her attempt to stop King George V’s horse at the Epson Derby on 1913.
Slappers of Southwark Walk
On 7 September, a group of members, family and friends took part in an evening walk from London Bridge to The Globe Theatre, taking in the history of women along Bankside over the centuries. The evening was rounded off with a well-deserved supper at the Anchor Pub, Bankside.
The Murder Express
Members had a fabulous evening at The Murder Express Pedley Street Station. The evening was described as: “Great company, good food and a brilliantly acted murder mystery.”
Mini Cruise to Cherbourg and St Peter Port
Between 31 August and 3 September, a group of WI members, family and friends set sail aboard P&O Arcadia for a mini cruise to Cherbourg, France and St Peter Port, Guernsey. Everyone enjoyed their time in the ports and the activities onboard.
Rumour has it, members are already talking about the possibility of another cruise some time soon.
