It was lovely to see so many of you at our March meeting. It was a great evening of chat and felting. We should be extremely proud of our gorgeous Easter creations. 

This month, things get a bit more dark and grizzly as we learn more about ancient Egypt, courtesy of Ali Ball. Ali has been studying Egyptology informally for over 30 years. A teacher by trade, Ali now take Egyptology workshops into primary schools. She is the co-founder of the Kemet Klub which works with the best Egyptologists in the world to create online courses all about ancient Egypt.

Ali will be giving us an idea of the flexible nature of Egyptian religion as we look at different creation myths to get a sense of how the Egyptians explained their world. She will re-tell the grizzly story of the first ever Mummy as we meet Osiris, his sisters and evil brother Set. Murder and jealousy abound, we hear about a religious experiment with monotheism that didn’t go down too well with the Egyptians themselves!

April is membership renewal. The membership from April 2023 will be £46. This includes eleven meetings throughout the year (only £4.20 each) and a monthly copy of WI Life as well as many other benefits. We will be collecting membership fees at the meeting, and this can be paid by bank transfer, cash, or cheque. Please note, we will have no card facilities available this month to take guest payments but we can accept cash or bank transfer.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 26^th.

Hello Malagoers

It was lovely to see so many of you at our March meeting. It was a great evening of chat and felting. We should be extremely proud of our gorgeous Easter creations. 

This month, things get a bit more dark and grizzly as we learn more about ancient Egypt, courtesy of Ali Ball. Ali has been studying Egyptology informally for over 30 years. A teacher by trade, Ali now take Egyptology workshops into primary schools. She is the co-founder of the Kemet Klub which works with the best Egyptologists in the world to create online courses all about ancient Egypt.

Ali will be giving us an idea of the flexible nature of Egyptian religion as we look at different creation myths to get a sense of how the Egyptians explained their world. She will re-tell the grizzly story of the first ever Mummy as we meet Osiris, his sisters and evil brother Set. Murder and jealousy abound, we hear about a religious experiment with monotheism that didn’t go down too well with the Egyptians themselves!

April is membership renewal. The membership from April 2023 will be £46. This includes eleven meetings throughout the year (only £4.20 each) and a monthly copy of WI Life as well as many other benefits. We will be collecting membership fees at the meeting, and this can be paid by bank transfer, cash, or cheque. Please note, we will have no card facilities available this month to take guest payments but can accept cash or bank transfer.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 26^th.

MWI x

March news.....

 

It was lovely to be able to welcome back Zara from Zara Chocolates to talk about all things chocolate (and let us try some of her beautiful products!).

This month, as we gear up for Spring and the Easter, we will be needle felting.  Easy to pick up, it’s an accessible and addictive craft which allows even a complete beginner to achieve lovely results in both two and three-dimensional projects.  All materials will be provided, and one of our members, who is experienced in needle felting, will help show us the ropes. 

Just as a reminder, membership renewals will take place next month.  The membership from April 2023 will be £46.  This includes 11 meetings throughout the year (only £4.20 each) and a monthly copy of WI Life as well as many other benefits.  We will be collecting membership in April, and this can be paid by bank transfer, cheque or card.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 29^th for some crafting, chat, and cakes!

February news...

 

What a great way to start the year with an insightful and though provoking discussion with Jenny Harrison looking at what we can do to help the environment.

This month is one for chocolates lovers!  We are delighted to welcome back Zara from Zara’s Chocolates who will talking about all things chocolate and letting us sample some of her indulgent delights.  A lifelong chocoholic, Zara completed the École Chocolat Professional Chocolatier Programme and then began experimenting in her home kitchen.    Zara’s chocolates have been a presence on North Street since 2013.  Keeping production on a small scale and making everything by hand, in-store in an open kitchen, are central values for Zara's Chocolates.

Thank you to everyone who brought unwanted gifts to our January meeting. We will raffle them at this month’s meeting to raise funds for your Malago WI.  We can take card payments, but please feel free to bring cash.

Just as a reminder, the Lionesses will be playing at Ashton Gate on Wednesday 22nd so traffic may be busier than normal, and parking might be a bit tricky.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 22nd.

 

Happy New Year from Malago WI.  We hope you have an enjoyable festive season.

It seems a very long time ago that we met for festive crafting and mince pie tasting.  A great time was had by all.

