the women's library needs you!

The Women's Library in Aldgate, home to the archive of the NFWI, is looking for a small band of volunteers adept with a needle for a one-day project.  On Tuesday 21st June they will be labelling (sewn labels), packaging and hanging (on padded hangers which we will make) the costumes used in a 1969 WI production called 'The Brilliant and The Dark', performed at the Royal Albert Hall. This promises to be a sociable, fun day.   

The library also needs someone in the next two or three weeks to write descriptions of the costumes. The volunteer needs to be able to work with good attention to detai - measuring, describing and typing up. There are 20-25 items in total, so it's not a huge task but it will require a day or two. 

If you are interested and can help, please contact Colleen or leave a comment on this post.

Edited to add - yet again :   The Women's Library have confirmed that the date should be 7th June from 10am - 4pm,  If you plan to come, or can no longer make it, please let Colleen know by leaving a message.  Cheers!

february meetings, in and out

Hope you can join us for our meetings and outings this month.  Inspired by the new film exploring the challenges faced by King George VI, we are kicking off with a night out to see The King's Speech this Thursday 10th February.  Meet us at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA.  The show starts at 8.30pm, but we'll start assembling just after 8.

At our evening meeting on on Tuesday 15th February, we'll be following up with a talk on stammering by Julia Ammon from the British Stammering Association.  Meet as usual at St Margaret's House, 21Old Ford Road, E2 9PL,  7.30 for 8pm start.  We'll provide tea, coffee and more fun, though feel free to bring a bottle too if you wish.  Non- members welcome (suggested £3 donation).

Our coffee morning on Friday 18th February is a little further afield, this time to the Foundling Museum, Brunswick Square to see their exhibition 'Threads of Feeling", a display of the fabrics mothers left to identify their children when they left them at the original Foundling Hospital.  There will also be a chance to see other exhibits at the museum.  We'll be meeting in the cafe at 10.30 and our group visit will start at 11am.  Please note that there is an entry fee of £5 per person to pay.

Finally, don't forget that we'll be serving tea and cake at the WI Crafts Day this Saturday 12th February at the Women's Library, Old Castle Street, EI (just round the corner from Aldgate East station) , 11- 4pm.   This family event will bring together WI members from different federations to provide a historical context to WI crafts and the role that the WI has played in saving traditional crafts.  It will demonstrate some of the contemporary work of the WI and provide an opportunity to learn more with stalls, display and demonstrations, including patchwork quilting, knitting, lacework and rag rugs.  YOu'll also be able to see Handmade Tales, the current exhibition.  It would be lovely to see you there supporting the WI and the Women's Library.

Busy, busy, busy....