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Monday 10am - 3pm Tuesday 10am - 3pm Wednesday 10am - 3pm Thursday 10am - 3pm

Avon Federation of WIs, WI House 11 Station Road, Keynsham, Bristol (2025)

18/12/2024

NFWI, AFWI Trustees, Federation Teams and Staff wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We hope to see you in 2025.

12/12/2024

THE HISTORY & HERITAGE OF MALTA
6 Days from £1,549
Departing 10th October 2025
This holiday includes, bed & breakfast accommodation in the 4* Victoria Hotel in Sliema, with 3 dinners included on Days 1, 3 & 5, all excursions, entrance fees and guided tours, a boat cruise on Day 3, direct scheduled flights from Bristol to Malta, a professional local guide, private coach for all excursions & transfers in Malta, audio headsets included on Days 2 to 5.
On this holiday we will visit the main sights of interest on the island including, a guided tour of Valletta, St John's Cathedral, Marsaxlokk, Mdina, the island of Gozo, Ghar Dalam and the Temples of Tarxien, amongst others.
There are limited places on this holiday which is expected to be popular amongst members, so don't miss the chance to book your place.
You can view and share this holiday online - click on 'View your Tour' at www.tailored-travel.co.uk and quote afwi252.
For more information please request a booking form by emailing [email protected] or contact Sue Murphy, Tel: 07971 556859.

11/12/2024

WILLOW WEAVING WORKSHOP

Thursday 27 March 2025
10.00am to 1.00pm OR 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Cleeve Village Hall (A370), Cleeve Hill Road off Main Road, Cleeve, Bristol, BS49 4PF

Garden Willow Projects include bird feeders/nesting material holders (barrel and cone style), plant supports (wigwam style or upright pillars), cane protector ends or wind spirals.

Sarah Meikle is an experienced and qualified tutor of crafts, working mainly in willow, ceramics and textiles. Her teaching background includes 24 years as Diversional Therapist with St. Margaret's Hospice, running a Crafts Club for Somerset Sight users since 2019, teaching for Adult Learning and Leisure, the Magdalen Project, Somerset Skills and Learning, WI Groups, community groups, gardening clubs, etc.

Sarah also runs willow workshops at the Crafts4Crafters Show every year. Her willow work has included wreaths, garden structures, plant supports, hanging baskets, bird feeders, lanterns and light holders, sculptures, a variety of basket techniques, trivet trays, table trees (for adding lights to), bird cages, angels, chandeliers, reindeer, soap racks, hurdles and living willow projects etc. She has also been commissioned to make life size figures and reindeer.

Tea and Coffee will be provided.

Members Only: £35.00
Closing Date: Tuesday 25 February 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

10/12/2024

A TALK BY AUTHOR, EMILY KOCH: DOES THE '90S COUNT AS HISTORY?

Thursday 24 April 2025
2.30pm to 4.30pm
Community Space at St Helens Church, Alveston, BS35 3QT

Bristol Author, Emily Koch, discusses the writing of her mystery novel, 'What July Knew' set in the '90s, and asks how long ago does a book have to be set for it to be counted as 'Historical fiction'? A moving mystery about family secrets, grief and growing up.

She will also talk about her writing routine, how she plans her books and other themes from the novel, as well as answering questions.

Tea/Coffee and cake will be provided and there will be a raffle.

Members: £12.50 and Non-Members: £14.50
Closing Date: Tuesday 18 March 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

03/12/2024

CLOSING DATE: MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 2024. APPLY NOW!

2025 AFWI SKITTLES TOURNAMENT
Members Only

Our fun and friendly annual skittles tournament is now open for 2025. A great way to socialise with old and new friends across the Federation. This is a popular event with our members, and we invite you to form a team within your own WI.
The tournament will commence in January and finish in early July 2025 with a special Finals Night.
AFWI invites you to enter teams of six members. Match days and times are agreed between the two drawn teams making it as flexible as possible for members.
We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and if you've never entered before, give it a go!

Members Only: £18 per team (six members per team)
Closing Date: Monday 16 December 2024 by 12.00 noon
Please apply through your WI Secretary

06/11/2024

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY! THE CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON 11 NOVEMBER.