The dark nights and the terrible weather can make it very difficult to come out this time of year, but why not join us to kick our exciting programme of events for 2023 this January.  The last few weeks have demonstrated how our climate is changing.  We are delighted to welcome Jenny Harrison, who is passionate about environmental and ethical awareness.  She has volunteered as a Greenpeace speaker since 2019 and will talk to us about current environmental issues and how we can do our little bit to make a difference.

Some of you may have received some gifts that you would like to ‘re-gift’ so please bring them along and we will raffle them to raise funds for your Malago WI.  We can take card payments, but please feel free to bring cash.
Members will have the opportunity to vote on this year’s resolutions to go to the AGM later in the year.  This year, the proposed resolutions are:

1. Save our water – every drop matters
2. Women to women – turning over a new leaf in the lives of women tea workers
3. Online gambling harm: time for action
4. Clean rivers for people and wildlife

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can send you vote to us by email.

We now will be meeting in the main church hall which will give us much more space.  When you arrive, please come through the main entrance.

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

Last month we pitted our wits against are very own Quiz Master, Vivienne.  A great night was had by all, and with only a few football questions, the scores were tight!

It’s that time of year again when we start talking about Christmas! We are delighted that this year, we can offer several Christmas activities.

Our November meeting will be all about the festive season.  We will undertaking a blind mince pie testing, pitting the High Streets favourite shops and brands against each other to vote for our favourite Christmas staple.  We will also be getting back to some crafting making Christmas decorations including stars and origami Christmas trees.  All instructions and materials will be provided, but feel free to bring along some favourite paper (printer thickness or thicker would be ideal) and any embellishments you would like to add.
 
After many years of not being about to meet up socially, we are also arranging a Christmas social where we can have a drink and chat.  This will be on Thursday 15^th December at 7:45pm for 8pm at North Street Standard.  We hope you can join us!
 
If you are not able to make any of our Christmas gatherings, we wish you a happy and healthy festive season and look forward to you joining us for our exciting 2023 programme of meetings!  
 

Last month we had a lovely evening with the extremely talented Angie Parker, who gave us an amazing insight into her journey to set up a highly successful textiles business.  We were very privileged to see her amazing work up close.

Now we are into the full swing of Autumn, we are going to get cosy in the hall.  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, snacks and chat, so please feel free to bring along a friend (or two!)
 
We will also be holding our annual AGM, so we will reflect on what we have been able to achieve over the last year after some turbulent times.

Our October meeting marks Malago WI’s birthday so why not join us to celebrate.

See you on Wednesday 19th!  
 

 It was unfortunate that our Buttercream workshop at Little Kitchen was cancelled at such short notice. We hope to be able to rearrange this at a later date. It was lovely to catch up with those who joined us for a drink.

This month we are back at British Road and joined by Angie Parker. Angie is a weaver, designer and colourist based in BV studios in Bedminster. After being taught rug weaving at art college in the 1990’s, she pursued a career in costume for a number of years whilst continuing to weave on small scale collections. During this time, she developed the original style for which she has become known since setting up her business.

Angie will be talking about the ups and downs of setting up in business around a young family in a challenging marketplace. She will also cover pushing out of your comfort zone and embracing the hormone roller-coaster, all though uplifting colourful woven textiles. There will be a slide show and samples of Angie's trademark woven textiles on display, plus a Q&A session at the end.

If you enjoyed some of our outings exploring the local area, you might be interested in a series of talks exploring the hidden histories of Bedminster and Southville taking place in September and October.

See you on Wednesday 28^th.

 In July we took part in a lovely, interactive drawing workshop led by Kate Miller, an experienced teacher and artist. It was great to be able to discover our inner artist and use a range of materials.

We are out and about in August and getting hands on again with a buttercream workshop at Little Kitchen in Totterdown.  Set up by Claire and Madeline in 2014, Little Kitchen, is a hands-on cookery school, getting the people of Bristol cooking good food from scratch. 

We will be starting at 8pm with a short talk about Little Kitchen, followed by a buttercream flower demonstration and opportunity to do our own buttercream work on a takeaway cupcake. Some snacks will be provided, and there will be refreshments for sale.

This will be a one-hour workshop, so the Committee will be going for a drink at The Oxford afterwards if anyone would like to join us.

