Whattalife! Centenary Celebrations have begun
January 24th saw nearly 130 members and guests enjoy a fabulous performance of the Kathleen Ferrier life story "Whattalife!" written by contralto Lucy Stevens, and accompanied by Liz Marcus. We also indulged in a very tasty 2 course lunch followed by coffee and mints courtesy of Seaton's Catering.
It was a truly entertaining day with many members giving positive feedback - one lady said "Thank you and the committee for arranging an excellent lunch party to start our centenary celebrations. Kathleen Ferrier was one of my father’s favourite singers so it brought back many memories."
Great start to our Centenary celebrations. Thanks to Vice Chair Hilary Haworth for thinking of the performance and to past BFWI Chairman Jenny Street for leading the arranging committee.
PHOTOS TO FOLLOW.......
It was a truly entertaining day with many members giving positive feedback - one lady said "Thank you and the committee for arranging an excellent lunch party to start our centenary celebrations. Kathleen Ferrier was one of my father’s favourite singers so it brought back many memories."
Great start to our Centenary celebrations. Thanks to Vice Chair Hilary Haworth for thinking of the performance and to past BFWI Chairman Jenny Street for leading the arranging committee.
PHOTOS TO FOLLOW.......
Resolutions 2020 - Briefing at The Gateway
The five Resolutions to be voted on in January by members were briefed out on 27th November by a trusty team led by Lynn Hutton - Resolutions Adviser (second from right). Thanks to all the presenters, organisers, and of course the audience for their attention to detail in their questions. Notwithstanding a fire alarm (and it was raining of course) we stuck to the timetable.
Jigsaw Challenge 2019
Many congratulations to Watermead & Weedon WI who are this year's Jigsaw Challenge champions. They finished their 500 piece puzzle in just 1hr 47 mins!
Jenny Street (2nd from right) Chairman of Leisure & Lifestyle Committee and BFWI Trustee presents the Ruth Figgs Silver Bell trophy at the Aylesbury Canal Society last evening, 29th October.
She thanked everyone for joining in, and the helpers on the night who made the event run smoothly, including a raffle, the prizes included of course a jigsaw!
Jenny Street (2nd from right) Chairman of Leisure & Lifestyle Committee and BFWI Trustee presents the Ruth Figgs Silver Bell trophy at the Aylesbury Canal Society last evening, 29th October.
She thanked everyone for joining in, and the helpers on the night who made the event run smoothly, including a raffle, the prizes included of course a jigsaw!
Autumn 2019 Event - Women in Uniform
Nearly 200 members and their guests attended a truly uplifting "Women in Uniform" event in High Wycombe on October 10th 2019. Many helpers made the afternoon run smoothly, and our thanks to all of them including the ladies who manned the merchandise stalls, the volunteer from SSAFA Bucks, Betty Furner for her photography, and the Old Town Hall staff. Special thanks, of course, to Federation Secretary Sara Galloway whose organisational experience is the foundation of our successful public events.
Chairman Pat Poole introduced the itinerary which began with a presentation by a tri-service trio of women who belong to The Armed Forces Diversity Team. They told us some history of women in the UK military and how service life has evolved to now be an inclusive and diverse life choice for many. They gave us facts, but also personalised their presentation which was engaging and added special interest.
The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Mrs Julia Upton MBE, informed the audience about her work as High Sheriff and her specific agenda on working with disadvantaged youngsters in custody. She aims to help bring education to Youth Offender Institutions in the county as statistics show that better educated young people are far less likley to re-offend.
We were also lucky to welcome Tracey Santrian who is Head of Training at Denman College, having retired recently from the Royal Navy. Tracey adeptly contrasted WI life with that of military service - apparently there is much similarity in terms of policies and procedures! She kindly brought along a commemorative sword she owns which marks her RN service.
Last, but definitely not least, we enjoyed a saxophone interpretation of popular and classical music from the RAF Halton Voluntary Band's saxophone quartet.
