Coming up in May

Saturday 14th May - Walk: West Ham Park 

Meet at 11am at Abbey Road DLR station Abbey Gardens exit (also accessible on foot / bike via the Greenway, from Stratford or West Ham stations and via the 276 bus, Mitre Road stop).The walk will go to the park via Abbey Gardens, site of the gatehouse of the Cistercian Stratford Langthorne Abbey, West Ham Church and then up to the park, where the ornamental garden has an outdoor exhibition on its surprisingly-grand horticultural history. Coffee opportunities at Abbey Gardens, where there’s a new pop-up café, and West Ham Park, which has an outdoor snack shack and usually, an ice cream van. Public loos at West Ham Park. Routes home via Stratford, buses on West Ham Lane or back towards the start point. If anyone wants to join us at the park itself, we’ll be at the Portway South Gate at roughly 11.30.

Thursday 19th May - Meeting 

Usual venue - St Margaret’s House; 7 for 7.30pm This meeting we will be welcoming a member of Middlesex Federation to help us celebrate our 15th birthday, hold our AGM but more importantly of all have a bit of fun and a social catch-up. There will be the odd quiz or two, so hint: catch-up on pink and green items as well as facts and figures about the WI…….

Covid measures in place, hand gel on entry, masks till sitting down. We will keep door open. No need for checking temperatures. 

Friday 27th May - coffee morning

Root/25 at 10.30am - A chance to try out a new venue for us. 116B Bow Road London E3 3AA. Recently discovered by Heather who says ; “lovely welcoming people. They run it to support the charity Restless Beings - supporting various most marginalized groups. They have second hand books (and some new) on sale as well as other events. Nice pastries and meals/snacks.”

East End WI in the Middlesex Federation news

The WI is divided nationally into around 52 federations. We belong to Middlesex - which has approx 51 individual WI groups and a total of 2,000 members. Middlesex has a regular newsletter and in the latest issue there's a piece by our very own Celya about our recent talk on the women in Hackney history. More on the newsletter at Middlesex Federation's website.

Recruitment and Re-application for annual membership

This is a gentle reminder for members still needing to pay the bargain price (not increased this year in view of Covid) of £44 by cash, or cheque in person at the next meeting. It's such good value for money and a chance to join an inclusive, exciting organisation. Your committee are currently looking at ways to advertise our wonderful group with posters, flyers and on social media; all designed by own very own Lydia. If you feel you could distribute some of these or have ideas where we could post on social media please let us know.

More WI news

National WI meeting (virtual) Saturday 11th June: you can still sign up to view the meeting virtually, this year to be held in Liverpool. There are typically two high profile guest speakers who address the meeting for around half an hour each and an address by the NFWI Chair. Join up for free via The National Federation website.

Me, myself and I and WI - 9th - 15th May - Online. Launched last year in view of the possible effects of covid, isolation etc is back for a week of self care and wellbeing. Please visit the Main WI website on the 9th of May to access lots of activities, projects and helpful links to promote great self care. It coincides with National Mental Health Awareness week. One of the fun zoom sessions to join will be about the WI’s recent initiative based around walking netball!