Roll up, roll up, roll up...

The circus is coming to town!

It really is, sort of, because our first guest of 2015 is Nell Gifford.
Nell is the driving force behind the magical Gifford’s Circus and is going to talk to us about how she went from Oxford University English Graduate to Circus supremo. 
She’s written a couple of books on the subject too, they’ll be available for sale on the night, so bring your cheque book or cash so you don’t miss out.  It’s going to be a fabulous evening, behind the scenes tales of circus life - I can’t wait!

Hopefully we’ll see plenty of you next Wednesday, all refreshed after a fun and festive Christmas season and happily settled in to a bright new year.  
 Did lots of you get to Treefest at St Mary Redcliffe church and see our lovely tree, or get to Windmill Hill City Farm Christmas fayre, where we had a successful stall?  There was no meeting in December, but it was still an active month for Malago WI!

Anyway, membership is open now for new members and it’s also renewal time for our existing members.  It’s £36.00 for 2015 membership or we continue to welcome guests at £5 per meeting, if you’re undecided about joining.  Again, cash or cheque is the accepted form of currency on the night!

We’ve still got our lovely Malago WI tea towels for sale, so since you’ll be bringing cash with you, you might as well buy a tea towel too, don’t you think?

It’s very important that we have enough cake to eat next week, of course!  We’ve got a few confirmed, but another 1 or 2 would be great, so please drop us a line here if you can bring along some form of baked goods.

Looking ahead to February, we’ll be holding a raffle of unwanted/surplus/duplicate Christmas pressies , so if you’ve got anything lying around that you know isn’t going to get used (unused, in good condition), bring it along to the January meeting and we’ll hold on to it and co-ordinate the prizes for our February raffle.  The money we raise will go in to our funds so we can continue to bring in exciting and interesting guests throughout the year.

Phew, lots going on, but that's all for now.

Until Wednesday...
MWI x

February forever

Doesn't it feel like this month has dragged its feet? We'll be kicking up a storm in our dancing shoes this week, however, with the February meeting of Malago WI!

The Sambazinhas will be joining us on Wednesday 27 February at 8pm, giving us a high-kicking demo of their festival show. And, of course, we'll all get the chance to join in, so don't forget your (flat) dancing shoes and clothes suitable for copious amounts of jiggling and shaking.

Don't worry if you were expecting the rather more sedate Farrow & Ball - they will be coming up at the August meeting.

Just a brief one this month, without further ado allow me to thank the wonderful Janine Chisholm who inspired us all to make-do-and-mend last month, plus the cake-bakers from January's meeting - resolution-busting deliciousness all round. And don't forget to sign up for your membership at Wednesday's meeting - places are going FAST! (Just like our samba-dancing feet...)

Tchau, Malagozinhas!
MWI x

Happy noo year!

Well, hello Malagowers

It's been a while since we've seen you all (at November's glorious chocolate-making extravaganza). Christmas chaos and new years have come and gone, and we're ready to get Malago WI all set for 2013.

Kicking of the year in style is our January meeting - Wednesday 30 January, 8pm. Janine Chisholm of Custard Clothing is coming to talk thrifty style, something we could all learn something about. Janine is an expert in customisation, alteration, and all things fashion, darling. As well as talking us through the basics, Janine will be able to advise on revamping individual items so bring along a lack-lustre linen or a fading frock and find out how to breath new life into your wardrobe.

Don't forget to bring along cash or cheques (£12.99) if you're interested in buying Janine's book - Thrifty Style: Clever ways to revamp your wardrobe.

If you haven't already joined up, we're still accepting Malago WI memberships for 2013. For just £33, you get a year of thrilling meetings, sociable events, and the finest cakes known to humanity.

Speaking of which, we need refreshment executives to volunteer their services please. Make a cake or help out in the kitchen - either way, drop us a line to let us know.

And finally, we do like to eke out the Christmas cheer just as long as we can, so we're holding a raffle. Bring along an unwanted gift to add to the pile, and together we'll beat those January blues.

Until Wednesday...
MWI x

September with Malago WI

We're so very excited to announce the return of Jane Brocket - writer, knitter, embroiderer, blogger, domestic goddess extraordinaire. Jane visited us back in 2010, and her talk was the highlight of the year.

