May news...

 

Hopefully, those of you who joined us in April have been able to enjoy your hand made both bombs, and in a few months will have some bright and cheerful ranunculus flowers. 

May’s meeting will focus on women’s physical health and wellbeing, led by experienced physiotherapist Claire Callaghan. Claire has worked in the NHS and private sector, both in the UK and Australia, supporting patients with management of aches, pains and injuries and maintenance of physical activity and exercise. As an active mum of two, runner, swimmer, and tennis player, she understands the demands on your body, focus and time.

Claire will explain more about joint, muscle, and bone health, which different types of exercise are best for women, practical hints, and tips for managing changes in health at different stages of life and ideas for wellbeing at work such as how to sit well, desk-based stretches and moving more. For more information, visit Claire’s Facebook page or her Instagram profile.

As part of our fundraising programme, we will be holding a raffle with prizes kindly donated by members earlier in the year. Please bring some cash for your tickets. We are also going to have a regular second- hand book stall, and welcome donations of books that members and guests can take home for a small donation.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 25^th!

 

We had a magical night in the company of the Great Baldini, who amazed us with his close up magic last month.  It was a fun way to spend a February evening!  

For our March meeting, we will welcome local writer and historian Andy Lewis.  Andy leads the local history group at Zion Community space, has written several books and publishes a blog: "The Ramblings of a Retired Utility Worker". A lifelong resident of Bedminster Down, Andy will tell us all about the history of the area from its position as a "no go area" for large parts of the 16th & 17th Century to its transformation as a mining community and then its development as a largely residential community. He will also talk about some of the organisations that were key to making it a "real community area" at its height, their subsequent demise and how the area has changed since.  

The committee is close to finalising the programme for the year and look forward to telling you the plans for the rest of 2022.  As part of this, we are considering changing the date of some meetings that fall in school holidays so that they are in term time instead.  We'd love to hear what you think about this plan, so please let us know by e-mailing wearemalagowi@gmail.com or chat to us at the next meeting.

Finally, as ever, we need your help.  We have some ideas for fundraising which we will share with you, over the next few meetings.  In the meantime if you are able to help with providing a cake (homemade or shop bought) or helping with teas at the March meeting please e-mail us.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 30^th March.

It was lovely to see friends old and new at our first meeting of 2022 and to be able to get together once again.  Thanks goes to Judi of Fire and Sand Glass Design for a great start to an exciting year of meetings.
 
To help springle a little bit sparkle during these dark evenings, this month we are delighted to be hosting the Great Baldini! ‘Emperor of illusion’, ‘Prince of Prestidigitation’ and ‘Maharajah of Mystery’, the Great Baldini is a magical legend, a music hall relict, and an old school theatrical performer.  The Great Baldini’s History of Magic is an hour-long lecture that traces magic from its origins as an essential part of religion, to its persecution by burning to a global entertainment phenomenon.  Interspersed with astounding and entertaining illusions.
 
As with 2021 membership, WIs have the flexibility to charge a lesser amount for their share of the membership fee.  Last year, we only charged membership fees which covered WI and AFWI contributions but did not charge anything for Malago WI's share.  Unfortunately, our current finances mean that we are unable to do this for 2022 membership.  We are therefore proposing to charge the full fee of £44 for 2022.  We need to ask current members if they are happy to support this.  You can do this or ask any questions by emailing wearemalagowi@gmail.com.  Membership renewals will take place at our April meeting.
 
We are settling into our new space at Bedminster Methodist Church.  As logistics are slightly different, we need help to set up at the start at the meeting and with refreshments.  If you can help, please arrive, about half an hour early or come to speak to us when you arrive.  We ask that everyone help to put the room back to its original set up before you leave so we can all get home in good time.
 
We would be delighted to see new faces at our meetings, so guests can attend February meeting for free, so why not bring a friend along!
 
See you on Wednesday 23^rd 8pm start.
 

 Happy New Year to all our members and friends! 

 
After being nomadic for most of 2021, we are delighted that we have been able to secure a space again at Bedminster Methodist Church.  The hall continues to be used as a vaccination centre, but there is another charming room we can use at the church with easy access.
 
For our first meeting of the year, we are delighted to have Judi Edwards, a former Malago WI member join us.  Judi of Fire and Sand Glass Design has been working with glass in a variety of formats for 7 years. Being originally trained in the traditional skill of leaded glass she has extended her work to include foil (the “Tiffany” method) and fusing in a kiln. She regularly sells her work at craft fairs and creates work on commission.
 