AFWI CAROL SERVICE
Wednesday 11 December 2024
2.00pm to 3.00pm
Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, Queens Road, Clevedon, BS21 7TH
A new venue for this annual event, where the AFWI Choir, led by Jane Kern and accompanied by the Organist, will be in full voice once again.
Clevedon, has lots of shops and places to eat or have coffee, and can be reached by bus as well as by car. So, a shopping experience, lunch out and lots of chat, then on to the Carol Service - a great way to start the festive season.
It is suggested that members, where they can, use public transport or share a car - there is on street parking near the church and several car parks nearby.
Please note, whilst there are steep steps to the main entrance of the church, stewards will be on hand to direct members with mobility requirements to a more accessible side entrance.
Members: £6 and Non-Members: £8
Closing Date: Monday 11 November 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

17/10/2024

AFWI CAROL SERVICE
Wednesday 11 December 2024
2.00pm to 3.00pm
Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, Queens Road, Clevedon, BS21 7TH
A new venue for this annual event, where the AFWI Choir, led by Jane Kern and accompanied by the Organist, will be in full voice once again.
Clevedon, has lots of shops and places to eat or have coffee, and can be reached by bus as well as by car. So, a shopping experience, lunch out and lots of chat, then on to the Carol Service - a great way to start the festive season.
It is suggested that members, where they can, use public transport or share a car - there is on street parking near the church and several car parks nearby.
Please note, whilst there are steep steps to the main entrance of the church, stewards will be on hand to direct members with mobility requirements to a more accessible side entrance.
Members: £6 and Non-Members: £8
Closing Date: Monday 11 November 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

03/10/2024

THE WI LOTTERY

The September issue of WI Life saw the announcement of the brand-new WI Lottery launched on WI Day, 16 September, in partnership with Gatherwell Ltd. As every WI is its own charity, federations and WIs can create their own lotteries as part of the WI Lottery.

Tickets for the lottery cost just £1 per week. Each ticket has a 1 in 50 chance to win a prize, with a top prize of £25,000. There will be a draw every Saturday night when a 6-digit winning combination will be picked. Prizes will be issued to players with tickets that match the first or last 2-6 numbers from the winning combination.

Players can choose to support their local WI or Federation from a drop-down menu, and buy one-off ticket bundles, or set up direct debits or standing orders to play each week.

To enter visit www.thewilottery.co.uk/support/avon-federation-of-wis

Per £1 spent, 40p goes directly to your WI, 20p goes to a central fund to be shared between NFWI and the Federation, the other 40p goes to Gatherwell - 18.2p is used to cover admin costs such as customer support, marketing and non-cash prizes, 18.2p goes towards the cash prizes and the £25k jackpot, and 3.6p goes to VAT.

02/10/2024

CLOSING DATE: TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2024. APPLY NOW!
SPEAKER DAY: SPINNING, SEWING AND GROWING
Tuesday 5 November 2024
10.15am to 3.30pm
Somerset Hall, The Precinct, High Street, Portishead, BS20 6AH
A day of varied and fun speakers accompanied with a light lunch consisting of a filled sandwich/roll.
Sarah Harris presents an interesting and often amusing history of hand spinning, and its place in textile manufacture up until the Industrial Revolution. Sarah will be demonstrating her hand spindles and historic spinning wheels, including a reproduction great wheel, which features the sharp spindle made famous by the tale of Sleeping Beauty.
Aly Dalyrymple is a textile artist who specialises in free machine embroidery and paints on natural fabrics. Aly's early years were spent in the countryside of North Wales, and her life-long love of wildlife comes through in her work. Her hangings tell stories and create new worlds and she infuses folklore into her work. She creates mesmerising textile hangings that delve into the elements of the natural world. Through layers of textured stitch, vibrant colour, dynamic movement and details, she brings to life dreamlike scenes that captivate the viewer. She invites her audience to explore and appreciate the delicate beauty she discovers in the richness of nature.
Fiona Warin will be giving a brief but instructive talk on the formation, in May 1942, of the Land Army and the part the Land Girls played in keeping the home fires burning during WWII.
She will replicate a fun recruitment event inviting members to join the Land Army and the allocation of various roles including Pest Control!
Members: £17.00 and Non-Members: £19.00
Closing Date: Tuesday 8 October 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

24/09/2024

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY AS THE CLOSING DATE IS APPROACHING!