In September's meeting, Jane will talk Domestic Delights: Stitching, Knitting and Cakes, the subjects of the three books she's published this year. Jane was kind enough to write about her visit last time and we'd love to offer her a very warm welcome for her return visit - if you would like to bake a cake for the meeting, please drop us an email.

*CHANGE OF VENUE*
September's meeting will be at ACTA, Gladstone Street, Bedminster BS3 3AY - click here for a map. Same times though, 8-10pm. And we will be opening the meeting to guests - tickets £5 - so invite all your friends for a truly special evening. We'll kick the night off with a glass of fizz, and there'll be soft drinks available too, but no tea. I know!

Jane will bring along a batch of books to sign and sell, so don't forget cash or cheques (no plastic). It's all so very exciting.

Moving onto October's meeting which is our fourth birthday party and AGM, this will also take place at ACTA, and we'll be wine tasting. Instead of cake, expect an array of cheeses so we're asking for bakers to make homemade crackers and biscuits, pickles and garnishes. Drop us a line to volunteer.

Talking of volunteers, we have several vacancies on the committee for next year. Are you an accountant or book-keeper? Perhaps you're a budding photographer, florist, or stylist? Have an interest in events & marketing, a big little black book, or just want to develop your skills in many different areas? Malago WI committee is a great way to make friends, get involved, and give a bit more to your WI. Everyone who has been a committee member has had a fantastic experience - it's a great way to enjoy collaborating, learn new things and help shape the future of Malago. Have we piqued your interest? During the break at September's meeting, members of the committee will be on hand for an informal chat and to answer any questions (you are always welcome to email as well), and we look forward to welcoming lots of new faces to the 2013 committee.

Don't forget the change of venue, beautiful people.
See you very soon,
MWI x

Green and pleasant

Malago's July meeting was a triumph - hot weather, beautiful gardens, and a glut of jolly banter and generous cake. The Ethicurean folk could not be lovelier, and we thank them for their hospitality.

August - we're making felt beads so be prepared to get your hands soapy. We'll show you how it's done, give you a chance to make a few of your own, after which we'll make a few bits and bobs with more beads. If anyone has any fleece tops (balls of fleecy felt wool not old jumpers, you understand) bring them along to add to our multicoloured wool mountain. But we have a request - WE NEED CAKE BAKERS! Please come forward if you can muster up something delicious for August, drop us an email.

Looking forward, September is Jane Brocket (woo hoo!) and October is our 4th birthday party. Both these meetings involve a temporary relocation but we'll give you all the deets nearer the time. And if you've been wanting to get more involved with Malago, we're recruiting for new committee members - come and say hi if you think you might like to join the Malago gang.

See you on Wednesday 29 August,

MWI x

Midsummer Malago

Wasn't Lia lovely? May's meeting was a wonderful combination of gardening talk and potting up with the Guardian's gardening guru, Lia Leendertz. All very inspiring. If you want more of the same, have a look at Lia's blog or follow her on Twitter (you ARE following us, aren't you?), and have a gander at Alice's ever-wonderful pics from the night.

June's meeting is a chance to take stock and ponder, much in the vein of our Happiness meet at the beginning of 2012. On Wednesday we'll welcome Jackie who will introduce us to Mindfulness. The way we handle our feelings plays a big part in how we cope with challenging experiences in life. Mindfulness is a potentially life-changing way to alter our feelings in positive ways, and an ever-expanding body of evidence shows that it really works. Find out more about mindfulness before the meeting, or learn everything you need to know on Wednesday.

We'll also be welcoming the ladies from Dundry WI who will be receiving the Avon WI Olympic(ish) torch. A few of our members took receipt of this fiery chalice last week from Westleaze WI - pics on the Flickr if you fancy a nose. In honour of this summer's sport extravaganza, we'd love it if you'd dress with a nod to those famous rings - have a rootle through your wardrobe for the following colours and wear with pride on Wednesday: blue, yellow, black, green, and red.

And looking forward to July, we'll take Malago on the road with a visit to The Ethicurean, voted the UK's best ethical cafe/restaurant. Housed in the most beautiful walled garden in Wrington, we'll hear all about the Ethicurean ethos from the chefs and take a tour of the veg patch. More details at Wednesday's meeting, and we'll be sending out an email nearer the time. There may be subs to pay for the coach, so if you could bring along a fiver to the June meeting to secure your place we'll be able to book our transport in advance.

See you on Wednesday 27 June, 8pm.

