Our January meeting

Two tree quizzes, chat, scones and a doorbell – a warm welcome at our January meeting

We made the very best of the evening when our speaker sadly had to cancel as a result of a bereavement. We hope that they will be able to join us later in the year and guide us through women's safety.

A small group of us were able to catch up about the various activities including the lovely Christmas Coffee meeting and the Canary Wharf and the Museum of Docklands walk.  It is surprising what lies just beyond the well trodden routes that we may take for our daily tasks. A thumbs-up was added for the exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum – do go if you have time. Of course, there will be walks and coffee suited to the gradually changing seasons, so keep a look out!

Info from the recent committee meeting was shared. The AGM is in May so anyone who has an inkling of perhaps joining the friendly committee, do let them know! Keep the fundraiser soup and cakes date in your diary – 15th April. And send in your vote on the NFWI Resolution you prefer to Celya. Of course, if anyone would like to see the minutes just contact a committee member.

Lots of chat and laughter – you might be surprised at the tales that come out in a social gathering! We enjoyed the usual refreshments, and the fresh cheese scones seemed popular.  

We sharpened our wits and knowledge on not one, but two tree quizzes, one with rather cryptic clues and the other was a picture identification. Points don't matter, of course, but there was a narrow winning team. 

We also tested out the new doorbell system, which we may be using from next month.

A chilly evening to go out but it was a warming way to spend the time and worth the effort of getting all those layers on. The hall is very warm and cosy!

Thanks to Heather for writing this month's blogpost.

Join us for our January coffee morning, Friday 27th January at Root 25, 116b Bow Road. From 10.30 for the early birds or feel free to join us later at 11-ish. 

Look out for our February Coming Up blogpost for news of our next walk.

Our January walk

Upcycled animals, plant identification and Old Flo – a return to Canary Wharf for our January walk

On a blustery Saturday, we joined the wheeling gulls for a wander around the docks, past huge yachts, Scout boats, colourful hoardings and sculptures. Up into Crossrail Place, we walked through Camille Walala's artwork Captivated by Colour to the covered roof garden, where there were flowers to smell and plants to name. Back out into the docks, we found Old Flo, the affectionate nickname for Henry Moore's Draped Seated Woman, originally made for the Stifford Estate in Stepney, and then over the bridge for coffee at the Museum of London Docklands. 

Fancy joining us on a walk? Look out for our next monthly What's On blogpost.

Pictures by Alison Denning, Heather Qualtrough, Sally Shanley and Lydia Thornley

Coming up in January 2023

Coming up in January 

Our meeting: Tree quiz, resolutions and social

Thursday 19th January, St Margaret’s House E2, 7 for 7.30pm

This is a change to our originally-planned meeting – sadly, our speaker has had to cancel.

It's a cold, dark month so come and enjoy a social evening, defrost with a hot drink, warm up your tree recognition skills and mull over this year's WI resolutions. 

Important information re access to the Hall: Due to new safety measures introduced by St. Margaret’s House, if the inner gate is locked when you arrive, please use the doorbell that will be attached to it.

Our coffee morning: Root 25, 116b Bow Road 

Friday 27th January, from 10.30am for the early birds or join us later at 11-ish 

We've visited this lovely café before and we're looking to forward to revisiting for its warm welcome and excellent second-hand books.