St Johns WI
2024 Meeting Reviews
MAY .......
For our May meeting we had short talks by two members. Jane introduced us to the art of candle making and Sheila spoke about emigrating to Australia with a young family in the 70s as a £50 Pom! This was followed by our annual Eileen Service Memorial Plate competition and members were asked to bring along home-made shortbread. We had many entries and Helena was the winner. We were also invited to sample all the entries entered in the competition in the break. Our President then gave an update on the Resolution being put forward for this year, "Dental Health Matters" and there was much discussion between members. A very interesting evening was had by all.
APRIL .......
This month we were given a heartfelt and interesting talk by Gill East and Kris Dodd (accompanied by her guide dog Eamonn) on Guide Dogs for the Blind. Gill who volunteers for the charity as a Sighted Guide told us about the history of the charity and other facts around training. Kris told members of her personal experience following a medical incident which left her as being registered blind. She explained the process behind being accepted to have a guide dog and the training involved. There were a lot of questions from members who found this topic very enlightening.
MARCH .......
Members were given a very interesting talk by Woking and Sam Beare Hospice explaining how they operate and it's history. This was followed by a successful Bring and Buy Sale where a good sum of money was raised for the Hospice. We thank members for their kind generosity.
FEBRUARY ........
Our speaker, Lesley North gave a talk on Swimming in Suburbia. Members were entertained with lighthearted poetry and prose celebrating women in suburbia. Lesley's talk raised lots of laughter covering topics and events that occur in everyday life for women, especially for the women in Surrey, including health and safety, coffee mornings, entertaining, ladies that knit, baby boomers (much of it "tongue in cheek"). A really enjoyable evening.
JANUARY ........
For our first meeting in 2024, we welcomed Annabel Brash who, after giving a brief history of musical theatre, taught us a fun dance and fitness routine based on Abba's Mamma Mia.
2023 Meeting Reviews
DECEMBER ........
For our Christmas Party and final meeting for 2023 "In Accord" a ladies a Cappella singing group returned to entertain us with well-known songs and seasonal favourites. Members were also invited to join in and test their skills on holding different musical notes! During the interval mulled wine and mince pies were served. Members very kindly donated food and gifts for The Sanctuary and Woking Food Bank. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.
NOVEMBER ........
Mike Woods gave an interesting presentation as an Ambassador for Movember, which highlights the importance of men's health. This was followed by the AGM and reports were given by Helen our President, Brenda on behalf of Linda our Secretary and Jan our Treasurer. Helen proposed their adoption which was accepted. This was followed by the election of the Committee for 2023/24. Our Presidents Rose Bowl competition for providing an upcycled item was won by Liz with Julie as our runner-up.
OCTOBER ........
Our speaker for October was Terry Flynn from Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance. Terry works as a volunteer and gave an interesting and informative talk on the work of the charity. During the evening we ran a Bring & Buy Sale and all the proceeds were donated to the chaity. A huge thank you to all members for your generosity in supporting such an incredible charity.
SEPTEMBER ........
Members were given a very interesting talk by Michael Jones on "Our Heathlands." His passion for nature really came through. There were many photos of Horsell Common and how the landscape and nature changes through the seasons.
AUGUST ........
For our August meeting, we invited one of our members, Margaret to lead a craft session. We produced lovely paper hedgehogs from old paperback books. It was another successful and enjoyable evening.
JULY ........
We celebrated our Birthday meeting with entertainment from the Woking Area U3A Ukelele Group and members and visitors were encouraged to join in with the chorus of each song. Members were very enthusiastic with plenty of actions as well as singing. During the break everyone enjoyed a celebration drink and a slice of the birthday cake.
JUNE ........
Members enjoyed a very interesting and funny talk by Keith Weston on "The Butcher's Tale of Woe. He gave an insight into his career as a Butcher from a young boy of 14. Keith was a great comedian and had us laughing throughout the evening with his humorous stories.