Don't forget - we're meeting tomorrow

Malago Maybugs

This is your last minute call for our May meeting, where we will be learning everything there is to know about container gardening from a true master - lovely Lia Leendertz, of the Guardian.

Lia will be showing us how to grow edibles in containers, and we'll all be doing a bit of planting up too. As well as covering edible gardening from all sizes of gardens from pots to plots, Lia will answer all your green-fingered questions.

We have a few containers, but please bring along whatever you have - cardboard boxes, pots, or any size of tins, washed and de-labelled, even baked beans ones will be fine.

And if you have a glut of plants or seedlings at home from your own horticultural endeavours, bring them along to add to our plant swap. Swishing again :)
 

Can't wait to shoot the breeze over some shoots and leaves,
Malago WI x

Spring is in the air...

...which means not long until the Art Trail!

 But first let's talk blogs. March's meeting was a splendid effort. Who thinks Lindsay has a future career as a chat show host? We loved the living room set, and it certainly seemed to put our esteemed panel members at ease. They were fantastic speakers, and the subject matter was fascinating.

Thanks again to Josephine of Slummy Single Mummy, Bethany of Bristol Craft, Laura of Side Street Style, and Catherine of Bristol Parenting Cafe. Check out Alice's lovely photos for a visual round-up of what took place.

We've managed to unearth a few bloggers in our midst, too: Lou writes Little Green Shed, Moira is the author of Stuff and Nonsense, Gareth is the face behind Just Gai, and Lottie's blog is Oyster & Pearl. A talented lot indeed - let us know if you'd like to go public with your blog.

So, onto April's meeting - A New Taste of Spring - which a change to our advertised programme. Spring and early summer can be a big challenge for cooks making the most of fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Shannon Smith, an experienced food and cooking tutor, shows how to enjoy wild greens, salad herbs, and fruit leaves, in a cook-and-taste session featuring something savoury and something sweet. Nettles, sorrel and blackcurrant leaves are likely to be on the menu – along with other refreshing and potent flavours. Members are invited to bring samples of new green things from the garden, allotment, or gathered from the wild, for tasting and inspiration.

And back to the Art Trail. Don't forget to bring along any completed projects to the meeting on Wednesday 25 April. We'll also be taking down the names of you wonderful volunteers who will be manning the caff and making food for us to sell as part of your 'hour a year' commitment to Malago WI - thank you all in advance.

We're going to produce a 'save the date' email invitation for you to send round to friends and family - we hope our Stormy Teacup cafe will be as popular as our last Art Trail effort so any promotion you could help with would be ace.

Evening craft sessions - we've put dates in the diary for these, so if you can make any of the following sessions then drop us a line:
Wednesday 18 April
Monday 23 April
Thursday 3 May
Wednesday 9 May
Tuesday 15 May

For more details, email us - wearemalagowi@gmail.com

Does anyone have any of the following they could donate or lend for the weekend itself (19-20 May):
Furniture - small tables, stools, old chairs, random drawers from old pieces of furniture
Cutlery or crockery
A bell tent or yurt

Think that's all for now.
Toodle pip
MWI x

Art, cakes and DIY

Dear Malago WI

How are you keeping? Well, I hope, despite the unseasonable chill. For those who weren't at April's meeting, we hope you'll notice an improvement in our diction from here on in. Selina from InterCre8 did us proud - we learnt trick after well-enunciated trick designed to get our vocal cords waggling like never before, and I doubt I'll ever forget our little library mime. A triumph.

But it wasn't all fun and bumping into each other - there was the serious business of resolution votes to contend with too. The results are now in and I can reveal that, although a very close-run contest, the Megafarms resolution just pipped Libraries to the post. More on campaigns later in the year.

Coming up next month, we have Jo Behari, DIY expert extraordinaire, who will give us the lowdown on easy ways to Do It Ourselves and fix those annoying little jobs about the house. Hooray. Membership has hit record levels, and we are now freezing membership - this means May's meeting will be members only. No guests for the time being, but we will be sure to let you know when membership is open again.

And don't forget: this weekend is the Southbank Bristol Arts Trail, when wondrous arty delights await you in homes and other locations across Southville and beyond. Malago WI will be selling cakes and creating children's crafts at the Tobacco Factory market on Sunday, 10am-2.30pm. Pop by and say hello!

