This version of the newsletter has been edited for our website. A full version is emailed to members each month. To find out about joining, please visit our contact page.
Hello everyone, welcome to our June Newsletter.
May meeting round up
Business of the Day The National Federation of WI’s Annual conference is being held in London on June 4th. Battersea WI is being represented by the delegate from Streatham Common WI. Members of BWI were asked to confirm that they would authorise voting discretion by the delegate on two resolutions: accessible public toilet facilities to promote dignity, health and social inclusion, and action on women’s homelessness
The authorisation was approved by members present at the May meeting
Thanks have been received from Little Village for all the donations members contributed. Particular thanks were given for the hand knitted items.
Our Guest Speaker was Marsha de Cordova, MP for Battersea, Balham & Wandsworth. Marsha has served as MP for Battersea since 2017. She outlined her roles in Parliament, where she has been advocating for her constituents and businesses in Battersea on a wide range of issues from housing to Brexit, Climate Change and opportunities for young people. She was appointed Second Church Estates Commissioner in 2024. Previously, she served as Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (2020 – 2021) and Shadow Minister for Disabled People (2017 – 2020.) She told us it was never her intention to enter politics, at University she read Law and European Policy Studies. She is officially registered blind, born with Nystagmus (which she describes as ‘wobbly eyes’) and is a champion for the rights of those with disabilities. Her achievements are inspiring and too numerous to list here, so we would recommend visiting her website – she is an amazing woman and we’re extremely grateful she was able to come and talk to us straight from voting in the House! And thanks also to her PA, Milly, for taking photos. We were promised a visit to Parliament at some point, so watch this space! Meanwhile, Marsha obviously enjoyed meeting us all as she’s featured us on one of her IG posts!
Looking forward to June, for our next meeting we have arranged for a brush lettering workshop by Crafternoon Tea London.
Next month there won’t be a raffle, instead members are asked to bring donations for the current appeals by Little Villageand/or Wandsworth Food Bank. Click on their links to see which items are most needed. Additional information is in our Offshoots section.
In other news…
UCL Dementia Research Amelia Blesius from UCL’s Research Centre has been in touch to share information about a digital cognitive test they are developing that can be completed from home using an app called Ignite+, which can be downloaded to an iPad. It takes about 30 minutes to complete. At this stage, they are inviting healthy adults aged 20–80 to take part. By collecting data across different age groups, they can establish “normal” cognitive benchmarks. These benchmarks are essential for identifying very early cognitive changes in the future. Please see the information in our Offshoots section on how to sign up to this important research.
Also in Offshoots, a King’s Arts Wimbledon Q&A event with Mary Berry and a special Wellbeing Coaching offer exclusively for BWI Members!
We would like to encouraged members to have a good think about items to enter for this year’s Edenbridge and Oxted Show as we’ve done so well in previous years. See the Craft section update for more details, and don’t forget to check Coming Up for further information about future speakers and sign up sheets.
Have a great month
Sue L and Sue M
Joint Presidents, Battersea WI
presidentbattersea@surreyfedwi.org.uk
Contents:
- June Group meet up dates – (available to BWI members only)
- Forthcoming speakers, events and meetings
- Your BWI Groups – activities and updates
- Offshoots – local news and events
- Surrey Federation news and information
- NFWI news from HQ and information
- Committee Contact Details (visit our contact page)
Battersea WI monthly meetings: dates, speakers and activities 2026
(Running order subject to change according to availability of speakers.)
- 16th June – Brush Lettering workshop with Lorna Evans, Chief Craft Officer, Crafternoon Tea, London.
- 21st July – Fish and Chip Supper (back by popular demand!)
