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

STOP PRESS!

Malago WI were featured in the Bristol Evening Post on Thursday 2 July.

If you missed it, catch up with the online article

Extra, extra...

May's meeting and June information

Bonjour Malago WI!

May's meeting was one of the most important yet, with national campaign votes cast for the SOS for Honey Bees resolution. Before this serious business took place, Daphne gave us a potted history of WI campaigns, and then we heard from local beekeeper and something of an expert (being ex president of the British Beekeepers’ Association), Dr Ivor Davis. Many thanks to Ivor, who talked us through the basics around why bees need saving. We were convinced: Malago WI unanimously voted in favour of the resolution 23/0. Our vote was cast on our behalf by our 'link member' President of Knowle WI, Barbara McInerney. The resolution was debated and passed with an overwhelming majority of 99.4% at the AGM:
"SOS for Honey Bees – honey bees play a vital role in the pollination of food crops and in our environment. In view of concerns about the accelerating decline in the UK honey bee population, this meeting urges HM Government to increase funding for research into bee health."

For more information on the campaign and how to get involved go to:
http://www.thewi.org.uk/standard.aspx?id=15584

We also spent time discussing the issues close to our hearts with a view to drawing up a list of possible future MWI campaigns. View long-list here:
http://malagowi.blogspot.com/2009/06/campaign-ideas-from-mays-meeting.html

And onto June's meeting, a WI classic done in a new Malago WI way - flower arranging. Clare from Les Fleurs florists - http://www.lesfleurs.org.uk - will be showing us the ropes, with a workshop designed to give everyone the confidence to tie a bouquet and produce a show-stopping arrangment using containers from around the house, and foliage from around the garden. This is where you lot come in - Don't forget to bring vases, gravy boats and jam jars for your arrangements, as well as any flowers, greenery, leaves or anything else from the garden to add to your finished article (we will provide flowers but there may not be many to go round. We'll learn the tricks of how to make a few flowers go a long way...).

Also new for this month, we've introduced three new ways for meetings to run to time and for us all to get to know each other better:
1. a noticeboard, for the latest information about upcoming meetings, fundraising, social events, and those all important tea and cake rotas;
2. a recommendations file, to allow members to share information about great traders, local shops or fantastic deals that we can all benefit from;
and... drum roll...
3. a social evening! It's been a long time coming. Join your fellow Malago WI members on Wednesday 22 July, 8pm, in the main bar of the Tobacco Factory.

Chocolate workshop
On Saturday 18 July, some of us will be at a hand-made chocolate workshop. Join us for the bargain price of £20 – give your name and a cheques to Jen at the June meeting. All others who have put their name down need to pay at the meeting – also to Jen.

See you with your secateurs on Wednesday 24 June, same time, same place.

Constance Spry, eat your heart out.
MWI x

Campaign ideas from May's meeting

At the May meeting, we heard about the national campaign, SOS for honey bees. And we also invited members to suggest issues they feel strongly about and would like Malago WI to consider putting forward as a campaign in the future, on a local or national level.

Here is a list of those ideas:
:: Women on the breadline/ single mums; provide opportunities to join WI through assistance with membership costs, taking WI to them, help with skills needs such as literacy/ basic skills.
:: Women who self-harm; raise profile/ understanding/ support.
:: Elderly in our community; befriending
:: Pink toys - gender specific toys/ products for children
:: Plastic recycling and use reduction
:: Supermarkets taking over - support independents
:: Hospital care - feeding issues
:: Food - body image/ media/ education in schools
:: Food - wastage/ cost
:: Education - sex and relationships/ domestic violence
:: Schools - overtesting, learning to pass exams, no love for learning, too target driven
:: Schools - fear in Bristol of Secondary Schools
:: More space for growing food locally
:: Creating sustainable communities
:: Public transport - service and cost, oil alternatives
:: Traffic on North Street - more crossings, encourage people not car focus
:: Parking at Tesco (North Street) on double yelow lines
:: Dog mess and mess on pavements
:: Encourage more people to get wormeries
:: Bike theft
:: Vandalism
:: Rubbish - litter and fly-tipping
:: Buddy scheme - elderly
:: Diversity in WI; encourage/ research
:: Street Parties
:: Encourage women to cycle/ link with Sustrans
:: Support Bristol South swimming pool

May newsletter

Malago May Queens, how do you do?