*Last minute call - is anyone a dab hand at face painting? If you could spare two hours to paint faces at our stall, please contact us ASAP (wearemalagowi@gmail.com). Thanks *

That's all for the time being. All together now: Mo Mah Meee Mah Malagooooooo....

MWI x

We May never be the same again...

Wow, Malago, is it just us or was Jane Brocket pretty blooming good?

Those beautiful quilts, the colours and fabrics, the enthusiasm with which she brought her subject to life... We could tell you liked it too - the oohs and aahs when she revealed each quilt made it sound like you lot were watching a firework display.

Turns out, Jane quite liked us too. If you lived in Bristol, Jane, we'd have you in a Malago minute. What an evening.

And we have another couple of exciting evenings coming up for you, the first being our Swish - the clothes and accessories swap which takes place on Friday 18 June at 8pm (taking place at the Pilates Moves studio). Tickets are £6 which includes a glass of wine and nibbles, and the event's open to members and non-members alike so bring your friends. Tickets can be reserved by emailing jointhewi@gmail.com or you can pay on the night.

For the uninitiated swishers amongst you, the idea is that you bring at least 3 good-quality items you love but no longer use (with hangers please), which entitles you to take home 3 new-to-you items for your summer wardrobe. Simple but brilliant. And you can buy extra tokens if the selection of goodies leaves you unable to choose, and don't forget to bring a bag to take it all home in). Come along, it'll be a blast. All proceeds go to making your WI bigger and better.

June meeting

It's time to get the bangles out for our re-scheduled Bollywood night! Snowed off back in January, the June meeting will give you an opportunity to learn a few moves from Mother India, and enjoy a hot cup of chai and some delicious spiced cakes and snacks.

The June meeting is on Wednesday 30 June at 8pm, Ebenezer Methodist Church hall. Please wear your finest, brightest, spangliest garb, accessorised with jingly bangles and chandeliearrings. (But do make sure you're comfortable, and don't wear heels.)

Best of Bedminster

Malago WI intends to be part of the Best of Bedminster show again this year, date to be confirmed but it'll be a September Saturday. We will be serving our famous tea and cakes, as well as cupcake-decorating. We will need volunteers to help on the day, as well as to make cakes to sell. BoB is our favourite fund-raiser, and it's a great way to let south Bristol know about us and our activities, while helping out a good cause. Email us or let us know you can help by chatting to one of the committee next time you see us.

We're off to raid our wardrobes for some extra-special Swish treats.

See you soon!

Malago WI x

Thumby and Funny

Dear Malago Morph-makers

Wasn't February's meeting brilliant? Eternal thanks to Merlin and Aardman for showing us the tricks of the trade. We'll never view Plasticine in the same way again...

March meeting
We've had a creative couple of meetings so far this year, and the March meeting will be no exception. In the run up to the Southbank Arts Trail in May, we will devote the whole of the March meeting to making work for an exhibition that will act as our contribution to our local arts extravaganza.

Self-portrait is the theme, but do not be alarmed. Delve a little deeper. What we want to get to is a representation of you and your identity, not a pencil sketch of your face (unless that's what you really want to do). We will provide the tools, materials and the inspiration for you to make a collage, decorate a pebble or go wild with your imagination in our creative 'free zone' - we don't want to limit your creativity, but expert arty types will be on hand to help out if you get stuck.

Ice will be broken, tea will be drunk and, like the voice workshop and recent creative writing session before it, what may seem daunting to begin with will end up as an exciting journey of self-discovery. Well, that's the plan, anyway.

Materials
We will provide some goodies from our ever-expanding craft box, but if you would like to bring along an item or two that you feel represents you to incorporate into your work then go right ahead. Magazines, scissors and perhaps even a picture frame for your finished work would all be welcome additions to the proceedings.

Safe Land for Bees - volunteers and cake-makers needed
Malago WI will be providing refreshments in the form of our famous tea and cakes at this event on Sunday 11 April. Taking place at Windmill Hill Community Centre, Safe Land for Bees looks at the local issues facing our bee population and offers an opportunity to find out more from expert speakers, as well as shop for bee and honey-related products and have a jolly good time too.

We need your help. If you could contribute time or cakes please email jointhewi@gmail.com or talk to Alice at the March meeting. The event fits nicely with the national WI SOS for Honeybees campaign, and allows us to make links to activities on a local level. If not for Malago WI, do it for the bees.