The presentation will consider the history of glass and will look at different ways of working with glass as a hobby/craft at home. Judi will explain both “cold” and “hot” work as well as demonstrating some basic techniques. A number of examples will be provided to inspire participants to take up this exciting and creative activity.
 
The last year has meant it has been difficult to raise funds, so we hope you can help us in a few ways.  If you have any unwanted gifts or books, please bring them along.  We will raffle unwanted gifts at February’s meeting and set up a second-hand book stall at each meeting should you want to pick up a new read.  We also have some merchandise left from the Christmas fair we took part in during December, so please bring some cash along to pick up some lovely handmade items.
 
We want to make sure are meetings as safe and enjoyable as possible.  We will ensure that the room is well ventilated and there is hand sanitiser available.  Although face coverings are not a requirement, please feel free to wear them.  We would also be grateful if you could consider taking a lateral flow test before you attend a meeting. 
 
Our new room is located in the main church building.  When you arrive, go to the entrance via the metal ramp and through the opposite door. 
 
We are really looking forward to seeing you.  If you haven’t been for a while, why not make it a resolution to attend or even bring a friend.
 
See you on Wednesday 26^th, 8pm start.

 We had a such a lovely time at Farahaway Café making macramé plant hangers at our last meeting.  Some of us have already caught the bug to make more!

 
Our November meeting will be the last one of 2021.  As a change to our normal meeting day, we will be getting together on Monday 22nd November for our long awaited special private Theatre Walk with Sheila from Show of Strength Theatre Company for an historical tour with a difference. Show of Strength have re-booted their amazingly successful and highly acclaimed theatre walks for the autumn/winter season, and we are delighted to invite our Malago WI members to join us for "Blood and Butchery in Bedminster".
 
"Bedminster — where graves were robbed by body snatchers, and corpses buried in concrete coffins. Where the old Chinese laundry vanished years ago, and where ‘laundering’ now means money, big money, 13 million, ‘laundered’ through a Bedminster bank. Where criminals were sentenced to hang in public, their cadavers flayed, their skin tanned and made into……the answer is in BLOOD AND BUTCHERY IN BEDMINSTER".  
 
We'll begin at The Ropewalk, 5 Nelson Parade on Bedminster Parade Bedminster,BS3 4JA meeting at 7:30pm and end at The Hen and Chicken, where those of us who are thirsty can stop for a drink and some pizza and those of us who wish to take their leave can do so. The tour will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
 
This event is free for members and spaces for guests are available at £5.
 
In 2021, we have been able to offer WI membership at a reduced rate, forgoing the Malago WI portion of subscriptions.  To enable us to offer an exciting face to face programme in 2022, we need to do some fundraising. With Christmas almost round the corner (sorry), we are excited to take part in a Christmas Fair at Bristol Distillery on Malago Vale Trading Estate, St John's Lane.  The Fair is on Saturday 4^th December 12pm to 4pm.  We will be selling cakes and crafts.  We need volunteers to make cakes (lemon drizzle cake, rocky road, brownies, biscuits) and help at the stall.  This is going to be a real family affair and we are excited to take part in a community event and promote our wonderful Malago WI.  If you can volunteer in any way, please contact wearemalagowi@gmail.com
 
We look forward to seeing you on Monday 22^nd November at 7:30pm!

 

Thanks to those who could join us for our quiz evening at the Hen and Chicken.  It was a great opportunity to socialise, have a natter and pit our wits against Quiz Master Vivienne. 
 
As the nights draw in, we are planning a cosy night at Farahaway Café on North Street for a macramé workshop.  Farah has had a passion for arts and crafts since she was younger - her mum had a craft shop, so she was always surrounded by creativity.  She wanted to share her love of crafts with others and thought a relaxing café environment with a space for workshops would be the perfect way to do that and bring a sense of community.
 
We will have the opportunity to learn the basic techniques of macramé and make a plant hanger to house your favourite plant. All materials, a hot drink and slice of cake or glass of fizz are included.  You will also be able to buy further snacks, cakes, and drinks.
 
Doors will open at 7pm for a prompt start at 7:30pm.  We have 20 spaces so if you would like to attend, please email wearemalagowi@gmail.com by Sunday 24^th October to reserve your place.  Guests are welcome at £10 each.
 
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade.  Held at the beginning of January, this is a great way to brighten up the dark nights and celebrate the wonderful schools and community groups which make up Bedminster.  They are looking for marshals to help at the event, so if you are interested, please contact Stef Brammar for more information.
 
We hope to see you next week for an evening of crafting and chat.

September news....

 

Our Summer of outings closed this year with a thoroughly entertaining walk and talk with Ed Hall along the harbourside
 
Due to the continuing vaccination programme, we are not able to return to the hall at British Road this month.  So, we continue our tour of Bristol venues.  This month we will be heading to a friendly local, the Hen and Chicken for a very British tradition, the Pub Quiz!
 