MAY ........
This meeting had a wide variety of topics. Our President gave an update on the Resolution being put forward for this year. This was followed by our annual Eileen Service Memorial Plate competition and members were asked to bring a home-made Victoria Sandwich. We had many entries and as a celebration of the Coronation we all enjoyed a glass of fizz and a slice of cake. This was followed by a Coronation themed fun quiz. An enjoyable evening was had by all.
APRIL........
Members were given an interesting talk by Rosemary Horton, a WI member from Dorking, on "Climate Crisis". This was followed by much discussion on how everyone can work together in the local community to help resolve this issue that affects us all. Our Treasurer who was a delegate at this years 105th Surrey Federation Annual Council Meeting, gave a summary of the events of the day.
MARCH ........
Our speaker for March was Clare Clinton who gave a very interesting talk about West Horsley Place. She explained about the architecture, gardens and remarkable history of the house, illustrating her talk with lots of slides both of the house, gardens and outbuildings.
FEBRUARY ........
Members enjoyed a very interesting talk by Sophie Fryer on "Hats Off to Millinery. Sophie designs and creates hats of all shapes and sizes and told us how she developed her passion for this challenging but rewarding profession. After the talk everyone was encouraged to try on some of the many hats that Shopie had brought with her. Why not take a look at our Gallery 2023 page.
JANUARY ........
For our first meeting of the year Julie presented a craft evening and we all made some lovely individual butterflies. A really enjoyable evening was had by all.
2022 Meeting Reviews
DECEMBER ........
Our final meeting for 2022 was our Christmas Party and we were entertained by "In Accord" a ladies a Cappella singing group. Members were treated to a wide range of popular well-known songs, including the Beatles, Louis Armstrong and of course some Christmas hymns and seasonal favourites. Members were also invited to join in and test their skills on holding different musical notes! During the interval mulled wine and mince pies and delicious treats were served. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.
NOVEMBER ........
Members were given a short talk by our Surrey Federation Advisor which was followed by the AGM where our President, Secretary and Treasurer gave their annual reports. Helen proposed the adoption which was accepted and this was followed by the election of the Committee for 2022/23. Our Presidents Rose Bowl competition for providing an unusual holiday souvenir was won by Julie.
OCTOBER ........
Members enjoyed a talk by Jill Arthur about her life as a Registrar. Jill's fascinating talk highlighted the complex but interesting world of a Registrar. Since 1837 Registrars have been recording birth, deaths and marriages, all very emotive events. Some sad occasions, some very complicated marriages/re-marriages and many happy birth registrations. Jill said she felt privileged to perform marriage ceremonies for close friends and family.
SEPTEMBER ........
We invited Alison Hoyland, an Independent Image and Beauty Consultant, who delivered an interesting talk on Never Judge a Book by its Cover - wear your best colours. One of our members kindly volunteered to be our mannequin for the evening.
AUGUST ........
33 members enjoyed a delicious cream tea at The Cricketers, Horsell to celebrate our 60th Birthday Celebration. A lovely time was had by all.
JULY ........
The speaker for our July meeting was Sarah Slater "Working with the Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace". Sarah was a guide at Hampton Court Palace and gave a fascinating talk on reports of ghostly experiences including the Grey Lady Dame Sybil Penn, mysterious noises, voices of non-existent workmen and the ghost of Catherine Howard heard screaming and seen being dragged back along the corridor prior to her execution.
JUNE ........
For our meeting this month everyone enjoyed learning Dance and Fitness "Bollywood" style with dance instructor Annabel Brash. Annabel gave us an insight into this type of dance and gave us a demonstration. This was followed by everyone learning some steps and having a go. Have a look at our Gallery 2022 page which shows a great evening was had by all.
MAY ........
