Coming up in August...

At our next meeting on 19th August, Wendy Paton from London Bushcraft will talk to us about foraging in London.

Wendy’s interest in bushcraft started as a young child in Australia. Wendy has led 21 expeditions worldwide. During these trips she has foraged for wild rhubarb in Mongolia and picked enough wild blueberries in Ecuador to turn herself blue.

At our August meeting, Wendy will tell us about the what, where and how of foraging in London.

This meeting will be online, starting at 7.30pm. 

The Zoom link will be sent out earlier that day to our list of East End WI members and friends. If you don’t think you are already on the list and would like to be included, please email us.

Coffee mornings

In person: We are making use of the chance to sit outside, under a protective awning at Café Crème, 566 Roman Road on Friday 6th August at 10.30am.

It is just on the corner by the Bow Idea Store. Accessible, and buses not too far away. Very friendly, welcoming staff and, if we did need to go inside to shelter, it is quite spacious. We do not expect a huge group, but for some of us it will be a chance to put on some glad rags and see the full picture!

We will see how it goes, and will also offer (possibly alternate) future Zoom sessions.

On Zoom: 27th August, 10.30am. The Zoom link will be sent out nearer the time to our list of East End WI members and friends. 

Following the plots – our July meeting at Pudding Mill allotments

“The first year, there were hundreds of goldfinches.”

For our July meeting, we were invited to visit the beautiful Pudding Mill Allotments, by Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where East End WI members Clare and Colleen have plots.

Arriving through fragrant lavender and sitting in early evening light as martins swooped overhead, we heard from Clare about the history of the site, its wildlife and the things that people grow, as well as having time for a catch-up and cake.

We also took time to complete the task of the AGM to elect a President. We’re delighted to announce that Heather Qualtrough has been elected. You can find the 2021/22 committee here.

Our thanks to Yvette from Middlesex Federation for coming along.

A huge round of applause to Natasha and the 2020/21 committee for all of their work in these challenging times, keeping the East End WI community going and creating an excellent programme of virtual events. And thank you Clare and all at the allotments for welcoming us.

Our next meeting, on Thursday 19 August, will be about foraging. Check back here for information nearer the time.

Photos by Kate Fuller; sketch by Lydia Thornley.

 

Welcome to the latest news from your EEWI Our Next Meeting… Save the date! 15th July is the third Thursday of the month, and our next meeting.  Venue: Allotments at QEOP where Clare and Colleen spend time. Directions: Bridgewater Road, London E15 2NJ. Don't look up the address on Google maps as it won't show, but if you Google Pudding Mill allotments then the address appears! The nearest bus stop is Warton Road - buses 25, 106, 276, 425. There is also the 388 which stops on Westfield Avenue. Car parking is also available. Time: 07:30 PM on Thursday 15th July 2021 What you can expect on the evening: We’ll see what goes on at the allotments and hear the history of the site, as well as have time for a catch-up, coffee and some cake. Please note: We remain COVID-19 aware, and will be considerate of social distancing and numbers. We recommend everyone attending bring their own mug/glass, as some wine may arrive… There is a fridge and a kettle and very importantly a toilet! Don’t forget to bring your own hand sanitiser too.  Committee Matters… We’ll also complete the task of the AGM, to elect a President so that we can go forward with the complement of committee and roles filled. Yvette from MFWI has been invited. We have one person willing to stand for President, but if anyone feels they missed the chance, please do step up for the committee or a post. We need to be quorate (8), and this business should not take very long, so we do hope to see you there. In the unlikely event that we cannot complete this task, we need to give 10 days’ notice of a special meeting, which will be on the following Thursday, 22nd July, 7.30 on Zoom. Joining details will follow.