a rather jolly agm

I think it may be quite a good sign that I didn't think to get my camera out until it was nearly time to go home after our AGM this week.  It was an exceptionally relaxed affair, I thought, especially as what started off as a few of us sitting in a circle having a cup of tea and a chat just grew and grew and grew into, well, quite a large circle.  Thank you all for making it such a pleasant and productive evening and for contributing to discussions in such a considered and considerate way - the discussion on the resolution on high streets was really interesting with lots of ideas about how we might support our local businesses. I'd like to give a special mention  to Jenny from MIND who talked about the Older People's Advocacy Project, to everyone who made and brought delicious food to share, to Katharine for telling us about how her weekend at Denman, courtesy of EEWI's Denman award (and whether we really might prefer to spend our award on locally based skills enhancement),  to Natasha and Alison who have joined the EEWI committee, and to those stalwarts who are continuing in office.  We've got more to think about: which new charities we might want to support this year - one suggestion is sending food to a local food bank; how we might get more involved in WI campaigns; how to encourage volunteers for our fundraising cake stalls which, as Jo explained, are so essential to our staying solvent; and what new activities you might want to try in the coming months.

I've probably forgotten something or someone.  I usually do.  But I will try to remember to be a good President.

if it's May, it must be our AGM

NFWI Campaigns Bunting*

We'll be a little bit more serious than usual at our next meeting on Tuesday 21st May as it's our Annual General Meeting.  We'll be reporting on what we've achieved during the last 18 months, electing our EEWI Officers, and thinking about our own policies for 2013/14. We'll also be voting on this year's resolution to the national WI conference in June - our own Veronika is going along to represent us and other local WIs. If you managed to catch Mary Portas last week trying to come up with a plan to revive Roman Road market then you'll recognise the importance of the resolution:

The NFWI notes with concern the continuing decline of our high streets and the damaging effect this has on local communities. We call on every member of the WI to support their local shops and make the high street their destination of choice for goods and services. We call on decision-makers to work collectively, at all levels, to help bring an end to the decline of our high streets and to ensure that high streets flourish and provide a focal point for local communities.

We thought we might relax afterwards with a chat, a snack and a drink.  If you have time, it would be lovely if you could bring along a small dish to share, maybe something that is a particular favourite with your family, or some traditional food popular with your own family.  We start at the ususal time: 7pm for 7.30pm start.  Guests are welcome (£3 donation requested) but will not be able to vote on resolutions.

Our coffee morning on 24th May will be the Museum of London in Docklands where the new Estuary exhibition has just opened. Meet up in the cafe at 10.30am.  All welcome - you don't have to be a member.

Looking forward to seeing you next week.

*Plus ca change.

Fun on the green this weekend: want to help?

We're running the tea and cakes stall at Fun on The Green this Saturday 11th May - we'll even be cosy and dry in case of the odd shower because we have a marquee! It should be a fun event with plenty of action and the Three Mills area to see.  

It would be lovely to see some new volunteers to help out on the stall.  You don't have to be a baker if that's not your thing, as we need people to help set up and serve too.  Don't worry, we'll show you the ropes. 

Knit & Natter: Wednesday 24th

Whoop, it's Knit and Natter time! Tomorrow night is Knit & Natter night! Bring along your unfinished knitting projects, your tapestries and your paper-craft - or anything else you have on the go.  

We are meeting tomorrow night: Wednesday 24th April from 6.30 – 8.30pm.

We're meeting at The Coborn Arms, 8 Coborn Road, Mile End, London E3 2DA. Click here for a map.

This EEWI-inspired group is open to anyone who feels like popping in with a project - knitting or otherwise. It will be a casual meeting, and everyone is invited – not only knitters! Bring along your stitching or paper crafts, or simply join us for a few drinks and a good catch-up. New knitters are welcome too.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

we said it would be fun, didn't we?

What dance is this?

And this?

Definitely the Gay Gordons

What's the caller shouting for?

We stripped the willow, went under the Bridge of Athlone and tripped along with the Gay Gordons. There was an element of concentration on one or two faces, lots of laughter, and a few breathers when the going got a bit too hectic. I think it's fair to say that it was a laugh, just as we promised.  Jocelyn was the perfect caller, balancing exuberance with a modicum of order and we are very grateful to her for getting us out of our comfy chairs and onto the dance floor.  If you fancy more folksy dancing adventures, Jocelyn suggests you might give these a try: the Nest collective; Two for Joy: The Muckers in Hackney; and Chats Palace. When I've got my breath back, maybe.

On a more serious note, thanks too to Katharine for sharing information on Casserole Club in Tower Hamlets.  If you are interested in sharing a spare meal with an elderly or needy neighbour in, please let us know or contact Katharine direct via the email address on the website.  

We also heard from Isla about the Spare Room Campaign set up by charity Depaul.  Isla explained that this project aims to encourage families or individuals with a spare room available to provide accommidation for at risk homeless youngsters. For further information or to register an interest, follow the link.  Do let your friends know about both of these projects.  

Lots of bikes outside a cafe?   EEWI must be around

We want to spread the word too about our coffee morning venue last week.  Paper and Cup in St Paul's Way is a lovely, light airy space with good tea and coffee, a decent selection of reasonably priced cakes and sandwiches, and WiFi.  We were there for, ooh, er, quite a long time looking at photos, talking about Nigerian cooking, and hearing about the best places to buy fabric.  We may have discussed wedding cake too.

With many thanks to Karen for so generously sharing her son's wedding cake with us and wishing the newlyweds a very happy, rosy future.

April meetings: Time for a wee dance

Get your dancing shoes one because we're having a Ceilidh (pronounced a bit of a jolly dance).  If you can only vaguely remember the Gay Gordons from rainy days at school, it's time to relive the moment, and if you've never heard of the GGs then look on it as a chance to try something new.  It'll be a laugh.  Meeting as usual, third Tuesday of the month, 16th April at St Margaret's House, 21 Old Ford Road, E2,  7pm for a 7.30pm start.  All women welcome - free to members, £3 for guests (it's a bargain!). We'll bring the tea and coffee but it would be most marvellous if you could bring refreshments to share - cake or savouries or a spot of wine are always welcome.  We'll also hear about some local charitable projects.  So no excuses ladies - the clocks have gone back and the weather is warmer, so come and trip the light fantastic...or something like that.

We're supporting a newish cafe for our coffee morning on Friday 19th April at 10.30pm.  Paper and Cup at 83 St Paul's Way is a new social enterprise set up by the Spitalfields Crypt Trust and we'd love to show our support.  If you are coming from Mile End Station, walk left round the corner and catch any bus or take a ten minute walk and turn left at St Paul's Church. All women - and children - welcome.  Just bring yourself and enough loose change to buy yourself a cup of coffee to find some sweet company.

Now then.  Back to that sunshine...

Knit & Natter Wednesday

Just a reminder that tomorrow night is Knit & Natter night! Bring along your unfinished knitting projects, your crochet and your paper-craft - or anything else you have on the go. 

We are meeting tomorrow night: Wednesday 27th March from 6.30 – 8.30pm.

We're meeting at The Coborn Arms, 8 Coborn Road, Mile End, London E3 2DA. Click here for a map.

This EEWI-inspired group is open to anyone who feels like popping in with a project - knitting or otherwise. It will be a casual meeting, and everyone is invited – not only knitters! Bring along your stitching or paper crafts, or simply join us for a few drinks and a good catch-up. New knitters are welcome too.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!