April has been another busy month with the following activities:

Our Monthly Meeting was another eventful one. You can read about it here.

Our Darts Team have continued to practice every Thursday Morning at The Foresters Arms from 11 am. This month they also had a friendly match against Sway WI, which was enjoyed by all.

Rita and her team have continued to make bandages for Ukraine on Wednesday mornings from 10-12.

The Craft Group Craft have continued to meet on alternate Friday afternoons.

On 12^th April, eight ladies of the Craft Group met at Kim’s  where we all started a cross-stitched picture.  Kim had worked hard, sourcing two patterns and threads. These were an ice cream cone, and either one or a row of beach huts,. These will look very pretty when finished, especially in pastel, or bright colours.  Some members romped away with their stitching, while some of us found counting a challenge!  We hope to be able to show some of these to members at the future meeting.

We enjoyed Kim’s usual offering of lovely cakes, and had a very sociable afternoon in her sunny kitchen. 

Carole hosted the craft group session on 26th April and the ladies worked so hard  making place settings. We are very lucky to have such a friendly group.

The Craft Group is a great way of extending our skills, and making new friends.

Kim has continued to teach Appliqué to her group. In one session they had a masterclass in several different techniques of turned under appliqué. Delicious cakes were also served alongside a cuppa.

Food safety Course – Four members attended a day Food Safety course at Brockenhurst College funded by Hampshire WI.  It was a full-on day and with an examination at the end of it. 

Julie ran a fudge making demonstration and question and answer session . She showed us 2 different recipes making different flavours, which we got to taste and critique. 

Christine  organised the lunch club and 14 ladies had lunch at Steff’s Kitchen at Fairweathers Garden Centre in Beaulieu and there was the usual happy chatter and friendship.

First Aid -Seven committee members and 2 members attended an afternoon of First Aid training. This was run by Tony Bennison from ABC First Aid. Tony presented us with different first aid scenarios and how to deal with them. It was an informative afternoon. 

Flower Arranging -Five members spent an enjoyable afternoon arranging flowers and foliage,  trying to copy Karen’s examples.  Karen gave us a valuable insight into shapes of arrangements, as well as ideas on heights, colours and relating our flowers to the containers.  If anyone is thinking of entering the New Forest Show floral class, this would have been time spent usefully.  Karen also gave us tips of using material we might have in our gardens, and how to keep the blooms looking fresh.  Altogether a very creative afternoon.

Needlework Fiesta

Once again great teamwork from Brockenhurst WI members in making cakes, sandwiches and falafel, serving teas,  collecting empties, washing up, mopping spills from the floor,  taking payments and generally keeping the catering under control.  

A special thanks to Janette, Elaine, Zena and Christine who again masterminded and organised us all for this, which is our main fundraiser during the year which helps to keep Brockenhurst WI financially afloat

A tremendous amount of work goes into catering for this event, with planning months ahead, and much last-minute preparation, as well as attention to detail and admin.   

From the compliments and comments that wereheard from the floor, this is very much appreciated by both the organisers of event, and visitors.

Even if you’re not into all the crafts on display, helping with the refreshments  is a social event as well, giving us an opportunity to meet other members, and fun to be involved with!

It was good to meet Katrina, the new HCFWI Chair at the Brockenhurst Needlework Fiesta at the weekend. Thank you Katrina for stopping by for a photo.

ACWW walk on 29th April Julie led a walk from Whitefield Moor around the Puttles Bridge route with a group of ladies and 2 dogs.  The sun shone and chat ensued. The walk followed by tea and cakes for donations to ACWW. So far, over £50 has been raised. The donation tin will be at the May meeting for those who couldn’t make the walk, but would like to donate to this worthwhile cause.

We look forward to May!