We need your unwanted bras and new pants!

bra and pantsDo you have bras that didn’t fit or you just don’t like?  They can be teen bras or nursing bras, too.  They can re used by women in Africa (see link below).

Next time you buy some pants, pick up a spare pack, too (donations of these must be new!).  These can be for children aged 3 to 15 years or womens’, sizes 8 to 16.

Bring them along to a monthly meeting in March or April.  We’re collecting for Smalls for Africa.  We’ll be sending off our collection after the April meeting.  You can also speak to Vicky Watts at the next monthly meeting or email: marketharboroughwi@gmail.com

Smalls for Africa Facebook page

Singing in a choir with Gareth Malone?

Can you sing?  Could we form our own MHWI choir?   Like to meet Gareth Malone?  Be on TV?

Gareth Malone

Gareth Malone

The BBC are planning a new series of groups singing and this year they are planning to represent the full range of musical styles and genres.  They’re happy to be approached by those who have yet to establish or become part of a group of their own.  So, if you are interested or think you could lead on forming a MHWI choir, email: marketharboroughwi@gmail.com or speak to Clare or a committee member at the March meeting.  We have until 15 April to apply.  More details:  BBAC Flyer

If you are keen, then below is a bit more from the producing company’s email (Twenty Twenty):

‘We’re looking for creative, dynamic and unique groups and people, from across the U.K., of all different shapes and sizes, from all walks of life, who are willing (with Gareth’s help) to push their vocal abilities, meet their full potential, and become the best they can possibly be.

‘Over the course of the series, groups will be allocated contact time with Gareth, who will offer his own expert and enthusiastic guidance, advice and encouragement.  To round off the series, the groups will showcase what they’ve learned, in front of a panel of musical experts.  Impress this panel and you could see your group rewarded with the honorary title of Britain’s best amateur choir. This is going to be a warm, inspiring series, where the singing groups’ musical talent needs to be matched by their heart and enthusiasm, as well as their ability to be creative, inventive and celebrate their love of music and singing.’

Royal Butler insight at Welland WI group meeting

William French, former Royal Butler

William French, former Royal Butler

‘What is it like to meet the Queen?  Or serve on the Royal Yacht Britannia when it’s being used for a honeymoon?’  These questions, and some other royal secrets, were ably shared with Welland Group members last night by William J French, former Royal Butler.

William has also worked for employers including the Rothschild family, the Saudi Royal Family and Nicole Kudman, actress (and thereby lies a story of the chicken fillets … ?).*

Several  MHWI members attended the annual group meeting, this year hosted by Caldecott WI.  An entertaining evening, with a delightful, homemade tea and rounded off by a game of Pointless, where several of our members scored low, just missing winning the competition.

*Am sure we will be booking William for an MHWI meeting to hear his full story.

MHWI members at the Welland Group meeting

MHWI members at the Welland Group meeting

 

Unused or unwanted wool needed

knitting-w500-h500The Market Harborough Carers Knit & Natter group are making items for various charities and they are running out of wool. So if anyone has a stash of unused or unwanted good quality wool going spare please let us know or drop it off at The Settling Rooms in Market Harborough.  (posted on Facebook 9 March 2015 by MHWI member Diane Claridge who works for SLVS)

MHWI team supports Harborough in Bloom

We’re certainly living up to our  President’s strap line, ‘Bigger and Bolder’, this year.  We’re delighted to hear that MHWI members are trying out new things.  Member, Tansy Tilly, says, ‘I believe there are now 5 of us volunteering to help keep the tubs tidy on St Mary’s Rd for Harborough in Bloom.’

Homebase supports MHWI team preparing for this seasons's Harborough in Bloom

Homebase supports MHWI team preparing for this seasons’s Harborough in Bloom

‘As I work at Homebase I asked if they could help us out with a basic starter kit. They have kindly donated all this. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather on Friday when the kit will have its first outing! Tansy x’

‘Fantastic! Thank you so much! This has really made my day.’ confirms Clare, our President.

WI events across the county for you to try

Check out the latest events planned across the county: beginners’ crochet, lunch club, faith visit are just a few.  How about getting together with several other MHWI members and representing us at a  Federation quiz in early July? Foxton WI host Federation quiz

There are also several floral art workshops across the country organised by national WI.

Mice all ‘blinged up’

'Blinged up' mice

‘Blinged up’ mice

‘Another lovely night of crafting with Market Harborough WI craft group,’ reports MHWI member,  Tansy Tilly.

Hobby night group-w500-h500

Hobby group busy at work preparing for our craft fair on 16th April

‘We collected all the pieces of bunting in that we had made since the last meeting (one is almost complete now, can be seen on the table). Some of us continued to make more bunting while others either made knitted mice or decorated ones that had already been made. See the photo for our completed works of art!’
‘We will continue to work on the bunting and mice in preparation for the craft fair in April.
Next meeting we plan to make some lavender/herb bags and the oat/flower/essential oil bath sachets we learnt to make at a previous meet, also for the craft fair.’
Tansy concludes, ‘On a personal note I really enjoyed being able to share some of my knitting knowledge with others in the group. Looking forward to the next meeting.

Question on the Royal Opera House

ROH ballet-w500-h500What is Chloe Miller Smith’s favourite sight at ROH?  Find out before she comes to speak at our next meeting on 23 March by checking out her quote in this month’s edition of ‘WI Life’, pages 34/35.

Chloe is MHWI member, Annabel Smith’s daughter, who us travelling up specially from London to speak to us.  Sounds like a night not to be missed.