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

November rain....

Hic! Did you enjoy October's wine-tasting? We had a blast. After a couple of away matches, we're heading back to our usual haunt, Bedminster Methodist Church, for the final meeting of the year on Wednesday 28 November. To get us in the mood for the impending festive season, we'll be welcoming Frances Cooley of Clifton Cakes, who'll be making Christmas truffles with us. But only if you've been good.

Frances will also be making one of her famed chocolate shoes before your very eyes, and you can be in with a chance to win this delicious creation as part of our raffle - don't forget to bring a bit of spare change for your raffle tickets. We'll have a whole host of exciting prizes.

We're on the hunt for cake-bakers - reckon you could knock something up for the meeting? We'll be your best friend. Go on, make us your fave cake or biscuits - could even be something with a Christmas twist. Drop us a line to tell us you'll be bringing something - just email wearemalagowi@gmail.com.

And finally, we're thinking of having a stall at the North Street Christmas Fayre on Saturday 8 December. Could you spare an hour or two to help out? Sign up at next week's meeting.

Oh, and are you 2013 members yet? We are OPEN! Go Malago!
Until next week,
MWI x

Happy Birthday Malago!

We love Jane Brocket. It was a total pleasure to welcome her back to Malago WI and we hope you enjoyed hearing her speak, seeing her fabulous crafts, and buying those beautiful books. Thanks Jane, until the next time...

Well, we're fast approaching our 4th birthday - haven't we grown? Which means a rather special October meeting/party.

On Wednesday 31 October we will be celebrating this milestone with a spot of wine tasting. Because our usual venue is teetotal, we're changing venue again. Same time though - 8-10pm.

October's meeting will take place at:
St Paul's Church Hall
Coronation Road
Bristol
Here's a map.

Seeing as we're vino quaffing, we thought we'd park the cake for the month (gasp!) and go for cheese and biscuits. We'll provide the dairy, but we're after bakers who'd like to make crackers, biscuits or bread to go alongside. Email us with your carbohydrate offers.

And as if that's not exciting enough, our birthday party is also our AGM which means the swearing-in of our brand new 2013 committee. These wonderful women are stepping up to make sure Malago continues to be a well-oiled WI.

Talking of 2013, the programme is shaping up nicely. Don't forget to sign up for next year's membership - the guest list opens at the October meeting so you lot are first in the queue. We'll be changing the rules slightly, making it possible to come along as a guest for £5 (2013 membership is £33 for 11 meetings).

Another new development - we've changed our Facebook group/profile to a page so please 'like' us (please!).

Don't go changing...
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