The Age of Stupid
Malago WI has signed up to the 10:10 campaign, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 10% in 2010. As part of our ongoing look at environmental issues we have organised a screening of The Age of Stupid, in which Pete Postelthwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn't we stop climate change when we had the chance?

The screening takes place on Tuesday 13 April, 8pm, in the Tobacco Factory Green Room. Tickets will go on sale at the March meeting and cost £3.50, available to both members and non-members. Tickets are limited, so it'll be first come, first served.

Social
And finally, another opportunity to socialise with your fellow WI-ers - the next social takes place on Wednesday 17 March, 8pm in the Tobacco Factory. Come along for a drink and a chat in less formal surroundings.

As we overheard one of our members say last month, Malago WI is like playgroup for grown-ups. What could be better?

Malago WI x

February forever

Dear women of Malago,

It may be the shortest month, but it feels like February has gone on forever. Roll on Spring! While we wait for the daffs to come up, here's the latest from your local Women's Institute.

January's meeting

It was amazing to see so many happy faces at our January badge-making session. Welcome, first-timers, and welcome back, old-timers. We hope you enjoyed yourselves, and made some new friends. Thank you for your generous cake donations which totaled £41.60 for the Haiti earthquake relief fund.

Membership

We're nearly full, which is an amazing start to the year! If you haven't yet joined, email jointhewi@gmail.com for an application form - places are limited, so don't hang about if you like us. Membership is £29.50 - cheques made payable to Malago WI. If you want to come along and see what we're all about, you'll have to wait a little longer. Our February meeting is full, but March 31 sees us donning smocks to attempt a self-portrait or two, in advance of the Southbank Arts Trail.

February's meeting

For those of you who are paid-up members, our next meeting takes place on Wednesday 24 February when we'll be making Morphs with Aardman. Could it get any more exciting than this? Members will each receive a Morph-making kit complete with enough plasticine to construct your own model of Tony Hart's malleable friend with help from one of Aardman's top animators. There will be a prize for the best effort, as well as a raffle to raise much-needed funds.

Bread-making workshop

For those of you booked on one of the bread-making workshops with the wonderful Mark's Bread, please make sure you bring along your payment to the February meeting - £12 cash or cheque please. The photographic evidence from the first session is up now on our Flickr site - it looked a lot of fun. Very impressive.

Reclaim the Night

On Friday 26 February, representatives from Malago WI will join Bristol Feminist Network to take part in Reclaim the Night - an international campaign against sexual violence, with very obvious links to the WI No More Violence Against Women campaign. These marches empower women to stand together and reclaim our right to be out in our city at night free from the fear of violence and harassment. If you'd like to join us on the march, from 6-8pm, please email us at jointhewi@gmail.com.

That's all for now.

May your jack never flap,

Malago WI x

Short days, long nights... Autumn has fallen

Dear Malago-ers

To everything, there is a season, and this is fast becoming a nippy one. Still, at least you now have the wherewithal to knit yourself a Winter hat. Or at least you do if you were one of the 87 (87!) women who came together to knit away the last of that Indian summer at September's meeting. Wow! We couldn't quite believe it ourselves. We weren't expecting you all, so apologies that we ran out of tables, chairs and knitting needles. Hopefully, though, we made do and you had a lovely evening. Next time we'll be ready for you... Well done to all who completed a mini-hat - they've gone to Innocent to warm up those chilly smoothies, and pictures will be up on our Flickr site soon.

Speaking of which, October marks our first birthday, so we're celebrating with a party on Wednesday 28 October. Apologies to non-members, but as we have 'official business' to attend to, it is open to paid-up 2009 members only (who should all know about the change of venue, and have a beautiful invitation to remind them). Nibbles, birthday cake and a welcome drink will be provided, bring pocket money for the cash bar afterwards (and we are asking for a suggested donation of £4 to cover part of the party cost). If you did take an invitation but now cannot come, please let us know by emailing jointhewi@gmail.com - it'll mean we can give your place to someone else.

Some of you might have seen a handful of fellow members baring, well, not much actually, in the Evening Post last week. Our support of the Berate campaign objecting to the Tesco plans at Ashton Gate reached new highs (or lows, depending on your perspective) when we posed nude-ish behind a banner - huge thanks to the brave ladies who took part, and to Alice for taking such beautiful pictures. BBC Radio Bristol interviewed Alice and Lottie on Tuesday morning, live on the Breakfast show, which generated much debate with listeners calling-in to give their views on the subject. There is still time to object (by email, post or online - until 31 October) and we have submitted our official objection as a local, interested organisation. Keep those fingers crossed...

