This is an edited version of our monthly newsletter. The full version, including meet up dates, is available to members only. To find out how to become a member, drop us a line via our contact page.
Hello everyone and welcome to the August newsletter
As you will see from this month’s Newsletter, Battersea WI has enjoyed an exciting month of activities despite the extraordinarily high temperatures we have been experiencing in London. A big thank you to everyone who has continued to lead our many and diverse range of activities and to those of you who have participated in them, continuing to make our WI a strong and vibrant community.
July Meeting Roundup
Our Summer Social was a great success: fish and chips from Seafare and a game of bingo seem to be the constituent parts of making a meeting buzz. Thank you to Derinda for her skilled direction of the bingo and to our volunteer group who did a fantastic job of setting up and ensuring everyone had food and drinks. We were delighted to welcome two new members, Melanie whom some of you met at the meeting, and Catherine who joined more recently.
Vivien reminded us about the upcoming Edenbridge and Oxted Show and how to register entries for the show. Registrations deadline is 7th of August, entires need to be with Vivien or Elaine by 26th August. Further information in the Craft section below. A huge thank you from them both to those who have agreed to enter, it should be a good showing for BWI!
Forward look
There is no monthly meeting in August, next monthly meeting is September 15th
The St Vincent de Paul church hall venue is being refurbished during September and possibly October too. We are looking at various venue options for September’s meeting and will confirm the venue in due course. Looking ahead to 2027 the Committee is planning to use one of our early monthly meetings for a breast health and bra fitting session by Amelie’s Follies in Webbs Road. We have two volunteers who will be the models for that evening.
At the September meeting we will learn about the incredible and inspiring story of Elzbieta Zawacka, the World War two female resistance fighter known as Agent Zo from speaker Clare Mulley.
Green Group has asked me to remind you about street trees. We’ve had no rain for several weeks and now have a hosepipe ban, so please check if there are any stressed trees near you that need a drink. Trees for Streets has useful information about how to look after them.
And finally…don’t forget to check Offshoots and SurreyFed sections for local information about what’s on in Battersea, as well as free Historic Royal Palaces visits organised for members by SurreyFed. In the NFWI section there’s information about the online learning hub, VIA.
See you in September (if not before!)
Sue L and Sue M
Joint Presidents, Battersea WI
presidentbattersea@surreyfedwi.org.uk
Contents:
- 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
Battersea WI monthly meetings: dates, speakers and activities 2026/7
(Running order subject to change according to availability of speakers.)
- 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
- 2027 – (date tbc) breast health and bra fitting session by Amelie’s Follies in Webbs Road.
Your BWI Groups
Don’t forget to visit our Instagram page for regular news and information
Book Groups – what we’ve been reading
Battersea Bookends update by Caro
The Master by Colm Toíbín is a melancholic biographical novel which explores the inner life of the American writer Henry James, unfolding over 5 years, 1895-1900, and using chronology as a mechanism for reflections. The main themes are the relationship between life and art – the pain of repression and sexuality – the ghosts of memory and guilt.
Colm Toíbín has really got into the head of Henry James in describing the internal world of a writer who preferred the phantom reality of his novels to the messy reality of human affairs. The book is very well researched and relates many interesting historical events during James’s travels. Overall we gave it 8-9/10.
Boozy Books update by Jackie
‘The Eights’ is about four young women who were part of the first intake of female undergraduates to St Hughes College Oxford in 1920. We felt it took a while to get into the book as it switches between the four characters but worth persevering with.
The women, from all walks of life, are all so different, but become friends as they face challenges and struggles over the years. We gradually learn each woman’s backstory and secrets. Also we are given all the rules for dress and behaviour the women had to follow including requiring a chaperone for any outing, even a picnic in the park!
We did have a few reservations with some of the historical sections which didn’t always seem to fit with the story, but overall, an enjoyable book we would recommend.