So much to report... April's credit crunch offer of two-speakers-for-the-price-of-one went down a treat with you bargain hunters. Kath Kelly and Dave Hamilton provided us with tips galore for spring cleaning, eco cleaning, eco living and frugal living at the last meeting. No excuse now, ladies!

And our offerings, both cultural and edible, were enjoyed by all at the Southbank Art Trail. We estimate that around 400 eager art-trailers experienced our south Bristol version of the Learning To Love You More assignments, and Marmalade Cafe raised over £300 to add to our coffers! Paddington Bear would be proud. Well done and thank you to all involved - it's made a huge difference to the bank balance, and will enable Malago WI to continue this year's activities in the manner to which we are accustomed, and go forth into 2010 with gusto. Hurrah.

And if you weren't there you can re-live the experience with the beautiful photographs on our Flickr site.

A big thank you to sponsors-in-kind and providers of wonderful tea, coffee and herbals, Clipper and Pukka. You are too kind.

May's meeting

Taking place on Wednesday 27 May, the next meeting focuses on the history of WI campaigning from our Avon Federation guru, Daphne Vise, and a discussion around the motion for the next campaign - SAVE THE HONEY BEES - with a talk from local beekeeper, Ivor Davis, who may also bring local honey for you to buy (if it's not all sold out by now). And all the cakes will be honey-sweet...

Anyone need a lift in my beautiful pea green boat?

MWI x

Spring is in the air...

Malago Mondrians, Monets and Matisses!

The Southbank Art Trail is nearly upon us, and we are beavering away at our Learning To Love You More assignments, which will be displayed at 84 Greville Road on 9 and 10 May, alongside the Marmalade Cafe.

MALAGO WI NEEDS YOU!

Without donations - of artwork or cakes or time or all three - from Malago WI members, we won't have a show. So please help us, it's a fine cause as you all know, and we have high hopes it will prove to be a successful fundraising and awareness-raising exercise which all goes to making MWI bigger and better.

Alice has done battle with Adobe Illustrator and come out victorious, with two beautiful posters for you to download for your window here in pink or here in grey

Marmalade Cafe

We know there are some very adept cake-makers out there as we've experienced at our meetings so far. Please, if you can spare the time and ingredients to make something, anything, large or small, for us to sell in the cafe we'd really appreciate it.

Or, if your skills lie in tea-making or waitressing, we need you too! If you can spare time (between 11-5, even an hour will do) or cake or creativity, let us know by emailing jointhewi@gmail.com or talk to Lottie at Wednesday's meeting.

Learning To Love You More

The assignments may appear a little daunting to the uninitiated, but fear not - they are designed to be completed by everyone, regardless of artistic experience. Here, we have picked out a couple of examples that we think we might attempt, and we hope might tickle your fancy too:

14. Write your life story in less than a day

27. Take a picture of the sun

35. Ask your family to describe what you do

39. Take a picture of your parents kissing

50. Take a flash photo under your bed

55. Photograph a significant outfit

63. Make an encouraging banner

If you're stuck indoors with nothing to do, have a pop at one of the above. And don't forget to bring it along to Wednesday's meeting!

Talking of which, Wednesday's double-header features urban self sufficiency from one half of Bristol's own Good Life duo, Dave Hamilton, and a talk from Kath Kelly, best-selling author of ‘How I Lived a Year on Just a Pound a Day’. See you on Wednesday 29 April at 8pm.

And if you haven't already seen it on the website, we've drafted an environmental policy to set out Malago WI's aspirations in terms of minimising our impact on the environment. Take a look here, and leave a comment if you feel inclined.

Coming up

May’s meeting is all about campaigning. Learn about the WI’s impressive history in campaigning (Keep Britain Tidy being one of the most famous) and how we can get involved both locally and nationally. Is there something that you would like to change, perhaps we can channel our collective voice and energy into doing something about it? This year’s national resolution is ‘SOS for honey bees’ which, if passed, aims to address the declining honey bee population. Find out more about it, listen to our speaker Ivor Davis, a master beekeeper and ex president of the British Beekeepers’ Association and cast your vote.

A bientot

Malago WI x

Malago WI March and April

Malago red roses, you sing like birds!

Your humble correspondent was off sick, but our president, Karen Bowers, sent this report:

March's meeting was a real gem. Everyone seemed to talk to someone new, everyone had a laugh. Selina of Intercre8 led us in a fantastic ice breaker that had us running madly across the room like children playing musical chairs at a party. Then we started to find our voices, and then we sang. We sounded great! I think we were all stunned. Working in groups meant we mixed and mingled, and then pairs exercises on tongue twister certainly removed any last remains of embarrassment or keeping up appearances. Even finishing off the evening, with the usual announcements, felt different and felt like we were all in it together. 

