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.