Chapter One Reading Group update by Jane
In July we read Midsummer Night in the Workhouse, a book of short stories by Diana Athill. Generally, short stories are a less popular form of writing but these won us over. Diana Athill is a great observer of people and writes extremely well. The stories were interesting, humorous and mainly focused on sexual relationships. They sparked a really good discussion. We also heard a well researched description of the writer’s life, successful career in publishing and romantic relationships which was a wonderful backdrop to understanding where her stories came from.
BWI Annual Outing – A Day on Wandsworth Common update by Sue M
Based at the wonderfully air conditioned Skylark Cafe BWI members enjoyed an annual outing day on Wandsworth Common filled with fresh air and fun as well as rather high temperatures! A big thank you to BWI member Mandy Winham for opening the day in her role as a member of the Friends of Wandsworth Common Committee.
The day started with a health promotion and exercise session in the shade of the trees with Natasha from Open Air Fit, followed by an afternoon of bowling with Sue Hartley from the FOWC and then a biodiversity walk across the Common with Valerie Selby, Head of Parks. We ended the day with a much needed drink at the Hope.
Coffee Morning – update by Clare GH
Coffee mornings always provide the opportunity for lovely catch ups. For our August dates, please see the Group Meet up dates page.
Craft Group – update by Elaine
Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show – final call for entries plus stewarding opportunities
So far we have a whopping 18 entries being submitted, beating previous years. We’ve put together a summary of how and what to enter enter here. There are 18 Classes in total, so check the SFWI show schedule for full details and drop us a line to let us know what you plan to enter. You need to register by 7th August and deliver your entries to Elaine or Vivien by 26th August. The Classes 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. And remember, if you volunteer to help out on either the judging day or either of the event days, you will get a free ticket to the show. To find out more and register your interest please Ann Thomas (details in show schedule link above.)
t more and register your interest please Ann Thomas (details in show schedule link above.)
Textiles in the Park – Exhibition 5-27th September
Craft group is planning another visit to Morden Hall to visit this exhibition. Details in Group meet ups.
Cribbage ♣️♦️♥️ ♠️ update by Derinda
We met up in early July at the newly decorated, and very pink, Battersea Arts Centre Scratch Bar. With four attending we played in teams of two rather than individually as in the past and it was fun. New joiners always welcome. Let me know if you’d like to come along. 😊
Film Club update by Julie
We’re into holiday season, so in the end we didn’t have a July meet up, and there won’t be an August one as the usual date falls on the Bank Holiday when many people are away. However, there will be two in September – see the Group Meet ups page for details
Foodies – update by Amanda and Julie
A big thank you to Julie for hosting a Spanish Tapas evening whilst Amanda enjoyed time away. Julie says “five of us got together to create an impressive spread of al things Spanish. We enjoyed Pan con tomato, Tortilla, Jamon, Salad, Paprika Prawns and Potatoes (here’s the recipe), a wonderful selection of Spanish cheeses with dried Muscatel grapes and Membrillo paste. All this was followed by a delicious cheesecake served with cherries.”
Green Living, Sustainability and Foraging – update by Elaine
This month’s green living tip – from Derinda: Hosepipe bans and saving water. Fill watering can or other container(s) with water from tap while waiting for it to warm up for your shower. Turn off shower while conditioning hair/soaping down body. Only run dishwashers and washing machines when you have a full load. Thames Water has launched eco rewards – earn rewards and learning eco tips!!
Please keep your suggestions coming in.
September visit to South London Botanical Institute: founded 1910, based in Tulse Hill, a five-minute walk from the railway station. The two-hour afternoon visit will include refreshments, a tour of its recently-refurbished Victorian HQ with its library, herbarium and garden, and herb tea-workshop using herbs from the garden. See Group meet ups page for sign up and further info.
Climate Ambassador update At the time of writing it’s still not clear whether the recently elected Wandsworth Council will continue with the Wandsworth Sustainability Network, although Sustainable September is going ahead with some Borough wide events already listed. I’ve been in touch with Cabinet Member for Environment, Ethan Brooks and received a very positive reply saying “…it is encouraging to see so many local residents and organisations taking an active interest in sustainability, biodiversity and climate issues. I would be very happy to meet […] to discuss the Council’s approach to environmental issues.” Date tbc, so watch this space!