Chairman Pat Poole introduced the itinerary which began with a presentation by a tri-service trio of women who belong to The Armed Forces Diversity Team. They told us some history of women in the UK military and how service life has evolved to now be an inclusive and diverse life choice for many. They gave us facts, but also personalised their presentation which was engaging and added special interest.
The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Mrs Julia Upton MBE, informed the audience about her work as High Sheriff and her specific agenda on working with disadvantaged youngsters in custody. She aims to help bring education to Youth Offender Institutions in the county as statistics show that better educated young people are far less likley to re-offend.
We were also lucky to welcome Tracey Santrian who is Head of Training at Denman College, having retired recently from the Royal Navy. Tracey adeptly contrasted WI life with that of military service - apparently there is much similarity in terms of policies and procedures! She kindly brought along a commemorative sword she owns which marks her RN service.
Last, but definitely not least, we enjoyed a saxophone interpretation of popular and classical music from the RAF Halton Voluntary Band's saxophone quartet.
Blackpool Illuminations Sept 2019
A coach full of WI members and family/friends departed Buckinghamshire for the north west in late September. The weather was bested by WI spirit as the first stop was the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on a rainy afternoon.
Arriving in Blackpool some unpacked at the Carousel Hotel and then were straight out to get a first view of the fabulous illuminations the same evening.
A daytime visit to the Roman city of Chester was thoroughly enjoyed by those who chose to go, others remained in Blackpool to absorb the unique ambience of the tower, the fun parlours and the prom.
The return journey took in Baddesley Clinton - a National Trust property in the heart of the Forest of Arden - before returning to Bucks and home (see video below).
Arriving in Blackpool some unpacked at the Carousel Hotel and then were straight out to get a first view of the fabulous illuminations the same evening.
A daytime visit to the Roman city of Chester was thoroughly enjoyed by those who chose to go, others remained in Blackpool to absorb the unique ambience of the tower, the fun parlours and the prom.
The return journey took in Baddesley Clinton - a National Trust property in the heart of the Forest of Arden - before returning to Bucks and home (see video below).
Bowls Tasters - 9th September
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Always well supported, two sessions were booked this year with the smart Chess Vale Bowling Club in Chesham. One of the WI's collaborations is with the Bowling Development Alliance to grow the % of women who participate in this exacting sport.
Thank you to these WIs for supporting the event, and to Chess Vale WI for the delicious buffet lunch and tea: Prestwood Afternoon, Long Marston & Puttenham, Chesham Bois, Winslow, Sands Valley, Great Hampden, Ballinger Eve, Speen, Little Kingshill, Haddenham & Witchert, Radnage, Bledlow. Although the afternoon's weather wasn't that good, it didn't rain us off! Find out more here: http://www.chessvalebc.org.uk/ http://playbowls.org/womencan 
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Indian Taster Evening - 6th September
Leisure & Lifestyle brought together some fine Indian elements to create a thoroughly enjoyable evening out at Pitstone Memorial Hall on Friday 6th September.
A hot meal was provided, supplemented with tasty rice, naan and chutneys, by Mela of Aston Clinton. Guests enjoyed three different curries: chicken, lamb and vegetable - and very tasty they were too!
Entertainment was provided by a local troupe of young Indian dancers who delighted the audience (we do not have permission to post photographs) along with their teacher, Deepa.
A small raffle was held, and some of our winners consented to having their photograph taken.
Thank you to our caterers, entertainers, guests and of course helpers on the night.
A hot meal was provided, supplemented with tasty rice, naan and chutneys, by Mela of Aston Clinton. Guests enjoyed three different curries: chicken, lamb and vegetable - and very tasty they were too!
Entertainment was provided by a local troupe of young Indian dancers who delighted the audience (we do not have permission to post photographs) along with their teacher, Deepa.
A small raffle was held, and some of our winners consented to having their photograph taken.
Thank you to our caterers, entertainers, guests and of course helpers on the night.
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Deepa's Kupichudi related recital in homage to Krishna, which uses a brass dish as tradition demands. Deepa balanced on the dish for part of her recital.