Our very own Vivienne will be putting together some trivia and brain teasers to test the grey cells, whilst ensuring we have some fun.  In teams of up to four, you will be able to test your knowledge and pit your wits against Malago WI’s Quiz Master.
 
This is a great opportunity to have a drink and chat, so please feel free to bring along a friend (or two!)
 
We will be in the Chicken Shed at the Hen and Chicken from 7:30pm for an 8pm start. Drinks and snacks can be purchased from the bar.
 
We hope to see you there. 

August news......

 

Extreme weather conditions did not stop us enjoying stories of great Bristol women courtesy of Jane Duffus and the Women that Built Bristol at Redcatch Community Garden.  Luckily their fabulous new marquee provided ample protection from the elements!
 
We are out and about again in August with Ed Hall.  Ed is a mine of information and has become a familiar face to visitors and locals alike having been doing commentary tours around the Floating Harbour for over 40 years. During the last decade he has been guiding various walking around the docks and central areas of Bristol with events for M Shed, the Civic Society and the Bristol Walking Festival. Our walk will start at Wapping Wharf in front of M Shed and then around a bit of the docks and along some of the New Cut before finishing back at Wapping Wharf at the bottom of Gaol Ferry Steps. Ed will explain some of the history of the area and how the docks got converted from its extreme tidal form to what became the largest enclosed 'Floating Harbour" in the world in 1809.
 
As the nights are drawing in, we want to make the most of the daylight so please meet outside M Shed, at the Prince Street Bridge end, from 7pm for a 7.15 start and we should be finished around 8.30pm ready for a glass of wine or a beer in one of the bars along Wapping Wharf.
 
We hope to see you there.  Please contact Avril 0780 395 4120 if you need to on the day.
 
We hope to see you there. 

October news...

It seems such a long time ago since we last.  We had hoped that the easing in restrictions early this year would mean we would be able to meet again in the hall.  However, we continue to be advised that we are not able to meet in our normal way.

This being said, the Committee have been working hard to come up with ways to offer an opportunity to get together in these challenging times.
 
Within COVID guidelines, we are able to arrange a Theatre Walk with Show Of Strength Theatre Company.
 
Join us on Monday 9th November at 6.30pm (not our normal Wednesday slot) for an historical tour with a difference. We may not have been able to meet properly since lockdown, but we have organised a special private Theatre Walk with Sheila from Show Of Strength Theatre Company. Show of Strength have re-booted their amazingly successful and highly acclaimed theatre walks for the autumn/winter season, and we are delighted to invite our Malago WI members to join us for "Blood and Butchery in Bedminster".
 
"Bedminster — where graves were robbed by body snatchers, and corpses buried in concrete coffins. Where the old Chinese laundry vanished years ago, and where ‘laundering’ now means money, big money, 13 million, ‘laundered’ through a Bedminster bank. Where criminals were sentenced to hang in public, their cadavers flayed, their skin tanned and made into……the answer is in BLOOD AND BUTCHERY IN BEDMINSTER".  
 
We'll begin at The Ropewalk, on Bedminster Parade and end at The Hen and Chicken, where those of us who are thirsty can stop for a socially distanced drink and some pizza. Those of us who wish to take their leave can do so. The tour will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
 
This event is free for members and spaces for guests may also be available.  If you would like to join us please email wearemalagowi@gmail.com by 2nd November to reserve a space.
 
If you are looking to step back in time and remember a time pre-COVID, the Bristol Civic Society have gone through the archives when Bristol was a different place!  Enjoy Bristol’s Big Bang, Wills at One and those early days of working in an office, with face to face meetings?!?

June news....

 
It’s hard to believe that here we are in early June still in lockdown though things are easing slowly…
 
We hope that you are all finding ways to cope with all the uncertainties and restrictions for yourself as well as family and friends. Many people and communities have come together in amazing ways and let’s hope some of the positives continue.
 
Some of us are still going to work, learning to work from home or volunteering as well as maybe battling with home schooling. Others may have found themselves suddenly at home with time to fill and looking for ways to keep busy.
 
Until we can all meet up in the hall we would be interested to know if you would like to take part in some smaller group Zoom meetings, though we appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. If so let us have an idea of topics or activities that would be of interest e.g. a book club or a craft session?  Or we might be able to hold some smaller social bubble activities like some guided walks or a picnic in a park? Please email wearemalagowi@gmail.com if you would be interested to take part or have any suggestions.
 