Places are limited so please can you let us know if you would like to attend by 24^th August by emailing wearemalagowi@gmail.com. Guests are welcome at the cost of £10.

Please note the meeting is on Wednesday 31^st August, so see you then.

Our June meeting saw us take a guided walk of Manor Woods Valley led by Peter Loy-Hancock, who was able to tell us lots about the ecology, wildlife, and history of the site. Despite the terrible weather during the day, the evening stayed dry for us, and it was lovely to make the most of the long mid-summer evening.

In July we will be able to enjoy a drawing Workshop led by Kate Miller, an experienced teacher and artist. Kate will be helping us loosen up our drawing, gain confidence in our own style of mark-making and enjoy an evening of creativity. There will be opportunities to use pens, pencils, and charcoal and to work on a range of paper sizes. We will be back at the hall, but if the weather is nice we will venture into the garden. Kate will also be bringing some art and cards to sell.

Please note, that due to the school summer holidays, we will be meeting one-week earlier than usual on 20th July.

As a heads up, we will be out and about again in August visiting Little Kitchen to learn some cake decorating skills. Places are limited so we will be asking for sign up by about a week before the meeting. If you would like to attend, please email wearemalagowi@gmail.com

See you on Wednesday 20^th July

 

Thank you for everyone who joined us at May’s meeting. Experienced physiotherapist Claire Callaghan gave us an insight into women’s health and some simple things we can do to keep fit and healthy.  Here is a helpful reminder of what we can do to help ourselves.

For our June meeting on, we will be making the most of the long evenings with a leisurely walk around Manor Woods Valley Local Nature Reserve, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will point out the many features of interest. There will be frequent stops to explore ancient and ‘new’ woodlands, the Malago, wildflower meadows and an orchard. Our guide will describe the human and natural history of each area, and the management practices being used to maintain and improve them.

The walk will include some slopes and uneven ground, including a few steps. Distance covered - 2.1miles/3.4km. Meet at the Vale Lane entrance to the site at 19:30. Postcode BS3 5RU. Parking is available on Vale Lane behind Tiley's Motors. If you need help getting there please email wearemalagowi@gmail.com.  Please wear sensible shoes and bring a drink. We will bring some cake and savoury snacks to share.

The national WI AGM took place in Liverpool earlier in June. Our votes in support of this year's resolution (Women and Girls with ASD & ADHD - under-identified, under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, under-supported) were forwarded.  We are pleased to announce that it was carried with 96.5% of the votes. Please have a look at was this means and the resources available on the WI website 

We look forward to seeing lots of you on the 29th.

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!

April news....

 

Happy belated Easter to you all, we hope you've all had the chance to enjoy the Spring sunshine.  For our meeting in March, we had an interesting and entertaining talk from Andy Lewis about the history of Bedminster Down, and how it has evolved over the years.

For our April meeting we are embracing spring by planting miniature Ranunculus bulbs for some summer colour for you to take home.  Bulbs, pots, and compost will be provided, however if you do have a small plant pot, you'd like to use, please bring it along.  We’ll also be putting some fizz into our lives by making bath bombs.  The bath bomb ingredients will be provided, but you will need to bring something to make them in, small flexible plastic or silicon items such as silicon ice trays, muffin cases or even old yogurt pots will work.  We'll have some essential oils to use to add scent, but if you have any favourite scented oils or any dried rose petals or lavender do bring it along to use.  If you don't have a suitable mould, a glass jar would work for making fizzy bath powder instead.

April is now the month when subs are renewed. The 2022 subscription is £44, which is split between the WI, federation and the NFWI to help with running individual groups and the organisation. Payment can be made via cheque, cash, or bank transfer.  We also now have a card reader, this can't be used for subs but can be used for paying for guest fees, refreshments, raffle tickets and donations.

Lastly, we'll be asking our members to vote on this year's resolution so that our votes can be carried forward to this year’s WI national AGM in June.  The resolution is Women and Girls with ASD & ADHD - under-identified, under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, under-supported and further information can be found on the WI website.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 27^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. 

July news....

 

After a lovely evening on the harbourside at Riverside Garden Centre we are heading off to Redcatch Community Garden where renowned author Jane Duffus will be entertaining us in the garden’s fabulous new marquee.
 