Sounds like I missed a good one. But, to bring me back from the brink of despair, April's meeting is set to be a corker too. Phew. With this dreary credit crunch showing no signs of abating, we need all the fun we can get. And penny-saving tips to boot! Which is just as well, as we have urban self sufficiency from one half of Bristol's own Good Life duo, Dave Hamilton, and a talk from Kath Kelly, best-selling author of ‘How I Lived a Year on Just a Pound a Day’. Put Wednesday 29 April in your diary.

And talking of environmental issues, Malago WI now has its very own environmental policy, detailing how we plan to minimise the impact our activities has on resources and do as much as we can to help save the planet. Have a look here:

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

Feel free to comment - we want your ideas on how to make Malago WI an exemplar group.

There's still time to don your smock and beret for the Art Trail. Whether you'd like to make work for the art exhibition, a cake/biscuits/treats for the cafe, or volunteer your services to help out over the weekend, just drop us a line at the usual address, jointhewi@googlemail.com. The more the merrier.

Malago W.I Go Pro on Flickr!

Until recently we have only had a lowly guest account on the photo-sharing site, Flickr. We are now very pleased to announce that we have upgraded to a Pro account. This means we can upload many more photos and document different aspects of our institute online. Perhaps you’ve tried out a new recipe and photographed the results or maybe you’ve knitted, gardened or campaigned. If you have an image you think might be at home on our Flickr page please send it to Alice at alicehendy at me.com

Pip pip,

MWI x

Malago WI Environmental Policy

Malago Women’s Institute Environmental Policy
Members of the committee have worked on developing this draft Environmental Policy, and welcome comments from members, either by leaving comments on the website or by email

Statement of Intent
Malago Women’s Institute recognises that our operations have an impact in the local and global environment.

This document sets out our intent to minimise this impact and lists a number of measures to be implemented in order to do so.

This policy is implemented from committee level. This document should be issued to all members to make them aware of their own personal responsibilities.

The process of implementing environmental improvements will be done in consultation with members, who will be invited to suggest ways we can minimise our environmental impact. This will ensure that all considerations are taken into account and that understanding and co-operation is optimised.

This document signals Malago WI’s intent to:
1. develop a sense of responsibility for the environment amongst all members.
2. set targets to improve the use of energy and raw materials and reduce the group’s environmental impact. Regularly review and report on progress each year.
3. work towards becoming a Carbon Neutral Organisation.
4. reduce wastage to a minimum and to recycle materials to the maximum. recognise that wasting energy causes avoidable pollution so endeavour to keep energy use to a practical minimum.
5. avoid/reduce pollution of air, land and water wherever possible.
6. promote sustainability in all its forms through our programme and fundraising efforts.
encourage members to use sustainable means of transport when travelling to and from meetings and events.
7. consider this environmental policy in future decision making processes.
8. celebrate and publicise Malago WI’s environmental successes to members and the wider community to be a role model of environmental performance for the community.


Malago WI Environmental Policy
Malago WI has made and continues to make a concerted effort to improve its environmental performance. The objectives of this process are to:

• minimise the environmental impact that Malago WI has on the local and global environment,

• minimise waste of money and resources, and

• set a good example of environmental performance to members

All members are encouraged to adhere to the procedures set out in this policy and to help Malago WI optimise its environmental performance in every possible way. Notes are included below in order to help members to do this.


Energy
Malago WI has a switch off policy for all lights and all electrical appliances, to encourage all members to take greater attention to minimise waste by turning off lights, electrical appliances and radiators when not needed.

Members are encouraged to ensure that lights are neither switched on when they are not needed or left on longer than they are needed. Members are also requested to encourage other members to do the same.

Electrical appliances should be switched off overnight and when not in use

All committee members should consider energy efficiency when purchasing all new equipment and to make regular PATs (portable appliance tests) on appliances.


Waste reduction and recycling
The following procedures for re-cycling and re-using waste should be followed as far as possible.

1. Reduction and Re-use
Envelopes should be opened carefully and reused as far as possible.
Paper printed on one side only should be re-used for printing draft copies.
Used paper should also be used for note pads and scraps of paper for messages etc.