- August – Summer break
- 15th September – History Talk on Agent Zo, with Clare Mulley
- 20th October – Kirtles, Corsets and Curtains with Sarah Slater, Hampton Court Tour Guide
- 17th November – AGM
- 15th December – Christmas Party
Your BWI Group Activities
Remember to visit our Instagram Page for regular news and information
Book Groups – what we’ve been reading
Battersea Bookends update by Caro
Jennifer Saint cleverly uses the voices of three women, Clytemnestra, Cassandra and Elektra to represent the multiple viewpoints inherent in any war. Still choosing Elektra as the title is somewhat puzzling as she was the least compelling character, Clytemnestra being the most captivating one. The story telling was suspenseful which keeps the reader going and the women’s interior worlds were dominated by fierce emotions which were quite modern.
Overall, a beautifully written book on Greek mythology which could have also been titled The Trojan War without Men, as a nod to our December book “The History of Art Without Men”.
Boozy Books update by Amanda
This month we chose one book from a list with the aim of finding books for summer holidays. Each book was given a three word review and a star rating out of 5:
Death at the White Hart, Chris Chibnall – simple, dull, undemanding (2).
Believe, SM Govett – lots of twists, gripping, tense (3).
Flashlight, Susan Choi – challenging, confusing, historically interesting (3).
The Testaments, Margaret Atwood – (5) interesting, well-written, clever.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi – poignant, relatable, intriguing (3.5)
Chapter One Reading Group update by Jane H
In May we read The Wedding People by Alison Espach. This book was a fun and satisfying read with several storylines, intriguing characters, poignant situations and interesting insights. Set in a beautiful beachside hotel in Rhode Island where a stranger finds her own plans disrupted by an exquisitely organised and elaborate wedding celebration, as a reader, you quickly find yourself engaged with the people in the book, their personalities, back stories and possible futures. It’s written in an intelligent and witty manner but with real warmth: a book which is easy to read but also has depth, energy and wisdom. If you haven’t chosen a book to take on holiday yet – try this!
BWI Outings – Croquet at Dulwich Croquet Club. Update by Sue M.
On a balmy evening at the end of April members of the Battersea WI set foot on the hallowed turf of Dulwich Croquet Club to try their hand at the tactical mallet sport of croquet. Under the expert tuition of John Hague and Des Jarrett members learned the rules, strategy and tactics for some competitive play. There were clearly some members who were ‘naturals’ and should seriously consider taking the game up – no names mentioned…
After finishing several rounds of play amidst a lot of laughter we were rewarded with a hard earned drink and food.
Coffee Morning update by Clare GH
Our first coffee morning of the month Amanda’s grandson Rory came as did Sue Lily’s Lucio. They seemed to enjoy themselves especially as Vivien brought her dogs Bertie and Barnaby which they enjoyed.
The second one we talked about the monthly meeting the evening before and how interesting Marsha de Cordova was. We enjoyed some House of Commons shortbread and fudge gave us which was very good.
Craft Group – update by Elaine
Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show – call for entries
BWI entries have won top prizes in the past, so who knows, 2026 could be even bigger and better! It’s great fun and if you help out on the day you will get a free ticket or two to the event which is on 30th and 31st August at the Ardenrun Showground.
Vivien and I have gone through the schedule and there are several categories our various groups could enter, so do check the show schedule and contact either of us with your ideas. There are 18 classes which cover everything from baking to crafting, sewing, painting, preserves making, and photography. There is a new class for those who have completed a project in the last year using a new craft or skill. To align with the broader aims of the WI, entrants are encouraged to use materials and resources already available to you. Re-use, recycle, up-cycle and repurpose where you can.
Cribbage ♣️♦️♥️ ♠️ update by Derinda
Four of us met at the BAC Scratch Bar on 5 May and each pairing enjoyed a couple of games of cribbage. Remember: we are open to new joiners whether experienced or new to the game. Our next meet up will be July.
Film Club review by Julie
Four of us saw The Christophers starring Ian McKellan and Michaela Coel – the reviews were amazing so we had high hopes. We weren’t disappointed – McKellan and Coel were superb. The film tells the story of a once celebrated artist’s children who enlist a forger to access his unfinished canvasses in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance. The plot takes several twist and turns and even at the end you are not 100% sure exactly what had happened, but not knowing is very much part of the story.