There are lots of online opportunities and zoom classes which might be of interest to our members. For example, The Bristol Arts Channel has just launched with free to view performances from some of the city’s amazing arts venues.
 
Sewing for the NHS and front line staff
Some of you joined in making wash bags, scrub hats and knitted hearts.  Do let us know what you made and whether you made us the Brislington WI drop-offs or made your own arrangements. 
 
What have you been doing in Lockdown
We thought it might be fun to collectively document what we have all been doing over the past few months.
 
We are hoping to create a short film that chronicles the activities of our members during lockdown. We’ve been inspired by Grayson Perry’s Art Club, and so it would be lovely to compile some photos and film of the things you’ve been up to! Think Tony Hart’s Gallery!
 
Have you been creative during lockdown? Perhaps you have completed a piece of sewing, or created a work of art? Maybe you’ve been trying out some new recipes or perhaps you’ve had success growing something amazing in the garden or allotment? Whatever it is, we’d love to share it with our members.
 
If you have photos, or better still, a few seconds of film, showing your art/project, lease do send it to Geri, our treasurer, at Geri@debutots.co.uk with a little bit about what you’ve been doing and why you are particularly proud of it.
 
If you are not camera shy then by all means film yourself explaining - that’s even better! Ensure your film is in landscape if at all possible (turn your phone sideways) and no longer than a couple of minutes. Otherwise it gets difficult to send!  The Committee has put aside being camera shy and have put together a video to explain what to do, what we are looking for and to inspire you!
 
Geri will put all the contributions together and edit a short film, which we will all be able to enjoy.  It will be a sort of chronicle of what we’ve been doing during these strange times.
 
Contributions need to be received by Wednesday 29^th July, so whip out your smartphone and get filming!
 
Future meetings
We have been advised by WI Federation that face to face meetings are not possible for the time being so we have been thinking about what activities and projects we might be able to arrange in the meantime as well as planning for when more normal life returns.
 
The NFWI has been very concerned about the disruption this lockdown period has had on WI meetings and activities and the membership experience this year. Consultations with all federations have taken place to discuss ways in which this can be acknowledged in the membership subscription this year.
 
Therefore, they will be offering a three-month extension to this year’s membership subscription. The next renewal date for membership subscriptions will, therefore, be 1^st April 2021.
 
As soon as we can meet again we hope to reschedule some of the speakers/session we had to cancel over the last few months as well as some new topics. We also want to plan for a really fab social event towards the end of the year which we can fund from events that have had to be cancelled.
 
We look forward to hearing from you, finding out more about what you have been doing during lockdown and planning  ways we can continue to stay in touch and meet again when circumstances allow.
 
Stay safe and well.

March meeting cancellation

 
It seems a very long time ago since we were making window stars with Laura from Colourful Minds.  As always, it was lovely to be able to sit, chat and get creative with friends old and new.
 
The landscape in the UK has changed significantly since then and it with great sadness that we have to cancel the next Malago WI meeting on Wednesday 25^th March and future monthly meetings until further notice. This is based on Government Advice to delay the impact of Covid-19.
 
We want to help to mitigate the impact that the lack of social engagement will have on our community, especially those who are more vulnerable or in self-isolation. So we want to ask you to send us recipes, ideas for projects, ideas for future meetings or share stories to give us all a lift during very uncertain times.  We can share these in our newsletter and via social media.  Please send these to wearemalagowi@gmail.com
 
Self-isolation can very challenging and lonely, so if any of you would like a chat with one of our friendly committee members, then please let us know.  If members would like to support others in this way, let us know and we can help to make a connection.
 
It is not clear when we will be able to resume our normal activity, but we will keep in touch and support each other in uncertain times.
 
Take care and stay safe.

February news....

 
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the first meeting of 2020.  It was lovely to see new and familiar faces who joined us to hear about the amazing work undertaken by Dogs for Good.
 
During the dark and cold nights, it always helps to bring some colour into the house.  We are delighted to be joined once again by Laura Humpage from Colourful Minds who will be showing us how to make window stars. Laura will be providing all materials for a bit of creative therapy.
 
Colourful Minds run art and craft workshops for kids and adults in Bristol. Set up by mum of two, Laura, to teach and explore creative skills in relaxed and informal settings. Laura has a degree in Textile Design, worked as a freelance designer maker then worked at Watershed Media Centre for 8 years before setting up Colourful Minds in 2015. She now works in schools and venues all over Bristol providing affordable and accessible art and craft workshops for all ages.
 
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 26th.

January news...

We hope that you have all had a lovely Christmas and New Year break.  It seems a long time ago since we last met in the hall, being inspired by Rachel Heaton to create our own ‘Bristol Rocks’.
 