2. Recycling
Paper, glass bottles, cans and cardboard should be collected outside the kitchen area and taken home by committee members for weekly black bin recycling.
Bubble wrap packaging will be reused.
All other items will be recycled through the Bristol Freecycle website group

3. Water conservation and pollution measures
Members should remember to conserve water where possible and ensure that taps are turned off after use.
Care should be taken to minimise the chemicals entering the drains. Non toxic cleaning products will be used whenever possible


Transport
Members are encouraged to consider walking, cycling, public transport or lift sharing to Malago WI activities, as far as possible.


General/ Purchasing
Our bank account is with ethical bank smile.

Any direct purchasing of food and drink should be GM-free, and members on the cake rota should be encouraged to use the following ingredients:
GM-free
Locally-sourced
Fairtrade
Organic
Unrefined wheat and sugar products, as far as possible

Malago WI should buy and use cleaning products which are not environmentally damaging (such as Ecover brand).
All paper and envelopes are made from recycled paper


Demonstrating achievements to members and the wider community
Malago WI will take the following steps to communicate with members and the wider community:

Information sent to speakers when they are booked will include statements outlining Malago WI’s environmental policy and requesting members to assist our efforts to optimise environmental performance.

The environmental policy statement of intent will be on display on the reading table and available on the website, a full copy of the document can be viewed on request

The education and activities programme will promote environmental sustainability wherever possible.

Malago WI’s commitment to environmental sustainability shall be clearly stated in marketing material.

March Malago Meeting

Ladies, all the ladies!
Clear your throats, please, in preparation for the March meeting of Malago WI!

Wednesday 25 March will have us projecting, booming, and commanding, as we take part in a voice workshop. Selina Keedwell, director of interCre8 (creatively learning through
drama), is a drama artist, performer and facilitator, specialising in teaching physical theatre and drama to students of all ages and abilities. Selina has performed in, devised, facilitated and managed creative projects in diverse settings, from taxi drivers in Indonesia and doctors in Torbay, to dancers in New York and young mothers in Devon. She firmly believes that learning through drama can have huge benefits for all, helping to gain confidence, develop positive self awareness, and the ability to work with others co-operatively by exploring and accepting ourselves as individuals.

The workshop allows us to explore our voices while discovering new ways of communicating confidently with an audience, at work or play. Using breathing, relaxation, diction, projection, rhythm & pace, use of pause, body language and delivery, we will develop a better understanding of ourselves as communicators, and of our voice as a useful tool. The voice workshop is a fun way of working together to explore our abilities in a supportive and creative way, and is designed for all levels - no experience required. We hope you enjoy it.

You may have noticed that www.malagowi.co.uk has had temporary makeover, in celebration of the forthcoming MWI exhibition as part of the Southbank Art Trail (9 and 10 May 2009). There will be a sign-up sheet at Wednesday's meeting - we'd like as many members as possible to take on an assignment (despite the onerous-sounding name, assignments are really very easy and straightforward, we promise!). The nature of the Learning To Love You More project means it's open to all - whether you consider yourself an artist or not (yet). It's an art project of a most democratic nature. And it's a whole lot of fun.

Don't forget: if this will be your third meeting and you're not yet a member, then it's time to cough up. Membership is £29 for the year - see Jen, our treasurer, at the meeting.

April Meeting
Malago WI hopes to provide a few tips and ideas for beating the credit crunch at our April meeting, with interesting information provided by not one, but two speakers. Kath Kelly author of 'How I Lived on Just One Pound a Day' will be talking about how she survived her self-imposed penury by revealing where to look for cheap clothing, food and toiletries, along with offering novel ideas for socialising and gift-giving.

We are also joined by Dave Hamilton, co-founder of www.selfsufficientish.com and author of 'The Urban Guide to Self Sufficiency'. Dave is an expert in all things organic and will demonstrating how to make environmentally friendly cleaning products at home as well as supplying us with tips on how to garden, totally organically and on a budget. He also has a wealth of knowledge on the type of vegetables that can be grown in space-strapped gardens.

Ooh, it's all shaping up nicely.

Until Wednesday, adieu,
MWI

A Spring update

February's meeting was fantastic. With more members than ever coming through the doors, there was a real sense that our humble group is becoming properly established.

Steve Humphries from Testimony Films spoke to us with passion and conviction about his 25 year career in oral history documentary-making. We were treated to clips of his world-changing programmes, with women speaking candidly about their experiences of orgasms, sex before marriage, and unconsummated marriages in the twentieth century. Without Steve and his team, much of this wonderful material would have been lost in the mists of time. We're very glad Testimony exists.