HISTORY TALKS
Tuesdays 29 October, 12 and 19 November 2024
2.00pm to 3.30pm approx.
Cleeve Village Hall, Cleeve Hill Road (A370), Cleeve, Bristol, BS49 4PF
OR
Wednesdays 30 October, 13 and 20 November 2024
7.30pm to 9.00pm approx.
Keynsham Methodist Church, Charlton Road, Keynsham, BS31 2JA
WEEK ONE: COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES
Kate Groves is a volunteer speaker and will enlighten us on the work carried out by the CWGC in caring for the cemeteries, talk about the Commission, stories attached to the names on the Headstones and Memorials, and more.
WEEK TWO: BRISTOL AND THE SPANISH FLU PANDEMIC 1918-19
Eugene Byrne is a Bristol based author, historian and journalist. He has written several books on Bristol's history, including, 'The Bristol Story', with artist Simon Gurr. He edits the Bristol Post's, 'Bristol Times' (local history pullout section).
WEEK THREE: THE WOMEN WHO BUILT BRISTOL
Jane Duffus has worked in journalism/publishing for more than 25 years, whether on bestselling news stand magazines or as the author of six books about social history, including, 'The Women who built Bristol 1184-2018' and volume Two. In addition Jane does her own research and writing, works as an editor for other writers, has contributed chapters to other people's books, and is a popular public speaker. You can go to www.janduffus.com for more information.
ALL THREE TALKS:
£26.50 per member
£28.50 per non-member
EACH INDIVIDUAL TALK:
£10 per member
£12 per non-member
Closing Date: Monday 30 September 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

23/09/2024

THE HISTORY & HERITAGE OF MALTA
6 Days from £1,549
Departing 10th October 2025

This holiday includes, bed & breakfast accommodation in the 4* Victoria Hotel in Sliema, with 3 dinners included on Days 1, 3 & 5, all excursions, entrance fees and guided tours, a boat cruise on Day 3, direct scheduled flights from Bristol to Malta, a professional local guide, private coach for all excursions & transfers in Malta, audio headsets included on Days 2 to 5.

On this holiday we will visit the main sights of interest on the island including, a guided tour of Valletta, St John's Cathedral, Marsaxlokk, Mdina, the island of Gozo, Ghar Dalam and the Temples of Tarxien, amongst others.

There are limited places on this holiday which is expected to be popular amongst members, so don't miss the chance to book your place.
You can view and share this holiday online - click on 'View your Tour' at www.tailored-travel.co.uk and quote afwi252.
For more information please request a booking form by emailing [email protected] or contact Sue Murphy, Tel: 07971 556859.

28/08/2024

HANDBUILDING CERAMIC WORKSHOP

Saturday 18 January 2025 from 9.30am to 1.00pm
OR
Saturday 1 March 2025 from 9.30am to 1.00pm

At the Zion United Church Hall, Upper Chapel Lane, Woodend Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol BS36 2HY

This is an opportunity to learn some simple ceramic handbuilding and surface decoration techniques, including sgraffito. During the workshop you will make three items: a bowl, a tile and a pinch-pot animal/bud vase: using coloured slip and pottery carving hand tools, for decoration, and/or various 'found objects', stamps and templates to create some texture.
The items will be 'bisque' and 'glaze' fired after the day, and made available for delivery 3-4 weeks after the workshop.
Please note that attendees should wear suitable clothing and bring their own apron. Participants will also need to complete a short Health & Safety form on the day, and sign to say that end results cannot be absolutely guaranteed due to the nature of kiln firing. Although from experience, these issues are likely to be minimal.

Tea and coffee also included.

Members Only: £42.00
Closing Date: Thursday 30 October 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

27/08/2024

AFWI CAROL SERVICE
Wednesday 11 December 2024
2.00pm to 3.00pm
Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, Queens Road, Clevedon, BS21 7TH

A new venue for this annual event, where the AFWI Choir, led by Jane Kern and accompanied by the Organist, will be in full voice once again.
Clevedon, has lots of shops and places to eat or have coffee, and can be reached by bus as well as by car. So, a shopping experience, lunch out and lots of chat, then on to the Carol Service - a great way to start the festive season.
It is suggested that members, where they can, use public transport or share a car - there is on street parking near the church and several car parks nearby.
Please note, whilst there are steep steps to the main entrance of the church, stewards will be on hand to direct members with mobility requirements to a more accessible side entrance.