A journalist, editor and public speaker, Jane Duffus published her book The Women Who Built Bristol: Volume One in 2018 after uncovering fascinating stories of women who were otherwise absent from history books. From a heartbroken barmaid from Easton, to an abducted heiress, Duffus explores an eclectic mix of women who have made Bristol brilliant. You can also buy Jane’s book so please bring cash or card with you.
 
Redcatch Community Garden was set up by some passionate volunteers in 2017 on the disused bowling green in Redcatch Park in Knowle. It has grown into a thriving community space which is enjoyed by all with activities and events centred around gardening, food production and crafts. Past events have included themed pop-up food evenings, fairs, and Comedy nights.
 
On arrival one of the founders Mike Cardwell will walk and talk us around the garden and growing areas before taking our seats for Jane’s talk. 
 
There is a car park is off Broadwalk but you can usually find spaces on Redcatch Road as well, then walk across the park.
 
We will be starting slightly earlier than normally at 7:30, so please allow enough time to part and join us in the garden.  We look forward to seeing you then.

June news.....

 

Following a fascinating guided walk in May around the historic Underfall Yard we’re heading back outdoors for our next meeting on Wednesday 30^th June for a private visit the lovely Riverside Garden Centre. Hopefully we will have a lovely sunny evening and be able to enjoy its wonderful setting with panoramic views of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, the city docks, and the Bristol skyline beyond. 
 
Riverside is Bristol's largest independent garden centre. Established in 1987, its overriding aim is to create a unique destination offering a wide range of high-quality plants and products. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to provide help and give advice when required. It is run as a social enterprise, engaging with the wider community in Bristol by supporting and initiating projects and working with several local charities.

Doors will open from 7.15pm for a 7.30 start. On arrival we’ll be greeted with a glass of prosecco before heading off with green-fingered expert Steve Shaw to find out more about the amazing selection of plants, shrubs, and trees on offer. It’s your chance to get advice on choosing what to plant and where, how to look after your garden and handy tips and advice before reconvening to their award-winning café for lovely cakes and refreshments. You will also be able to buy plants and other goods before you go (NB card payment only!)
 
To comply with Covid restrictions please bring a mask to wear in the communal areas.
 
Numbers are limited to 30 – so please RSVP to wearemalagowi@gmail.com by Thursday 23 June to secure your place.  Guests are welcome at £5 and places will be allocated on first come, first serve basis.  There is ample carparking available on site for free.  Riverside is off Clift House Rd, Southville, Bristol BS3 1RX
 
We look forward to seeing you there.

May news.....

 

As lockdown restrictions ease, we are delighted to able to offer our first face to face meeting in over a year.  We can’t wait to see our members both old and new.
 
As part of our summer programme of outings, our first meeting of 2021 will be at the Underfall Yard.  A survivor from a time when Bristol was a busy industrial port, Underfall Yard is a working boat yard and docks maintenance facility that has been in continual use since the 1880s. Join us for a tour of the site to explore the yard’s unique collection of Victorian buildings set in a stunning location on Bristol’s Harbourside. We will discover the elegant Georgian engineering that created the Floating Harbour and continues to perform an essential (and largely hidden) role in water management and flood prevention. A highlight of the tour is experiencing the yard’s Victorian machines in action to see how things were done in the days before computers and 3D printing and experience the heavy engineering that once powered Bristol Docks. 
 
To kick off our first meeting, we would like to celebrate with welcome drinks before the tour.  We will be meeting outside the Cottage Inn by the waterfront at 7pm and making our way to the outside seating area in front of the Underfall Yard café to enjoy a glass of bubbly.  The tour will be from 7:30 to 8:30. The tour will take place inside and outside so you may need a coat.
 
After the tour, if people would like to join us, we will make out way to the Cottage or Nova Scotia for a drink.  If you are driving, there is parking available either at the Cottage Inn or the SS Great Britain and Brunel Lock has parking which is only a short walk away.
 
There will be an opportunity for members to pay their subscriptions.  Membership for returning members will be £22.40 and new members £44. Guests are also welcome at a cost of £5. We will be acceptable to accept cheque or cash payments.
 
As there is a restriction on numbers, it would be helpful if you could let us know if you plan to attend by Friday 21^st May by emailing wearemalago@gmail.com.
 
It’s been a while since we have been able to get together so fingers crossed for dry weather!