Alice and Lottie spoke about the Southbank Art Trail project, for which Malago WI members will make assignments from the Learning To Love You More project. If art's not your thing, we're also looking for donations of cake and a few hours over the weekend, to help run the fundraising cafe. Email jointhewi@gmail.com for more information, and we'll have a sign-up sheet at the March meeting too.

Talking of which, the programme for March will be a voice workshop, presented by Selina Keedwell of interCre8. The workshop is about having fun exploring our voices whilst discovering new ways of communicating confidently with an audience, at work or play. By exploring breathing, relaxation, diction, projection, rhythm and pace, use of pause, body language and delivery, we will develop a better understanding of ourselves as communicators, and of our voice as a useful tool. We're sure the voice workshop will be a fun way of working together to explore our abilities in a supportive and creative way.

See you in March,
MWI

February meeting

Roll up, roll up, ladies of south Bristol, it's that time of the month again. The fourth Malago Women's Institute meeting will take place on Wednesday 25 February at 8pm.

Much anticipated, this month's speaker is Steve Humphries of Testimony Films. Postponed from last month, Steve is the king of oral history and his talk celebrates women's experiences of love, sex and relationships from the last century. Illustrated with video clips, Steve has selected the best from his vast archives for what will be a fascinating and insightful meeting - not to be missed.

And the rest of our programme is shaping up nicely too... There's now a link on the right which should take you straight to details of all meetings, both archive and forthcoming. Some is yet to be confirmed, and contributions or suggestions would be most welcome. We hope you feel that we've listened to what our members want - it's your WI so let us know.

Also coming up is the Bristol Women's Show for which we need 4 volunteers to help spread the WI word. The Show celebrates all things female, including fashion, fitness, careers advice, health, finances, safety and more. Speak to Jen at the meeting if you can spare a couple of hours on Sunday 29 March between 10am and 4pm, or email jointhewi@gmail.com with your name, contact details and availability. Entry is £5, volunteers get free entry.

Likewise, WI groups across the land will be sending representatives to the Million Women Rise march to end male violence against women. Women's right to live free from violence has not been achieved, and women continue to be attacked and violated in many different ways. The march aims to show our mass dissatisfaction and campaign for change for all women and children. The 2008 march went down in history as the largest demonstration of women in UK - this year's march is set to be bigger and better. This thoroughly worthwhile event takes place on Saturday 7 March in London, beginning at midday. If you'd like to attend, Jen's your woman - same details as above. If we get enough interest, we'll try to organise discounted train fares.

On a lighter note, May heralds blossom, asparagus, and the Southbank Art Trail. This year, we'd love to have an exhibition of work made by Malago WI (as well as a cafe), not only to show our artistic side, but also to spread the word, raise crucial funds, and recruit new members. Based around the Learning To Love You More assignments, the exhibition is open to anyone from MWI - Alice will explain more on Wednesday, but here are a few examples to keep you guessing.

Many of you will have seen Malago WI in the local press and on the local news. Exciting times indeed. We'd like to thank you for making MWI what it is today, and for sharing our vision for a supportive, educational and fun meeting place in this great community of south Bristol.

Here's to more of the same.

Over and out,

MWI

Malago WI programme

Upcoming programme and meeting dates 2012

:: Wednesday 28 March
Blogging and campaign resolution
:: Wednesday 25 April
A New Taste of Spring with Shannon Smith
:: Wednesday 30 May
Gardening with Lia Leendertz
:: Wednesday 27 June
Health TBC
:: Wednesday 25 July
TBC
:: Wednesday 29 August
Make do and mend
:: Wednesday 26 September
Seasonal produce
:: Wednesday 31 October
Birthday party and quiz
:: Wednesday 28 November
Ways with wool: Felt

Archive Programme 2012
:: Wednesday 29 February
Paper flowers and fabric birds
:: Wednesday 25 January
Happiness

Archive programme information

2011

:: Wednesday 30 November

Ways with wool: Pompoms

:: Wednesday 26 October

Malago WI 3rd Birthday party - swish and sweets

:: Wednesday 28 September

Salsa

:: Wednesday 31 August

Sleep!