Members: £6 and Non-Members: £8
Closing Date: Monday 11 November 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

27/08/2024

HISTORY TALKS
Tuesdays 29 October, 12 and 19 November 2024
2.00pm to 3.30pm approx.
Cleeve Village Hall, Cleeve Hill Road (A370), Cleeve, Bristol, BS49 4PF
OR
Wednesdays 30 October, 13 and 20 November 2024
7.30pm to 9.00pm approx.
Keynsham Methodist Church, Charlton Road, Keynsham, BS31 2JA

WEEK ONE: COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES
Kate Groves is a volunteer speaker and will enlighten us on the work carried out by the CWGC in caring for the cemeteries, talk about the Commission, stories attached to the names on the Headstones and Memorials, and more.

WEEK TWO: BRISTOL AND THE SPANISH FLU PANDEMIC 1918-19
Eugene Byrne is a Bristol based author, historian and journalist. He has written several books on Bristol's history, including, 'The Bristol Story', with artist Simon Gurr. He edits the Bristol Post's, 'Bristol Times' (local history pullout section).

WEEK THREE: THE WOMEN WHO BUILT BRISTOL
Jane Duffus has worked in journalism/publishing for more than 25 years, whether on bestselling news stand magazines or as the author of six books about social history, including, 'The Women who built Bristol 1184-2018' and volume Two. In addition Jane does her own research and writing, works as an editor for other writers, has contributed chapters to other people's books, and is a popular public speaker. You can go to www.janduffus.com for more information.

ALL THREE TALKS:
£26.50 per member
£28.50 per non-member

EACH INDIVIDUAL TALK:
£10 per member
£12 per non-member

Closing Date: Monday 30 September 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

08/08/2024

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT!
SPEAKER DAY: SPINNING, SEWING AND GROWING
Tuesday 5 November 2024
10.15am to 3.30pm
Somerset Hall, The Precinct, High Street, Portishead, BS20 6AH
A day of varied and fun speakers accompanied with a light lunch consisting of a filled sandwich/roll.
Sarah Harris presents an interesting and often amusing history of hand spinning, and its place in textile manufacture up until the Industrial Revolution. Sarah will be demonstrating her hand spindles and historic spinning wheels, including a reproduction great wheel, which features the sharp spindle made famous by the tale of Sleeping Beauty.
Aly Dalyrymple is a textile artist who specialises in free machine embroidery and paints on natural fabrics. Aly's early years were spent in the countryside of North Wales, and her life-long love of wildlife comes through in her work. Her hangings tell stories and create new worlds and she infuses folklore into her work. She creates mesmerising textile hangings that delve into the elements of the natural world. Through layers of textured stitch, vibrant colour, dynamic movement and details, she brings to life dreamlike scenes that captivate the viewer. She invites her audience to explore and appreciate the delicate beauty she discovers in the richness of nature.
Fiona Warin will be giving a brief but instructive talk on the formation, in May 1942, of the Land Army and the part the Land Girls played in keeping the home fires burning during WWII.
She will replicate a fun recruitment event inviting members to join the Land Army and the allocation of various roles including Pest Control!
Members: £17.00 and Non-Members: £19.00
Closing Date: Tuesday 8 October 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

07/08/2024

HAVE YOU SECURED YOUR FREE DELEGATES PLACE YET? MEMBERS TICKETS ARE ALSO STILL AVAILABLE!
2024 AFWI ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday 25 September 2024
10.15am to 3.30pm
BAWA, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7RF (for Sat Nav)
The speakers for the 2024 Annual Meeting are two really exciting people that live locally.
Sally Mills was born and brought up in North Wales surrounded by the countryside. Sally studied Art at Cardiff University followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Conservation Management. Since then, she has spent 25 years in nature conservation, but also incorporating her art, both in Somerset and the Seychelles. This is just a brief glimpse into Sally's life, but there are far more interesting experiences to hear about. To find out more go to www.somersetmacaw.com
An enthusiastic Professional Space Educationalist, Jo Richardson (FRAS - Space Detectives, ESERO-UK Space Ambassador, EP Advisor Spaceport Cornwall) founded the Space Detectives in 2013. She has been linked to work with Tim Peake and his mission to the Space Station in 2015, and is associated to many Southwest Astronomical Societies: Event Co-Ordinator and organiser for both the Wells and Mendip Astronomers, plus the Tiverton and Mid Devon Astronomical Society. The topic for Jo's talk will be 'On Board the ISS' and reference women who work full-time in the space industry. For more information go to www.spacedetectives.com
There will also be input from a local Charity (TBC)
Please Note: At this venue, you can only eat and drink food which you have bought from BAWA. Tea and Coffee will be available to purchase at the lunch break and sandwiches can be pre-ordered at £2.25 (please use the application form).
Members Only: £19 (Note: each WI can send one free delegate)
Please apply through your WI Secretary