For more information about the WI’s Climate Ambassador Scheme click here
Knitting, Crochet & Sewing update by Joan
We’re on our Summer break at the moment. Back in September.
Outings Group update by Amanda
Jesus Christ Superstar at The Palladium proved to be a a visually striking, high-energy rock gig experience featuring Sam Ryder as Jesus, who gave a sensational rendition of “Gethsemane”. Tyrone Huntley was a strong Judas with very clear vocals. Desdemona Cathabel was nearly “angelic” in her performance of Mary Magdalen. Excitement is added with the rotating casting of a top star as Herod so pick your favourite if you’ve yet to see the show, though I know many of you have already been! The industrial, towering scaffold set creates an imposing, raw atmosphere and a clever switch of scenery for the crucifixion; though the actors would all have needed a good bath afterwards to clean up from symbolic use of gold glitter and liquid silver effects. This is a show worth going to.
Outings coming up: In August we are going to Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth by train and September to Coming of Age at the Wellcome Collection. See Group Meet-ups page for more details.
Simply Sketching update by Vivien
The Simply Sketching group met for their July get-together, but this time we were happy to take advantage of the wonderful air-conditioning indoors!
Our theme was “A Room with a View”, the title given for art entries to SurreyFed’s Edenbridge & Oxted Summer Fair. We’re still in the planning stages, rather than finished pieces, but it was fun to chatter as we explored ideas on this subject… some slightly racier than others! IYKYK 😉
Swimming Group update by Sue M
July saw four hardy BWI swimmers set off for a dip in the Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath. Sadly the Mildmay Line train we had planned to take was cancelled but we soon reoriented and were on our way to Belsize Park (minus one swimmer stuck at Olympia) for a slightly longer walk across Hampstead Heath. The pool was balmy surrounded by lush green vegetation and habitats and the swim refreshing on another hot day.
We weren’t allowed to take photos, but the article here written earlier this year by Julie d’Mello includes photos and gives a good idea of just how glorious it is.
We finished our outing with lunch on the grassy slopes surrounding the pond. Our next Ladies Pond swim is September 1st. See Group meet ups page for details.
Walking Group update by Clare
For our July walk six of us and Tiger caught the train on a sunny Friday morning down to Teddington. From there we walked down to Teddington Lock, crossed the river on the footbridge, and walked to Richmond along the south bank Thames Path. This is a lovely route along the old towpath, 4.5 miles long and green and shady. In Petersham Meadows we saw a couple of Shire horses hard at work harrowing the grass, before stopping off at Eileen’s Café in Buccleuch Gardens for al fresco coffees. Then we carried on under Richmond Bridge and through to the station; a couple of us also stopped off to sample icecreams from Danieli’s on Richmond Green.
Seven of us and Tiger also enjoyed an extra walk on Monday 20 July, another sunny but not too hot day. This time we were following London Loop section 6 from Coulsdon South to Banstead, and can recommend this attractive five-mile route which took us through Mayfield Lavender Farm with the plants in full bloom, as well as two chalk grassland nature reserves full of wildflowers and butterflies, Carshalton Road Pastures and Banstead Downs. Expect to clamber over a few stiles and keep a look out for Oaks Park country park’s café, a nice spot for a refreshment break halfway along the route.
Offshoots
a round up of members’ activities inspired by the WI and events of local interest
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Love to Read: Volunteering opportunity
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.
NFWI – news from HQ
Did you know the WI offers free access to dozens of online courses?
VIA is the digital home of the online learning hub. Learning has always been part of the WI and the online learning platform is designed to reflect the lives, interests and needs of today’s learners.
From building new skills to exploring everyday topics, it offers flexible, accessible courses that fit around real life. It’s open to everyone (with WI members enjoying free access to most courses), so you can share with friends, family, and your wider community.
For more information and news from the NFWI, visit the National Federation website
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.