Delightful to watch. |
Bucks County Show - 29th August 2019 |
This year, WIs were challenged to produce a display to meet the title "End of a Rainbow" using all natural materials.
This many WIs ably did, and judging took some while with a VERY close finish on the marks. However, we did have a winner and this year's accolade goes to WADDESDON WI who are suitably ecstatic. Tied second place were Stewkley WI, last year's winner, and Thornborough & Thornton WI - congratulations to you all and thank you for your hard work
This many WIs ably did, and judging took some while with a VERY close finish on the marks. However, we did have a winner and this year's accolade goes to WADDESDON WI who are suitably ecstatic. Tied second place were Stewkley WI, last year's winner, and Thornborough & Thornton WI - congratulations to you all and thank you for your hard work
Archery Taster Evenings - July 29th and August 6th
Members from around the County had great fun being tutored in basic archery skills courtesy of Whiteleaf Bowmen - thank you to them. We also learned about "Clout" archery which is using a flag to aim at rather than a circular target. "Clout" of course being "cloth" in Yorkshire dialect.
2019 "Thinking Lunch" - A Prison Chaplain's Life
Our enlightening and thought-provoking speaker on July 3rd at Cheddington Village Hall was the Rev'd SUE SMITH who talked about her fascinating and challenging work as a prison chaplain. There was also an update on our ongoing work on prison-related issues, eg Care in Custody. Thank you to Science & Society for staging the event, our speakers, and to the WI ladies doing the catering and WI members who support the lunch.
If you'd like to learn more, other voluntary organisations working in prisons are the Independent Monitoring Board, the Nat Assoc of Official Prison Visitors, the Prison Fellowship, the Howard League for Penal Reform, and the Bucks Assoc for the Care of Offenders.
If you'd like to learn more, other voluntary organisations working in prisons are the Independent Monitoring Board, the Nat Assoc of Official Prison Visitors, the Prison Fellowship, the Howard League for Penal Reform, and the Bucks Assoc for the Care of Offenders.
Inter-County Quiz Final - 2019
Clearly it was meant to be ! Our very own "eggheads" -
Terriers Evening WI - emerged victorious at the end of a challenging ten round quiz on 28th June. Last year's winners were only invited to attend at the last minute when Chalfont Common had to withdraw from the Final.
Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire each had 8 teams playing for this year's trophy.
Pictured here with Quiz Mistress Jenny Street are the winning team.
All to play for next year! Congratulations Terriers!
Terriers Evening WI - emerged victorious at the end of a challenging ten round quiz on 28th June. Last year's winners were only invited to attend at the last minute when Chalfont Common had to withdraw from the Final.
Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire each had 8 teams playing for this year's trophy.
Pictured here with Quiz Mistress Jenny Street are the winning team.
All to play for next year! Congratulations Terriers!
Derbyshire Peaks Federation holiday - June 2019
A truly lovely few days in the Derbyshire Peak District was enjoyed by members from around our County.
The holidaymakers stopped off at National Trust's Calke Abbey on the way back to Bucks at the end of the wonderful Federation holiday to Derbyshire. An enjoyable train trip (Peak Rail) also was hailed as a great success (below). Gareth, the coach driver, offering amazing service on a rainy day (on the right, below) - on the way to a horse-drawn canal boat excursion.
One of the travellers said "We have had a great week, made new friends, caught up with others, lots of laughs and SO much chatting! The W.I. at its best. Thanks to Jacqueline for her hard work".
Indeed! Thanks to our Hon.Treasurer, Jacqueline King, for the amazing results of all her efforts to make the holiday so thoroughly fab!
One of the travellers said "We have had a great week, made new friends, caught up with others, lots of laughs and SO much chatting! The W.I. at its best. Thanks to Jacqueline for her hard work".
Indeed! Thanks to our Hon.Treasurer, Jacqueline King, for the amazing results of all her efforts to make the holiday so thoroughly fab!