This month we discussed and unanimously passed the Resolution - Women and Girls with ASD and ADHD following an interesting chat. Thanks to our President for providing helpful information. This was followed by our annual Eileen Service Memorial Plate competition for Home Banking of Rocky Road Fridge Cake, won by Helen. After our break everyone enjoyed a fun quiz with questions set by Committee Members.
APRIL ........
Our speaker this month was Sheila Willis who gave a talk on 'A History of the Seaside'. Sheila discussed many topics associated with the seaside and its history, including piers, penny arcades, fashion, beach entertainment, postcards and holiday camp experiences. The talk brought back lots of memories for members and was enjoyed by all.
Our representative at the Annual Council Meeting held recently in Dorking gave a summary of the meeting advising that the Chairman had given a very uplifting report followed by three very interesting speakers.
March ........
The speaker for our March meeting was Susan Howe who talked about her experiences on 'Cooking for the Rich and Famous', which included being a cook on a private yacht and at a ski chalet owned by Gunter Sachs. Susan then trained to be a London Tourist Blue Badge Guide and whilst training met her future husband. Susan and her husband went on to buy and run hotels which she told us was like running 'Faulty Towers' and she had many lighthearted and funny stories to tell. A very interesting and amusing evening was had by all.
February ........
For our meeting this month, our speaker David Rose, who writes a weekly column for the Woking News and Mail, gave an interesting presentation on Woking in the 50s and 60s. David showed a selection of old photographs that he had collected from the era. These brought back memories for many members and we had a very interactive discussion which was enjoyed by all.
January ........
For our first meeting of the new year, our President introduced Michelle Ernoult from The Little Honey Bee Company. Michelle explained that she had been keeping bees for 17 years and gave a fascinating and informative talk about them and the benefits of their honey and beeswax.
2021 Meeting Reviews
December ........
Our last meeting for 2021 was our Christmas Party Fish and Chip supper, ordered and delivered from our local shop, delicious as always. Everyone was then invited to join in a game of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' the format taken from the TV show. Great enjoyment was had by all with some members reaching and correctly answering the million pound question!
Helen our President thanked everyone for coming and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
November ........
June Green, the editor of Surrey WI News was our speaker and gave a fascinating talk about her extensive career as a journalist. June went to Woking Grammar School and became determined to be a successful journalist after her head teacher told her it was no job for a lady! Her long and varied career included an exciting stint to cover the Vietnam War. She worked both locally and nationally. June later moved to Bagshot and whilst recovering from a hip op she played around and re-designed the SWIN Magazine. Through her contacts, June was asked to take over as Editor and now we can all enjoy her work. This was followed by the AGM and the President, Secretary and Treasurer gave their annual reports. Helen proposed their adoption which was accepted and this was followed by the election of the Committee for 2021/22. Julie won the Presidents Rose Bowl for creating something from the SWIN magazine.
October ........
Julie lead a craft session for members and everyone produced a lovely felt flower, following excellent instructions and guidance. It was another successful and enjoyable evening.
September ........
27 members attended our first face-to-face meeting since the start of Covid and Helen our President, gave everyone a warm welcome. Our speaker for the evening was Kate Bettison who gave an enlightening and entertaining talk on her life as a film and tv extra, including appearing in the film Calendar Girls.
August ........
18 members attended our 58th birthday picnic lunch on St John's Lye, enjoying one another's company in almost perfect weather. A lovely decorated birthday cake was cut and shared after singing Happy Birthday.
July ........ (Zoom session)
For our meeting this month Michelle Ernoult gave a presentation entitled 'I Don't Want This In My Garden'. Michelle gave a very informative and interesting talk, sharing photographs on how making small changes to our gardens can make a big difference to wildlife such as bees and other insects. She focused mainly on four types of weeds like dandelions, nettles, brambles and ivy and the benefits they bring for both us and the birds, bees, butterflies, moths and other insects. They provide a rich source of food as well as pollen and nectar and provide cover for insects, small mammals and bird nests.
After the talk our President asked us for a show of hands of those in favour of the Resolution Vote, to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer. All members attending were in favour.