Laugh out loud in parts with interesting themes throughout such as art’s worth in the modern world and the legacy of artists. We all thought it was very, very good and would highly recommend.
Foodies – update by Amanda
In April we shared a buffet of fish and salads which went down very well on the first hot day of summer. We dined on poached salmon in vermouth, prawn and mango salad, tomato salad and a potato salad. This was followed by a Basque cheesecake with orange segments. All very yummy.
Green Living, Sustainability and Foraging – update by Elaine
This month’s green living tip – swap extra plants with your friends! We held a plant swap on 21st May, meeting at Parker Bakery on Ethelburga St where we enjoyed a coffee and pastry. After the swap we walked round to the Community Garden and had a peek through the fence before heading across the road to Battersea Park’s herb garden, one of the 4 managed by Thrive. Hopefully we’ll be able to visit the Community Garden properly later in the summer for a tour by the garden manager when there’ll be more to see
Please keep your suggestions coming in. For more information visit the Recycle Now website
Climate Ambassador update: May’s Fair Green Future Webinar was all about Myths and Misinformation. This was a particular eye opener of a session. Did you know that whilst the term ‘carbon footprint’ dates back to the 90’s, it was in face BP (!) who used it as part of a 2005 campaign which in effect turned the responsibility of solving the climate crisis from corporations to individuals? There’s a great summary on Wikipedia.
In our breakout groups we discussed differences in recycling across England as well as greenwashing. We’re pretty lucky in London that we can recycle pretty much anything!
Next month the Great Big Green Week is back from 6-14th June. Local(ish) events listed so far are a litter pick in Balham on 6th June and a plant swap and craft session at Balham Libraryon June 13th. Visit GBGW’s website for more information about these and other activities.
Butterfly fans – you have until 7th June to vote for your favourite on the Butterfly Conservation website!
For more information about the WI’s Climate Ambassador Scheme click here.
Knitting, Crochet & Sewing update by Joan
May was our final meeting before our summer break – we’ll be back in September with more projects. The weather was perfect for sitting out on the terrace and enjoying a cool breeze whilst we discussed our plans for the summer. Sue has finished jumpers for her grandson and Elaine has started crocheting little octopuses for the neonatal unit at GOSH. If you’d like a copy of the pattern, drop Elaine an email
Outings Group update by Amanda
QEII Her Life in Style at the King’s Gallery We met at The Rail House for a lovely lunch, then moved on to the King’s Gallery to discover the remarkable style of Queen Elizabeth. The display is accompanied by initial drawings and fabric samples of the clothes to tell the story of each outfit. The wedding dress and coronation dress are both beautiful, and you get to examine the needlework close up – amazing detail. An excellent exhibition to visit and it has just been extended.
Simply Sketching update by Vivien
On the day we met up in The Hope pub on Bellevue Road for our May meet up, it was a day of very inclement weather and we only narrowly escaped being caught in the extraordinary hailstorms that day!
We did some still life sketches (having borrowed the pub’s geraniums) and all agreed that drawing an orange was harder than it looked! It was fun to compare materials – though it’s lovely to have brand new, it is also wonderful to find pencils and crayons from years ago, and give them a another chance to shine!
Swimming Group update by Sue M
Following the request to swim at Hampstead Ladies Pond, I will put details on the WhatsApp group, so let me know if you would like to join and I will add you. Contact details on Group Meet ups page.
Walking Group update by Clare
Monthly Walk – Peckham Rye Park
Five of us and Tiger set out on a fine May Day morning for our regular monthly walk, this time exploring Nunhead cemetery and Peckham Rye Park. Opened in 1840 Nunhead is one of London’s Magnificent Seven Victorian cemeteries, set on a picturesque hilly site and these days managed as a nature reserve. So we found it full of birdsong and wild flowers, as well as interesting monuments and buildings; it also has a spectacular view over to the City of London, with St Paul’s Cathedral centre stage. After that we enjoyed visiting Peckham Rye Park, laid out in 1894 by the London County Council on the site of Homestall Farm. There’s a lake and a fine sequence of gardens and a café where we sat outside in the sunshine for coffee and lots of interesting chat as usual, before heading up the rest of the Rye and catching the Overground back to Clapham Junction.