#TheTimeIsNow climate change lobby 26th June 2019
Over 200 BFWI members travelled to Westminster on 26.6.19 to take part in a rally organised by the Climate Coalition and Greener UK. The WI has close alliance with the Climate Coalition in particular, taking part annually in it's #ShowTheLove green heart campaign
NFWI Conference - Bournemouth 5th June 2019
People's Post Visit 14th May 2019
A happy band of time travellers visited London's Postal Museum - one of the members, Jen Fisher, supplied a great set of photographs which tour leader Hilary Haworth has turned into a very representative short video
BFWI Annual Council Meeting 1st May 2019
Chairman Pat Poole welcomed over 600 delegates to the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 1st May, along with our sponsors Churchill Retirement Living, AVDC and the Ambassador Theatre Group.
Formal business concluded, we enjoyed very entertaining and informative speeches from Steve Irons, Resilience Officer, Bucks CC, Ruba Asfahani, Denman Deputy Head, Thalia Jervis, CEO Healthwatch Bucks, Janet Kingdon from Burnt Cakes WI (Red Box Project), and Langar Aid Milton Keynes.
After a picnic lunch and presentation of Cups and Certificates the audience was held spell-bound by Simon King OBE and his awe inspiring photography, video clips and polished description of how he came to be a world leading cameraman, naturalist and presenter.
Photography: Derek Pelling Photography, Kim Edwards BFWI Press Officer
Formal business concluded, we enjoyed very entertaining and informative speeches from Steve Irons, Resilience Officer, Bucks CC, Ruba Asfahani, Denman Deputy Head, Thalia Jervis, CEO Healthwatch Bucks, Janet Kingdon from Burnt Cakes WI (Red Box Project), and Langar Aid Milton Keynes.
After a picnic lunch and presentation of Cups and Certificates the audience was held spell-bound by Simon King OBE and his awe inspiring photography, video clips and polished description of how he came to be a world leading cameraman, naturalist and presenter.
Photography: Derek Pelling Photography, Kim Edwards BFWI Press Officer
2019 Speakers: Simon King OBE, Ruba Asfahani, Janet Kingdon, Thalia Jervis
Inter-Federation WI Adviser Day 10th April 2019
23 Federation WI Advisers from Staffordshire, Bedfordshire, Middlesex, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire (plus our Chairman Pat Poole) met at Aylesbury Canal Society HQ on 10th April for their first "brainstorming" day. They shared ideas for Member Support, recruitment of WI Advisers and Finance - A great success initiated by our good selves!
Floristry with Miss Dorothy Wright
Around 80 Members enjoyed a lunch at the Chiltern Forest Golf Club on 1st April, followed by an entertaining display of floristry talent with the careful guidance of Miss Dorothy Wright (aka Neil Gurney)!
Inter-County Quiz 2019 - Buckingham venue teams
Our Buckingham teams (who gave photo permission). First place went to Grendon Underwood (123 pts), 2nd Soulbury A (119 pts), 3rd Winslow Early Birds (117 pts) and 4th Soulbury B (116 pts). The Inter-County Quiz Final is on 27th June in Buckingham.
Inter-County Quiz 2019 - Prestwood venue teams
Going forward to the June 27th Final are: Chalfont Common and Great Hampden (122 pts ea), Prestwood Evening and Chesham (120 pts ea). It was a close run competition, ending with tie breakers and a "sudden death" question! Good luck in the Final quizzers! Most of the teams agreed to have their photo taken.
Investigation and Discovery 2019
Speakers: Prof Rachel Watson, Prof Peter Ayton, Dr Anna Ploszajski and Phil Pearson
England Netball Day at Denman College 20th February 2019
Christmas 2018 - some snaps from our Shop Sales and around the County
Modern Day Slavery Conference November 15th 2018
As an outcome of our very successful Modern Day Slavery conference the Science and Society Sub-Committee are publicising the helpline numbers and 'red flag' signs (below photographs) which you can use to report suspected slavery in your area. Do not intervene yourself, use the Helpline numbers or dial 999 for a crime in progress.