Coming up

Malago WI are official tea-and-cake purveyors to the opening of a new playground at Gore's Marsh, Winterstoke Road, on Sunday 25 October, between 10.30-3pm. Come down, look around, have a go on the slider (or the urn! Spare pinnies available).

Sharpen your pencils for November's creative writing session, taking place on Wednesday 25 November, usual place, usual time.

And put Saturday 5 December in your diary - we've organised a Christmas cupcake-decorating workshop to get you in the festive mood. More details and an opportunity to book your place at October's party.

We're off to practice the words to 'Happy Birthday'.

Until we meet again,

MWI x

Dog days and holidays

Ahoy there!

We're cranking up the gramophone in preparation for August's meeting, where we will swish, swap, shimmy and sup to our hearts' content. Yes, time to sort out your bits and bobs for our first Swish (clothes swap), and bring along the things you no longer love but seem too good to charity shop or chuck away. Bring clean clothes, accessories and home wares (but no furniture or large items please, shoes must be unworn). Bring up to five items each and you can adopt five new-to-you delights - what could be finer?

We'll be asking for the history of your items too - it makes for interesting tales over tea - so have a think, tell us about your treasure, take a label and write about the item. Where did you get it? Why did you choose it? Why are you no longer in love with it? Tie the label onto the hanger (please bring a hanger per item).

We can't wait.

Ways with wool

September's meeting is a crafty one. Many of you said when you joined that you'd like to learn to knit, crochet or felt, and we are nothing if not obedient. There will be activities for all regardless of experience - from total beginners to craft heavyweights. (Actually, if you fit the latter, perhaps you'd consider helping to guide members along the way? We are especially looking for someone to assist our felting teacher to assist a small group of members, as well as those with knitting and crochet experience. Talk to us in August, or email jointhewi@googlemail.com). And if you have knitting needles, crochet hooks, felt, yarn or even a project you'd like to display at the meeting, bring 'em along.

Museum of Bristol

We've been approached by a researcher for the Museum of Bristol (the new museum due to open on the site of the old Industrial Museum) who is investigating experiences of being part of a cultural, faith or interest group. And what do you know? He thinks the Women's Institute, and in particular Malago WI, would be an excellent example of such a group (naturellement). So he'd like to meet us, with a view to making one member the subject of a story to be included in the museum. Anyone interested? Email jointhewi@googlemail.com if you fancy making an exhibition of yourself.

Our birthday

As many of you know, Malago WI will celebrate its first birthday in October. Doesn't time fly? We are planning exciting surprises for the meeting on Wednesday 29 October, but as the party is also our AGM it's a ticketed, members-only event. But fret not, if you aren't yet a member you can benefit from our bargain 15-months-for-the-price-of-12 offer! See Jen at the next meeting for more information and to join. Members - we'll tell you more when we see you. In the meantime, we know you want to find out more about the available roles on the committee, so visit our new, updated committee section to see what takes your fancy. October will be the month for deciding who'll do what in 2010 - don't miss out.

Oh, and our Facebook group is looking a little lost without you - come and join us over there, it's awfully good fun. And don't forget to send back your questionnaire before the next meeting on Wednesday 26 August.

Swish you were here!

Malago WI x

Press release: MALAGO WI BACKS BERATE

MALAGO WI BACKS BERATE

Malago Women’s Institute say no to Tesco.

Members of Malago WI last week voted overwhelmingly to support BERATE, the campaign opposing plans to build a Tesco superstore at Ashton Gate.

Malago WI vice-president, Lottie Storey, said:

“Malago WI, a group for all women of south Bristol, has huge concerns about the impact a superstore of this size will have on our community.

“There are countless examples of areas in which new supermarkets have effectively killed off the local, independent traders – those at the centre of our community that have been so essential in maintaining and stimulating economic growth in much of south Bristol.

“This cannot be allowed to happen in an area held up by many as a shining example of local high street regeneration, and one with plenty of supermarkets already.”

The potential impact of a superstore at Ashton Gate would have dire environmental consequences for south Bristol, increasing traffic and congestion in the surrounding communities, making the roads less safe for pedestrians, as well as worsening air quality.