June ........ (Zoom session)
Our speaker this month was Susan Howe, a qualified and very experienced London Guide. The topic was 'History Minus the Boring Bits' and she gave us a very interesting and amusing talk on little known facts mainly focusing on people with a connection to Westminster Abbey. Susan also included amusing stories about Charles Dickens and the Old German Embassy in Pall Mall.
May ........ (Zoom session)
The May meeting started with a productive discussion about this year's proposed WI resolution, 'A call to increase the awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer'. It was followed by a fun quiz, with eight rounds of questions set by the committee members.
April ........ (Zoom session)
We were delighted that 26 members joined the Zoom meeting this month including several members from the Bourne 69 Group.
This month we invited Peter Batty from Circling the Square Tours to give us a picture presentation entitled "An Armchair Tour of the City of London". Peter took us from St Paul's Cathedral to the Walkie Talkie building, taking in a number of City Landmarks some well-known, some less so. Along the way he gave us lots of interesting facts and figures about the City and we even had a short picture quiz. Afterwards he was very happy to answer several follow-up questions from some of our members.
March ........ (Zoom session)
31 members joined the Zoom meeting this month including 10 members from the Bourne 69 Group.
One of our Committee members, Jane Trump gave a very interesting talk on 'Jane Shore in History and Myth'. She explained that there were many stories about Jane Shore, some true and many fiction. She told us that she was actually Elizabeth Shore and that she was likely brought to the King's attention via Lord Hastings who it seemed looked out for ladies for the King. A lot of kings had mistresses and Edward IV was no exception. Elizabeth was very likely his favourite however, as she was around for a long time. After the King died, there were many stories surrounding her and there are many books, plays and much has been written about her.
February ........ (Zoom session)
Dr Judith Hill gave a talk on Victorian Misdoings and Misdemeanours which was very informative and enlightening.
January ........ (Zoom session)
Our speaker this month was Tom Way - Wildlife Photographer and he talked us through his life over the last ten years. He spends a great deal of time overseas mainly in Africa and recently came back from Kenya. Whilst he spends a lot of time overseas, Tom explained that there is a great deal of exciting and interesting wildlife on our own doorsteps. During his talk he showed examples of wonderful photographs he had taken, some of the wildlife in Africa but mainly of British iconic species such as beautiful kingfishers, owls, badgers, foxes, lovely squirrels and hares. Following his presentation, Tom invited members to ask questions.
2020 Meeting Reviews
December ........ (Zoom session)
Our Christmas celebrations had many activities. Julie led us through a step by step activity making a paper Christmas angel decoration. This was followed by Kim's Game or Tray Game as some might know it. Gill recited a beautiful poem "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening" and this was followed by a Christmas Quiz. A fun evening was had by all.
November ........ (Zoom session)
Our speaker, Marion Dante gave an exciting insight into her life as a young nun and talked us through adapting to living in the outside world after thirty three years in a convent. Members were invited to ask Marion some questions and she was able to give us all a wonderful insight into the hidden world of Nunneries.
Our AGM took on a different format this year due to Covid and all paperwork had been provided to members in advance. Helen proposed the adoption of the Annual Report and this was accepted. This year, The President's Rose Bowl Competition had the theme of photographs showing Autumn colours with twenty one entries submitted. The winner this year was Linda, her photograph of autumn harvest of different pumpkins and squashes showed rich, vibrant colours and generated lots of interest.
October ........ (Zoom session)
Sally Nilsson, a mental health practitioner gave a presentation of "How To Improve Your Mental Health". This was very topical after what has been going on since March. Sally gave a very interesting talk including suggestions for self-help e.g. breathing exercises, coping strategies, singing and writing a gratitude list.
September ........ (Zoom session)
Helena kindly devised and presented a varied and interesting Quiz which was not only great fun but it also exercised our brain cells.