These are some "red flag" indicators that may lead you to suspect that an individual is in a forced labour position, in areas including - but not restricted to - hand car washes, nail bars, catering and domestic service:
- dirty, inappropriate clothing
- signs of malnourishment
- a person having poor English, or someone else always speaking for them
- being withdrawn, not making eye contact
- untended injuries apparent
- a person being brought to/picked up from a poorly paid job
- the establishment only takes cash
Science and Society Sub - Committee November Meeting
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Members of the Science and Society Sub - Committee enjoyed cake to celebrate 100 years of Women in Parliament....
L to R: Elizabeth Webster (Denman Ambassador), Hilary Haworth (Chair), Pat Poole (BFWI Chair), Linda Nicholls (Adviser), Jane Cutler (Vice - Chair/ Science Rep) and Thelma Sackman (Adviser)
L to R: Elizabeth Webster (Denman Ambassador), Hilary Haworth (Chair), Pat Poole (BFWI Chair), Linda Nicholls (Adviser), Jane Cutler (Vice - Chair/ Science Rep) and Thelma Sackman (Adviser)
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We also welcomed Wildlife Photographer Lottie (with camera) who was very interested in the WI Mandate on Saving Bees…
Lottie is a small doll designed by academics; she can stand on her own two feet and comes in a variety of guises with the aim to encourage children’s interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths)
We need to show children (and young girls in particular) that a career in STEM is exciting and rewarding.
A recent report from the RAEng showed that girls are put off STEM long before they reach secondary education, so anything we can do to enthuse the next generation will be welcome.
Lottie is a small doll designed by academics; she can stand on her own two feet and comes in a variety of guises with the aim to encourage children’s interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths)
We need to show children (and young girls in particular) that a career in STEM is exciting and rewarding.
A recent report from the RAEng showed that girls are put off STEM long before they reach secondary education, so anything we can do to enthuse the next generation will be welcome.
2018 Jigsaw Challenge - The Winners!
Congratulations!
Waddesdon WI team receive the Ruth Figgs Silver Bell trophy from Jenny Street, Leisure & Lifestyle Committee Chair and BFWI Trustee
Waddesdon team members - - Jill Rogan (centre), Val Penn and Lesley Inwood
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Watermead & Weedon WI were snapping at Waddesdon's heels though!
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BFWI Biennial Fashion Show 23rd October 2018
Our glamorous Board of Trustees modelling on the Catwalk for this very popular event at The Gateway, Aylesbury. Fashion and accessories supplied by Beautifully Different boutique of Winslow, The Field Mouse of Princes Risborough and Roman Originals of Aylesbury plus stallholders. Thank you to all participants!
Suffragette Tea - 13th October
Aylesbury Town and Whitchurch WIs organised a Tea Party to celebrate 100 years of women gaining the right to vote. We were delighted to welcome Professor Ruth Farwell CBE DL - High Sheriff of Bucks - and Karen Mitchell - Principal Bucks College Group
Photos L to R: A group of ATWI members, High Sheriff of Bucks Prof Ruth Farwell with Speaker Karen Mitchell of Bucks College Group, Marilyn - wins the best "bonnet" competition here being presented with a lovely basket arrangement
Upcycling Dabble Days 4th and 26th October 2018
Creative Crafts "Dabble Days" obviously a resounding success with these gorgeous wreaths and ornaments created by our talented members! More can be found on www.facebook.com/roomforchangeworkshops/
Trustee visit to the Sikh Temple, Milton Keynes, Sept 2018
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Prayer and preparations
Photos: P.Poole, Chairman, BFWI |
The Gurdwara building of the Sikh Society of Milton Keynes
Photo: With thanks to: http://www.ssmk.org.uk/about.html#langarhallsec |
BFWI ladies "go large" in the world of panto and film
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre invited us to join many other local organisations to film for their "Peter Pan" pantomime publicity shoot on 23rd Sept. Donning our fresh new WI t-shirts we jumped at the chance. The video is due for release on 24th Oct. Watch this space! #ThisIsSmee
Aylesbury Waterside Festival 2018
Celebrating Aylesbury's Canal heritage, some of our members 'manned' the WI publicity stand at the inaugural Waterside Festival, seizing the opportunity to also celebrate the centenary of suffrage donning purple, white and green
The 151st Bucks County Show - WI Stand, August 2018
A brand new WI display stand and information table was created for the Show - thank you to Linda Nicholls - it is available to borrow via office@bucksfwi.org.uk
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Bowls Taster Day, July 2018
As you can see, we had an amazing turn out for this event, held at Chess Vale Bowls Club
Three Counties Quiz Final 2018
Terriers Evening WI squeezed out Digswell (Herts) by 74 pts to 73! Maulden (Beds) were 3rd with 71 Congratulations Terriers!