The group would like to see a proposal for the site incorporating affordable housing, leisure or sport activities, all of which would benefit the community in significant ways.

Malago Women’s Institute is set to celebrate its first birthday in October, and has grown from a group of 10 founding members to a membership of over 50. Made up of women of all ages, the group includes those who have lived in the area all their lives, as well as members who are new to the city.

The WI has a particular interest in environmental sustainability, and Malago WI has developed an environmental policy and action plan setting out its vision for minimising its own environmental impact and exploring ways to support local, sustainable projects.

For the second year running, Malago WI will be providing refreshments for the Best of Bedminster Show, the local urban village fair taking place on North Street Green on Saturday 26 September 2009 (organised by Climate Action Bedminster).

Ends.

Notes to editors:

Malago Women’s Institute meets the last Wednesday of every month at 8pm,

Bedminster Methodist Church, British Road, Bristol BS3 3BW. All women welcome. Annual membership of the WI costs £29.

For more information, email jointhewi@googlemail.com or visit:

http://www.malagowi.co.uk

Malago WI’s environmental policy is available to view on the website:

http://malagowi.blogspot.com/2009/04/malago-wi-environmental-policy.html

Berate – Bedminster Residents Against Tesco’s Expansion into Ashton Gate - is the campaign group pulling together local opposition to the proposed superstore development at Ashton Gate. For more information visit: http://berate.co.uk/

The Best of Bedminster Show takes place on 26th September 2009, 10.30am - 3.30pm on North Street Green. For more information, visit: http://www.northstreetgreen.com/best-of-bedminster-2009

For more information on Climate Action Bedminster, organisers of the Best of Bedminster Show, visit: http://www.ecojam.org/directory/listing/climate-action-bedminster-1

Malago WI news - July

Hello petals...

The June meeting of the Malago Women's Institute saw us going back to our roots and embracing all that is good and great about that traditional WI pastime - flower arranging. But you know us well enough by now to realise we do things a little differently south of the river... instead of stuffy church-style chrysanthemum displays, we learnt how to make the most of what's in the shops combined with plants from our own gardens and, ahem, environs. Move over Constance Spry, Malago WI put together some exquisite and unusual arrangements in the most unlikely vessels including jam jars, jugs and milk bottles. Nothing was impossible with the help of Bristol florist, lovely Clare from Les Fleurs - thank you, Clare!

(If you want to combine your love of flowers with the equally esteemed art of cake-baking, here are a few ideas:
:: A list outlining which flowers can be eaten
:: A book or two
:: Recipes for cooking with roses, nasturtiums, and, my personal favourite, violets)

So, we've tended to your horticultural and nutritional needs, now onto the physical. July's meeting is guaranteed to get your stomach muscles twitching with a spot of Pilates. Developed in the early 20th century, Pilates teaches awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aims to strengthen the deep torso muscles. Wear comfortable, loose clothing, and bring a mat or towel to lie on.

We'll also be hearing from Barbara, our local link to what's happening in the WI nationally, about the recent AGM and the resolution that was passed by an overwhelming majority - SOS for Honey Bees. And on a more local level, we'll hear from one of the campaigners involved in Berate, Bedminster Residents Against Tesco's Expansion into Ashton Gate.

Coming up: Hold your breath - August's meeting is a carefully guarded secret for the moment, but looking ahead to September and it's Ways with Wool, as well as the ever-popular Best of Bedminster Show on Saturday 26 September (for which Malago WI is official tea and cake provider). The BoB show is a great way for Malago WI to spread the word and pick up new recruits, and for members to enter lots of lovely village green-style contests - for entry forms visit the BoB website, or raid the noticeboard (also for blank posters for kids to design and display).

And October sees our first birthday party, hooray! There will be a change of venue to allow for us to raise a glass to a remarkable year - details tbc... And October's party is also the time and the place to establish who will make up the committee in 2010. If you think you might be up to the job, have a chat to current committee members over the next couple of meetings, and/or browse the noticeboard for more about who does what. Roles vary, but the committee commitment isn't huge - one evening a month for a committee meeting plus some additional bits and pieces depending on the role. Have a think, we'd love to have you.

Oh, and we're moving with the times - for all the latest news as and when it breaks, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Don't forget our first social evening - Wednesday 22 July, 8pm, Tobacco Factory - and our July meeting, Wednesday 29 July.
So long...
MWI x