Extra Walk – Mole Gap
Four of us and the indefatigable Tiger also enjoyed an extra day out in Surrey, walking the Mole Gap Trail from Leatherhead to Dorking. This undulating six-mile route has lovely views at any time of the year, but was looking especially beautiful in mid-May with so many wildflowers, lambs and calves to admire along the way. We paused for a picnic stop in a grassy field and for a second break amid the vines at Denbies, before catching a train home again from the station. Many thanks to Sue M for leading this one so expertly, and to Zilah for the lovely collage of photos.
Offshoots
a round up of members’ activities inspired by the WI and events of local interest
Charity Appeals: Little Village and Wandsworth Food Bank
Little Village is asking for donations as follows:
- Multipacks of knickers or pants up to age 6
- Socks for children – size 2-6
- Tights for babies and children – all sizes 0-6 (All items must be new or barely used)
Financial donations also welcome, see website for details.
For the current list of items most needed at the Foodbank, click here
Dementia Project
Dame Mary Berry in conversation with Angellica Bell at King’s College School on Wednesday 24th June at 8.00pm – Book tickets here
Dame Mary will reflect on her remarkable career, her passions and her creative journey. Copies of her books Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes and My Gardening Life are available for pre-order via the website by Monday 8th June at a discounted rate or at full price when purchased at the event. Bring your copy along to the post-event book signing.
Food and drink will be available to purchase by pre-order at a discounted rate by Monday 8th June, as well as during the course of the evening at full price. A beverage is included in the ticket price. Food can be ordered here
Further information about the whole festival, which takes place at King’s College School from Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th June, can be found at King’s Arts 2026
If any members do attend, we’d love to hear from you and include a review in next month’s newsletter.
Mudlarking update shared by Clare G
For those who enjoyed the mudlarking talk by Jason Sandy, the BBC London News site has published an update on his latest finds, including recovering Doves Type letters from the Thames at Hammersmith Bridge where they were jettisoned in a fit of pique back in the 1900s by printer and bookbinder TJ Cobden-Sanderson after he fell out with fellow business owner Emery Walker.
If you have anything for inclusion in our next newsletter, please email Elaine with your text and photos. Articles and photos may also be included on our website and our IG feed.
Surrey Federation
Battersea WI is a member of the Surrey Federation of WIs.
SFWI’s monthly newsletter is emailed to all members and is packed with information about everything from events to workshops. You can also access it via their website.
National Federation of Women’s Institutes
This June, the membership magazine gets a makeover… and a new name! Editor Sarah Drew Jones delivers a sneak peek at what’s in store.
Your all-new membership magazine lands this week and it’s bigger and better than ever!
WI Life has evolved into The WI Magazine, with a fresh new look and all the WI news, views, updates, interviews, pics, and lifestyle ideas you could want. The new magazine will publish four times a year, in June, September, November, and March, each issue introducing the new season and helping you plan your summer, autumn, winter, and spring.
It’s also a way to keep the conversation going: between members, federations, Trustees, and NFWI staff. The magazine chronicles life in the WI, sparks ideas, and reports on the incredible work we do together to improve and enrich women’s lives. To celebrate the glorious British summer we visited six WIs who live on the coast. From sea swimmers to RNLI crew, the women of these seaside WIs talk about beach life and how they give back to their communities.
You’ll also find campaign updates, new projects, upcoming events, fantastic courses at VIA, picnic food, summer craft, and more.
Remember, you can read a digital edition of The WI Magazine on My WI. And we’d love to hear your thoughts on this summer issue!
Drop us a line – plus your stories and pics – at TheWImagazine@nfwi.org.uk
This version of the newsletter has been edited for our website. A full version is emailed to members each month. To find out about joining, please visit our contact page.