The recent paper bead making and jewellery workshops were a resounding success. Ladies made the beads at the first session last month and on Thursday 17th May they produced some beautiful pieces. Well done ladies and a big thank you to Glenys and Sandra for leading the sessions. 

Next WI Walk is on Wednesday 25 April to New Brighton.
Meet HX station 9.45 am for train to Moorfields. (Can pick up train along line - first carriage).
OR
Meet at approx 10.30 am
Pier Head Ferry Terminal for 11.00 am ferry.
Any queries contact Margaret

Notes from 3rd April Meeting

Art classes - still some places left. Contact Glenys

Summer Outing 4th August to York - £14 to Janet asap

WI Health Week wb Monday 11th June -  more info later. Judy spoke about the Growing Older Disgracefully dance group who will put on a free show (donations please) Monday 11th June 7pm IM Marsh campus

Lancashire Show late September - Judy and Jan encouraged all ladies to take part. We want WOW WI to be a presence there this year. There will be paper copies of the schedule next meeting. All is on the Lancs website too   www.lancashirewi.org.uk. The theme is Out of Africa.

Knitted hats for visiting sailors - Judy has the pattern and we will distribute soon.

WI Sports week mid September - Angela has lots of ideas. More info later.

Open invitation to Angela's house Wednesday 11th April 2-4pm for Craft Bring and Buy sale in aid of Marie Curie.

Woolton Open Gardens July 8th 12.00 - 5.00. Programmes are now available at £5 which gives entry to all 9 open gardens on that day. (from Brown's Newsagents, Farmers Market, members of Woolton in Bloom etc) WOW WI have been asked to do refreshments again at the Bishops Lodge. More info at future meetings.

Sophie Scholl - 75 Years since her Execution.
Professor Frank McDonough kept our attention from the start - he was a very engaging speaker and his subject was fascinating. Professor McDonough has written many books mainly abut the Third Reich and Nazi Germany, and wrote "The Woman who Defied Hitler"

Sophie Scholl was born in southern Germany, the daughter of the mayor of her home town of Furchtenberg. She and her siblings, particularly her brother Hans, became involved in the Hitler Youth along with nearly all German young people at the time. After a struggle to get a university place, she joined her brother Hans there and their by now anti-Nazi feelings surfaced. Life became very dangerous for them as they formed a resistance group known as the White Rose. there were only 6 key members and they wrote and distributed anti-Nazi and anti-Hitler leaflets in various locations. This caused quite a stir amongst the Gestapo, who were out to track the culprits down. This eventually happened and Hitler made an example of them at their short trial resulting in the death by guillotine of Hans and Sophie in 1943. This is only a short synopsis of the whole story of Sophie, who was willing to risk and give up her life for a cause she sincerely believed in.

Professor McDonough took questions and comments afterwards. It was a very interesting and thought-provoking talk.

The next 10 sessions of watercolour art classes will start on Tuesday 24th April at Arncliffe Sport and Community Centre L25 9PA 1-3pm. There will be a Half term break on Tuesday 29th May. Beginners are welcome. Cost is £40 payable and members should pay in full at the meeting on Tuesday 3rd April. See Glenys for any more details. 

Tai Chi will restart after the Easter break on Wednesday 18th April at Arncliffe Sports and Community Centre, Arncliffe Road, Liverpool L25 9PA. The final class will be on July 4th, with a half term break on Wednesday 30th Ma.y.

The next WI walk will be on Wednesday 11th April. Meet at Hunts Cross station at 10am for the 10.21 train to St Michael's or pick it upon the way (first carriage). The group will walk round Sefton Park and on to Otterspool for coffee. Contact Margaret for any more info.

Glenys and Sandra held an embroidery workshop on Monday 19th March. This was the second session and ladies continued practising skills from the first session and learning new stitches. The French Knot seemed to feature quite a lot! From all accounts it was a lovely session with everyone chatting and stitching away!

A small party of ladies from WOW WI went to Southport on Wednesday 7th March to attend the Annual Council Meeting at the Theatre and Convention Centre. The Auditorium was full and after various business matters being addressed, we were entertained by Beth Tweddle as our morning speaker.
Beth was the first British gymnast to win a medal at the European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games. Of course success does not come without hard work, determination and dedication. Beth was a brilliant speaker and kept us well entertained, with tales of her love of gymnastics from an early age, the dedication of her parents and their support and her excellent coaching team. She was considered mature for a gymnast at the Beijing Olympics and when she was determined to give a medal one last shot at the London Olympics in 2012, the odds were against her. But success was hers when she came away with a Bronze medal on the asymmetric bars. We were with her all the way as she described how it came about. Inspirational! We were delighted to hear Beth will marry her fiancé in 3 months time.
The afternoon speaker was also inspirational -Helen Sharman, a British chemist who became the first ever British astronaut and the first woman to enter the Mir space station in 1991. Helen was a marvellous speaker and held us spellbound, with her slide show behind her. She was an active speaker and positively bounced around the stage! What a transition she had from being a scientist testing flavours for Mars chocolate bars to becoming an astronaut and training in Russia to be launched into space! She was one of 13000 applicants!
A most enjoyable day all round! Thanks LFWI.
Members who have not been before - put it on your list for next March!

This meeting was a busy one - it was our Annual Meeting in which we re-acquainted ourselves with our hard working committee. We heard the treasurer's report from Eileen read by Jan, secretary's report from Angela and lastly the President's report from Jan. All members had to vote for our President for the next year, from any of the committee members. The proceedings were overseen by our two guests from Liverbirds WI, Kath and Jackie, who acted as 'tellers' and to ensure everything was done correctly. The result of the vote was announced - Jan is our President again and everyone clapped! Luckily she said she was happy to continue for another year.
After social time we heard from a lady who is a dementia champion, giving us some insights into the condition.
During the evening, the Friday sewing group had a stall selling some easter and Spring gifts, in order to raise money for their charity, Pyjama Fairies. They are going to busy fabric and haberdashery requirements to get sewing for poorly children in hospital. £265.40 was raised - fantastic! Thanks to everyone who made or bought - or both!