24/07/2024

HISTORY TALKS: ALL DIFFERENT!
Tuesdays 29 October, 12 and 19 November 2024 from 2.00pm to 3.30pm approx. at Cleeve Village Hall, Cleeve Hill Road (A370), Cleeve, Bristol BS49 4PF
OR
Wednesdays 30 October, 13 and 20 November 2024 from 7.30pm to 9.00pm approx. at Keynsham Methodist Church, Charlton Road, Keynsham BS31 2JA

Week One: Kate Groves - 'Commonwealth War Graves'
Week Two: Eugene Byrne - 'Bristol and the Spanish Flu Pandemic 1918-19'
Week Three: Jane Duffus - 'Women who built Bristol'

Kate Groves is a volunteer speaker and will enlighten us on the work carried out by the CWGC in caring for the cemeteries, talk about the Commission, stories attached to the names on the Headstones and Memorials, and more.

Eugene Byrne is a Bristol based author, historian and journalist. He has written several books on Bristol's history, including, 'The Bristol Story', with artist Simon Gurr. He edits the Bristol Post's, 'Bristol Times' (local history pullout section).

Jane Duffus has worked in journalism/publishing for more than 25 years, whether on bestselling news stand magazines or as the author of six books about social history, including, 'The Women who built Bristol 1184-2018' and volume Two. In addition, Jane does her own research and writing, works as an editor for other writers, has contributed chapters to other people's books, and is a popular public speaker. You can go to www.janeduffus.com for more information.

All three talks:
Members: £26.50 and Non-Members £28.50
Each individual Talk: Members £10 and Non-Members £12

Closing Date: Monday 30 September 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

10/07/2024

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY!
2024 AFWI ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday 25 September 2024
10.15am to 3.30pm
BAWA, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7RF (for Sat Nav)
The speakers for the 2024 Annual Meeting are two really exciting people that live locally.
Sally Mills was born and brought up in North Wales surrounded by the countryside. Sally studied Art at Cardiff University followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Conservation Management. Since then, she has spent 25 years in nature conservation, but also incorporating her art, both in Somerset and the Seychelles. This is just a brief glimpse into Sally's life, but there are far more interesting experiences to hear about. To find out more go to www.somersetmacaw.com
An enthusiastic Professional Space Educationalist, Jo Richardson (FRAS - Space Detectives, ESERO-UK Space Ambassador, EP Advisor Spaceport Cornwall) founded the Space Detectives in 2013. She has been linked to work with Tim Peake and his mission to the Space Station in 2015, and is associated to many Southwest Astronomical Societies: Event Co-Ordinator and organiser for both the Wells and Mendip Astronomers, plus the Tiverton and Mid Devon Astronomical Society. The topic for Jo's talk will be 'On Board the ISS' and reference women who work full-time in the space industry. For more information go to www.spacedetectives.com
There will also be input from a local Charity (TBC)
Please Note: At this venue, you can only eat and drink food which you have bought from BAWA. Tea and Coffee will be available to purchase at the lunch break and sandwiches can be pre-ordered at £2.25 (please use the application form).
Members Only: £19 (Note: each WI can send one free delegate)
Closing Date: Monday 5 August 2024
Please apply through your WI Secretary

Avon Federation of WIs

18/12/2024

12/12/2024

11/12/2024

10/12/2024

03/12/2024

06/11/2024

17/10/2024

03/10/2024

02/10/2024

24/09/2024

23/09/2024

28/08/2024

27/08/2024

27/08/2024

08/08/2024

07/08/2024

24/07/2024

10/07/2024

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Monday	10am - 3pm
Tuesday	10am - 3pm
Wednesday	10am - 3pm
Thursday	10am - 3pm