It is not always easy to persuade yourself to get out during dark and cold winter nights, but we hope that will be able to join us to learn about a great cause.  Dogs for Good is a charity that trains assistance dogs to support adults and children with a wide variety of disabilities and conditions to live full and active lives in the community. Their dogs bring independence to people by taking on many practical tasks, such as retrieving items, helping them get dressed and opening doors. As well as the practical help our dogs provide, the emotional support they give is unparalleled.
 
Rosie Blanning will talk to us about Dogs for Good and the amazing things their dogs do to help adults and children with disabilities live more independently. She will also talk about the various volunteering opportunities within the organisation and how Bristol residents can get involved with the charity and even look after our puppies!  We also will have a chance to meet one of their dogs, Norton, so will be able to see first-hand how amazing these dogs are.
 
As it is the start of the year, it is time for membership renewals.  The membership fee for 2020 is £43.  As part of this membership you get 11 meetings per year including 1 summer outing (sometimes 2), a monthly copy of WI Life, WI member benefits and a book of handy vouchers when you join.  It’s helpful for existing and new members to arrive a bit earlier so we can start the meeting on time.  Payments can be made in cash and cheques payable to Malago WI.
 
If you have any unwanted Christmas presents, please bring them along and we will raffle these off to raise money for future meetings and outings.
 
We look forward to seeing friends old and new on Wednesday 29^th to celebrate the start of another year of exciting events.

November news....

Thank you to everyone who came to our October meeting and AGM.  It was great to hear your ideas about future meetings.  We all loved creating an origami Christmas tree forest and trying on some gorgeous kimonos thanks to Yukiko.
 
Our last meeting of 2019 will have a distinctly festive feeling with a range of Christmas treats and music to help get us in the mood for the festivities throughout December.  We will be joined by Rachel Heaton, a local artist who has been dabbling in art for a lifetime. Art is total escapism for her, it is an excuse to hide away and ignore her family
 
A member of Redcatch Art Club, she loves to shock with her outrageous approach of slapping the paint on super quick and watching what emerges. At the moment she loves painting dogs and cats but also creating images of people on stones.  She will be exhibiting her work at this weekend’s Totterdown Front Room Art Trail.
 
Rachel will bring along examples of her amazing artwork and painted stones to inspire us to paint our own which we can either keep or choose to hide to be found by others.  The idea behind Bristol Rocks is to decorate rocks and hide them in various places to randomly brighten someone's day. You can use whatever you like, paint, sharpies etc., they just need to be sealed with some clear varnish to make sure the rain doesn't wash away your designs.  If you add a message on the back saying 'Bristol Rocks Facebook Page' or something along those lines, you can even add your name, then maybe some will be reposted to the group when they are found.
 
All materials will be provided but if you have a favourite stone or two that you would like to decorate do bring these along as well.
 
We hope to see many of you on 27th November, but for those who can’t make it, we wish you happiness and good health for the festive season.

October news....

 

Although we had a last minute change of venue due to water damage in the hall, our alternative venue of the Hen and Chicken was a great place to practice some chair yoga with Ashley Russell. It was lovely to see so many of you there and to hear how much you enjoyed it.  Thank you for being so understanding with the last minute changes.
 
October’s meeting will have a distinctly Japanese theme.  Yukiko Hosomi will be teaching us how to make origami Christmas trees and Christmas decorations.  Yukiko will introduce us to origami and kimono as well her early life in Japan. There will be opportunity to try on some kimonos and taste a bit of vegetarian sushi.  All materials will be provided, but if you have any paper you would like to use to make decorations, please bring it along
 
Yukiko has lived in Bristol for the last 15 years – coming to the UK in 1996 as an international student at Lancaster University. Originally from Shizuoka prefecture in Japan, 1 hour by bullet train from Tokyo, she grew up seeing Mt Fuji every day. Her love of hand crafts were developed at a young age, watching her mother knit and sew, and making things by hand has been a shared love. Since 2018, Yukiko has been sharing her love of Japan, kimono and fabric with others thorough her creative outlet Unsui.
 
Yukiko sells accessories created from kimono material and you will have an opportunity to purchase these (cash or card) at the meeting, especially for those looking to start their Christmas shopping early!
 
This month’s meeting also marks our 11^th birthday and will be holding our AGM where we can share many of the great activities we have done this year.
 
Have you got any books you have read, loved but no sure what to do with them?  We are looking for book donations which we can sell, at a very small charge, at our meetings as part of our fundraising for Malago WI.  Please bring along any books you would like to donate.
 
We look forward to seeing you on the 30th!