Annual Council Meeting, Waterside 18 April 2018
Investigation and Discovery March 7th 2018
Saving Denman Appeal
Great Stink October 2017
Not as bad as it sounds! An extremely interesting day's outing to look at the Victorian sewer network of London -as devised by Mr Joseph Bazalgette to clean up the streets and water courses of London
Autumn Event September 2017
Annual Meeting, Liverpool, June 2017
Chemistry of a Cream Tea July 2017
Norfolk June 2017
In the Pink June 2016
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Well we don't normally see synchronised swimming attempted by our Trustees! In the Pink, the latest event put on by BFWI to celebrate Her Majesty's 90th birthday was held on Wednesday 29th June at Amersham's Drake Hall. There was a vintage tea,provided by the Vintage Tea company, with various sandwiches, fabulous cakes and strawberries&cream. Geraldine Rees, President of Grendon Underwood Edgcott & Kingswood WI won the £25 voucher donated by No 4 hairdressers in Amersham for ...the best home made tiara. We had a 'Queen' for the day-Pauline Hearne also from GU,E & K WI whose birthday it actually was! We had a life size cardboard copy of the Queen which we asked 50p donation for Denman ( if one wanted a photo with) Trustees Jacqueline, Hilary and Pat performed 3 sketches and Jacqueline, Mary and Amy Beth sang as the Fabulettes. All of these photos taken by BETTY FURNER-thanks Betty.
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Isle of Wight April 2016
Vintage Tea 30th November 2015
Judges Lodgings Evening Reception 25th November 2015
Procession of Banners 17th October 2015
Waddesdon Garden Party 16th June 2015
Bucks Member
Ann Spalton
was honoured to be asked to decorate the Centenary Fruit Cake which was cut by
Her Majesty The Queen
at the Annual Meeting at the Albert Hall on the 4th June.
Ann Spalton
was honoured to be asked to decorate the Centenary Fruit Cake which was cut by
Her Majesty The Queen
at the Annual Meeting at the Albert Hall on the 4th June.
Buckingham Palace Garden Party
Centenary Baton Week April 21st -28th 2015
Celebration Lunch 30th March 2015
Investigation and Discovery Day 7th March 2015
Festive Musical Evening December 2014
Fashion Show October 2014
BFWI Choir the Joyful Divas performing at Dorking Hall
for the Centenary Choir competition
Jigsaw Challenge September 2014
Bucks County Show 2014
Golf Day at Oakland Park
Federation Weekend at Denman
BFWI Trustees entertain the members!
Joyful Divas at Relay for Life Aylesbury
BFWI Choir the Joyful Divas supported and sang with the Relay for Life choir & Tony Hadley at Relay for Life Aylesbury when over £77,000 was raised for CRUK
Summer Lunch 12th June 2014
County Rambles May 2014
Wendover Evening WI May 29th
Aylesbury Town WI May 17th
County Quiz April 2014
BFWI Annual Council Meeting April 2014
BFWI Council Meeting Silver Cup Entries 2014
Investigation and Discovery Day
Dr Kat Arney with members of Bucks WIs and the Education and Current Affairs Sub - committee at The Oculus on 3rd March 2014.
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Professor Carolin Crawford with Hilary Haworth.
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