:: Wednesday 27 July

Malago WI village fete - jam, vegetables, bunting, cakes

:: Wednesday 29 June

Mystery meeting

:: Wednesday 25 May

All-female DIY with Jo Behari, Home Jane

:: Wednesday 27 April

Learn to Speak with Selina Keedwell, Intercre8, WI resolutions vote

:: Wednesday 30 March

Aromatherapy - mixing our own home and beauty products with Ali Cook, Pure Bliss Aromatherapy

:: Wednesday 23 February

Bag-making and book/present swap

:: Wednesday 26 January

Story-telling

2010

:: 24 November 2010

Present-wrapping and wreath-making

:: 27 October 2010

Pudding club - our second birthday party 

:: 29 September 2010

Ways with wool - crochet and felts

:: 25 September 2010

Best of Bedminster show (fundraising event)

:: 15 September 2010

Social event

:: 25 August 2010

Quiz night

:: 28 July 2010

Nick Hand talks about his travels around the UK meeting artisan craftspeople

:: 30 June 2010

Bollywood night (rescheduled from January 2010)

:: 26 May 2010

Jane Brocket

:: 28 April 2010

Tea- and chocolate-tasting with Lahloo teas (Brunel group meeting)

:: 31 March 2010

Self-portraiture

:: 24 February 2010

Morph-making with Aardman

:: 27 January 2010

Badge-making and new year resolutions

2009

:: 25 November 2009

Creative writing

:: 28 October 2009

Malago WI First Birthday party (change of venue: Southville Centre)

:: 30 September 2009

Ways with Wool

:: Best of Bedminster show, Saturday 26 September 2009

:: 26 August 2009

Swishing!

:: 29 July 2009

Pilates with Anna Christy, and Chris Uttley from BERATE

:: 24 June 2009

Flower-arranging, Claire from Les Fleurs

:: 27 May 2009

Save the Honey Bees campaign vote and history of WI campaigning talk

:: 29 April 2009 Spring clean your life:

Kath Kelly (author of How I Lived a Year on Just a Pound a Day) and Dave Hamilton (of www.selfsufficientish.com, the urban guide to almost self-sufficiency)

:: 25 March 2009

Voice workshop, Selina Keedwell, Intercre8

:: 25 February 2009

Women's oral history, Steve Humphries, Testimony Films

:: 28 January 2009

Indian Head Massage, Alison Cook, Pure Bliss Aromatherapy 0117 9831284

:: 10 December 2008

Paper Christmas decorations, Alice, Lottie and Carrie

:: 12 November 2008

Inaugural meeting - History of the WI, programming ideas, tea & cake

We're in Venue magazine!

That's right, Bristol and Bath's favourite weekly what's-on features a nice little article about Malago WI on page 29 - available from newsagents now.

It's the one with Bristol and Bath's Top 100 most powerful people on the cover. Malago WI President Karen Bowers was 101.

See you on Wednesday 25 February,

MWI

How Hollywood made its heroines weight-obsessed and man mad

Tinseltown WI, listen up! It's awards-ceremony time of year and, much as we love watching the TV coverage of our favourite actors on the red carpet, it's not all lovely frocks and blubbing. Read about the dumbing-down of female characters in Hollywood in this report.

Malago WI on ITV West news

If you missed our TV debut last night, don't worry - it's available to view again online

Well done to all involved, and let's hope it brings oodles of new members through our doors.

MWI x

Stop the press!

Those who attended January's fantastic meeting last week will remember ITV West sent a reporter along for interviews and more.

The time has come... tune in to ITV West news tonight at 6pm!*

And if you can't, we'll try to find a link so you can watch it online.
Keep your eye on the website for more information.

Yours in haste,
Malago WI
www.malagowi.co.uk

*that's if nothing more important happens between now and then...

January

Women of south Bristol, hello!

And a very happy new year too. We hope your Christmas was merry and bright, and that January isn't making you too gloomy. There is light at the end of the tunnel - no, not spring, but our next Malago WI meeting.

January sees a change to our scheduled programme. We will be having an Indian head massage talk and demonstration from local massage therapist, Alison Cook. Ali will provide us all with the skills to perform this simple technique, perfect to clear any blocked energy you might be hiding away under those winter hats. 

The meeting starts at 8pm on Wednesday 28 January, at Bedminster Methodist (Ebenezer) Church hall. Let us know you're coming by email: jointhewi@gmail.com

Steve Humphries, director of Bristol's Testimony Films, will visit us in February with footage and a discussion of women's oral histories on love, sex and relationships.

Remember - if January will be your third Malago WI meeting, or you fancy signing up then and there, then bring along cash or a cheque for £29 for your annual membership. 

See you on Wednesday,

Malago WI