September news...

It was great to end the summer with a fascinating walking tour of some Bristol’s better kept secrets and curiosities courtesy of Charlie Revelle-Smith of Weird Bristol  fame.

So as the nights draw in, we are back in the hall to get creative. Delia Adey and Sabina Vestlin from Flo-Jo Fabrics will be showing us how to make some hand sown eye masks. Flo-Jo Fabrics is an independent sewing shop, set up in 2012 on the busy Gloucester Road. As well as having their own range of sewing patterns and kits, there is a dedicated workshop space where Delia, Erika and Sabina teach sewing and take in repairs and alterations.  They are delighted to be able to share their passion for dressmaking and sewing creations at this month’s meeting.

All equipment and fabric will be provided, but if you would like to bring your own fabric you will need a 25cm square of non-stretch fabric; cotton is best.  Don’t forget to bring some cash as Flo-Jo will be bringing along goodies for you to buy.

We look forward to seeing you on 26^th September!

P.S. As we will be celebrating our 10^th birthday next month, we will be holding our meeting a week early on 24^th October in the Scott Hut.  Hope you can join us!

August news....

What a lovely way to spend a summer’s evening by visiting The Spicery and getting to sample some delicious delights.  We were all inspired (and bought the appropriate spice packs) to create flavoursome meals of you own!

It may have turned a bit cooler, but we are still out and about for another outing before the evenings draw in.

Charlie Revelle-Smith, is a novelist more commonly known for his series of mystery books, Bristol Murders.  He has been documenting strange stories from our city’s history on Twitter which are very popular with Bristol residents. Coming this November is his official Weird Bristol book. Written (and fully illustrated) by Charlie, it promises to be a cornucopia of curiosities.

We will be meeting at 7:15 for a 7:30 start by the William III statue in Queen Square.  From there, Charlie will take us on a 90 minute tour incorporating lesser known and mysterious stories from Bristol history. Learn more about the history that lies beneath our feet including an extensive 40 miles of underground waterways throughout the city.  Why not check out Charlie’s Twitter feed @WeirdBristol’s to find out more!

We plan to finish near a pub if anyone would like to stay around afterwards for a drink.

We look forward to seeing you on 29^th August!

July news...

We hope you all enjoyed last month’s talk by Clare Osborne from Incredible Oceans. We certainly had our eyes opened to the damaging over-use of plastic and have been thinking of ways we can do our bit – remember, as Clare says, one starfish at a time!

And, if the weather isn’t hot enough already this month, things are certainly heating up as we leave the Hall for our July outing to The Spicery on Feeder Road. The Spicery team are purveyors of wonderful spices from around the world. Not only are they experts but they also have a test kitchen and event space on site where they develop all their delicious recipes and deliver special tasting evenings and workshops.

Matt, the development chef, will be taking us on an exploration of some of the many types of chilli with a special workshop where we can taste some samples – if you’re brave enough! We’ll take a tour around the fragrant Spicery itself to see how all the spices and blends are produced, stored and shipped out. To finish we’ll learn which spices are best used in summer cocktails, and the foodies among us can have a nosey round the Spicery Shop where you will be able to purchase spices, recipe kits, subscription boxes and books.

This special outing will take place on July 25^th at the earlier time of 7.30pm, finishing around 9.30pm. We’ll make our own way there: 77 Feeder Road, St Phillips, BS2 0TQ. There is parking directly outside the building and also in the surrounding streets.

If you haven’t already put your name down, why not spice up your life and contact us by 20^th July to secure a place?  Guests are very welcome to come along at £10 per person.

Mary Magro from Westleaze Long Ashton WI was our link delegate at the recent NFWI annual meeting held in June.  The meeting was attend by 1000’s of WI members and celebrated the centenary of the Suffragettes movement.  This year’s resolution ‘mental health matters’ was passed with 98% of delegates in favour.  A full report is available to read when we meet again in the Hall.

Don’t forget, we have a stall at Pride on 14^th July to help raise funds for future meetings and outings.  If you can help out or bake some cakes, please let us know or visit us to show you support and even make a kite!

We look forward to seeing you at our summer outing on 25^th July!