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On June 16th, Kay led a walk around more of the London landmarks including the state of Emmeline Pankhurst and the Buxton memorial…and an encounter with a horse!
Sadly our planned speaker was struck down with Covid so with the committee arranged an improvised evening of quizzes and Bingo keeping everyone entertained.
The 11th June brought many members to Beckenham Place Park for a picnic. With everyone bringing lots to eat and drink. A grand time was had by all in the sunshine
On the 31st May the supper club met from the first time post-Covid. We visited the Old Taverna in Bexley Village and enjoyed a splendid menu of Greek specialities. Eυχαριστώ
On May 28th a group of us set out with Kate for an informative walk around the royal sites of central London From the Eleanor cross at Charing Cross through to St James’ Palace and Lancaster House. The walk was interrupted by the ‘dress rehearsal’ for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations taking place the following weekend. The group had a perfect view of the ranks of Household cavalry on horseback and spotted Prince William taking part in the run through.
On the 16th May our valiant walkers tackled more of the London Loop. 11 miles from Hatton Cross to Uxbridge. Section 10 (3.5 miles) took us from Hatton Cross, alongside the River Crane, through Cranford Country Park, onto Hayes & Harlington and the Grand Union Canal. Section 11 (7.5 miles) started on the Grand Union Canal, then through Stockley Park, onto Colne Valley Park and the Grand Union Canal, finishing at Uxbridge station. Even meeting a slow worm en route.
Our AGM on May 11th was well attended and we were fortunate to have Alison Long, the proposer of this year’s NFWI campaign, to come and talk to us about Autism and ADHD in Women and it’s under diagnosis and effects. We also two competitions, one for a miniature teacup garden and the other for springtime decorated cupcakes.
The committee was re-elected for the coming year.
On the 30th April Kate Boyle led a guided walk around the churches and buildings of the City of London. From the Royal Exchange to the churches that rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1666 it was a fascinating morning.
We were joined by former member and expert florist, Sue Laughton. Ably assisted by Ralph, she showed us how to make beautiful Easter Table decorations with some stunning results.
On the 9th of April 3 intrepid members set out t in the crisp sunshine to walk section 9 of the London loop today.
They started at Kingston Bridge and enjoyed a lovely walk through Bushy Park, onto Hounslow Heath, finishing at Hatton Cross station. There were times when they couldn’t believe they weren’t in the heart of the Countryside.
On April 7th, Kay G led a group around Sloane Square this morning, visiting 4 very different churches in the area, all with stained Glass windows. Holy Trinity Church of England, St Mary’s Catholic Church, St Simon’s Zelotes Evangelical Church of England and St Columba’s Church of Scotland. The stained glass in each church was impressive
On a bright morning on the 26th March, Kate Boyle led a group around the buildings new and old to be found in the City of London. We learned about The Shard, Lloyds London and The Gherkin amongst others.
In March we had an interesting and highly educational meeting with Craige Major. Craige is a carpenter and general builder, highly recommended by Kay, who answered all of our questions on DIY what you should , and shouldn’t tackle.
At our February meeting we tried our Chair Yoga led by local Yoga Teacher, Jacqueline Hannam. Everyone joined in with great enthusiasm and the. not terribly strenuous, exercise looked very elegant. many thanks to Jacqueline.
On 18th January we held our first, in person, Quiz night for 2 years and a great evening it proved to be. With Phil W in the chair as Quizmaster, and as a Mastermind semi-finalist he certainly knows a thing or two, and food provided by Julie P and her team a grand time was had by all. 12 teams contended with questions on all topics from music to Catford WI outings and in the end the winners only came out 1 point ahead of the runners up. A traditional Catford WI raffle ended the evening. Thanks to all involved and looking forward to the next one.
We started 2022 with a fascinating presentation from Dick Griffin who spent his working life as ‘The Queen’s Policeman’ a close protection Officer to the Queen and other members of the Royal family including the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, who he accompanied to Cambridge University. He also brought a collection of his memorabilia from his career.
Our WI year ended with our traditional Christmas walk and Lunch at the Lullingstone Visitor Centre in Kent. We were all very glad to be back and all enjoyed a delicious post walk lunch. Although it was a bit muddy underfoot, the walk was very interesting particularly as we learned of the plans to improve the park over the next years.
Our December Meeting was also our Christmas Social. Yet again Covid intervened which prevented us being joined by a choir to sing Christmas songs. However, undaunted, a lovely evening was had by all. Linda baked a magnificent Christmas Cake and thanks to all others who supplied goodies and helped on the night. Special thanks to Sue B who made our beautiful, and unique, Christmas Tree decorations which all members received
One of the many events postponed due to the pandemic finally happened on November 27th. A large group of us went for Afternoon Tea at Lindy Lou’s. A cold grey afternoon was definitely brightened up by delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes and lots of chatter.
We had a craft evening with Jean showing us ideas for unique Christmas Cards and Caroline showing us decorative boxes for the tree or place settings. We also judges our Poppy Competition which was won by Alyson with her Poppy Hatinator, Runners up were Caroline with her Wreath and Kay with her Painting
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