Covid-19 Outbreak
The outbreak of the virus led to a National Lockdown in the UK in March 2020. This meant that our WI could not continue holding our regular meetings at St Johns Memorial Hall. However, we are a robust and resilient group of ladies and we quickly grasped the opportunity to use 21st Century technology and Zoom soon became our buzz word. We started with monthly chit-chat sessions and this continued through to September when we had our first event being a fun Quiz. This will be the way forward until the virus is a distant memory.
2019 Meeting Reviews
December ......
The Melody Girl entertained everyone with a selection of songs, including some festive ones and lots of members got up and danced along to the music. After the entertainment, refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies were served and Secret Santa gifts were given out. An enjoyable Christmas celebration and a fitting end to a successful year at St Johns WI.
November ......
Annual Meeting - Games - President's Rose Bowl Competion (A Christmas Tree Decoration).
Two members joined the Committee at the AGM, bringing the total to ten and the President was re-elected. A member of staff and children from the Hermitage School, plus a parent who is behind their new recycling scheme, informed members about products that could be recycled and what happens to them.
October ......
Julie Paice led a craft activity session making tissue-paper flowers that could be used as part of an arrangement or as a present topper.
September ......
Dinah Warnick spoke about every decade from the 1900s up to 1980s showing illustrations. Her presentation certainly confirmed how the role of women changed during the course of the 20th Century and how this was reflected in what they wore.
August ......
Birthday Meeting - Billy provided great entertainment with a good range of songs interspersed with anecdotes. Members were also provided with various rattles and even a plastic chicken to squeeze to play along with the music. Everyone joined in with some singing and dancing.
July ......
Judy Nicholson came along to show members how to Line Dance which was great fun. Lots of members joined in showing skill in mastering the steps albeit with a lot of concentration and laughter which provided great entertainment to those who preferred to watch.
June ......
Claire Fecher gave us a fascinating talk/demonstration on Decorative Ribbons. She told us that what she was about to show us required very little equipment. A cake board, some towelling, needle and cotton and iron-on interfacing, together with scraps of ribbons would suffice. She demonstrated weaving satin ribbons to make cushion covers, bags and waistcoats and then went onto demonstrate using wired ribbons to make flowers and bows.
May ......
Resolution Meeting
Following a lively discussion about two Resolutions for 2019, members agreed to support both "Decline in local bus services" and "Don't fear the smear".
During the refreshment break, members enjoyed the tasty cheese straws made by members as entries in the Eileen Service Memorial Plate Competition. Julie was to 2019 winner of this award. Members were then challenged to identify photographs of celebrities with the team of Cecile, Brenda and Marie naming the most.
April ......
Paul Patton gave a presentation "Show Time"- behind the scenes build up to the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show. A flower show has been held in London since 1862 at various sites and has been held at Chelsea since 1913. Paul explained that the show gardens contain nothing artificial and are a mixture of tradition, contemporary and extreme. Paul presented many slides including some of the show gardens from early stages of the hard landscaping to the finished garden with all the planting.
March ......
LinkAble "Supporting people with learning disabilities"
Members spent time enjoying different activities set up by LinkAble which gave them an insight to the various disabilites both physical and learning, as well as autism, that members of LinkAble might experience.
February ......
Hector Gilchrist gave a brief talk on the history of "Folk Songs of the British Isles" together with how he was introduced to folk music as a young child in Scotland. He said there were various folk groups around Surrey. He then performed a series of songs and also told members the stories behind the songs before he performed them .
January ......
Stuart Flitton gave a fascinating and entertaining talk on "The Press: How it has changed and how it is changing". He explained he started his career as a journalist 40 years ago in South Africa but then returned to the UK where he has worked for a variety of newspapers both nationals and local press and is now a freelance journalist working at Woking News and Mail. Stuart explained the different roles within the newspaper industry, of all the various editors, sub-editors and journalists and also the effects that modern technology has had on newspapers.