We had a bumper turnout last week for Heather Jacks, Winner of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2014.

She gave us a very amusing and insightful look at life behind the scenes of this reality TV show.      She described the various interviews she had to undergo before being accepted for the show.   When asked what was the most unusual item she had made – she described how she had decorated a cardboard coffin for her mother in art deco style!

Heather described the very long, tiring days the contestants had to endure and the pressure of working with a huge number of cameras pointing at them all the time, just waiting for them to go wrong!

Heather also brought in some of the items she made on the show, so we were able to admire her sewing skills for ourselves and handle the gorgeous, but challenging fabrics, she had chosen for her garments.

Don’t forget tonight’s big event at MHWI is a talk from Heather Jacks, Winner of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2014.   Many of our members are looking forward to hearing Heather talking to us about her time on the show and life post-GBSB.

Also, don’t forget to buy your tickets for our major fundraising Fashion Show and Shopping Event on Tuesday, 15th May 2018 at 7.30 pm at Market Harborough Theatre.   Price £7.00 each.

See you there!

Eighteen members turned up at the Bull at Clipston on 21 March 2018 for a fun evening of table (or bar) skittles.   Both teams put up an impressive performance, but the ‘Cheeses’  team just managed to edge into first place, as the ‘Biscuits’ team crumbled under the pressure!   No doubt a re-match will be demanded in the not too distance future!   The food was also lovely, with huge portions!

Many thanks to Jan Cooper for organising.

Several of our members attended the LRFWIs Annual Council Meeting on 10th March 2018 at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground –  a very special day as it was 100 years since the LRFWI was established!

Members enjoyed the many interesting stalls to browse and the Morris dancing! Our Market Harborough bunting was proudly displayed, but we could have done with some entries into the competitions.   Must try harder next year!

Members were treated to an interesting programme of three guest speakers:

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Jennifer Lady Gretton, DCVO JP

Lady Gretton’s described her role as Her Majesty’s representative, responsible for the dignity of the Crown; encouraging voluntary service;  engaging with business and social life; and arranging royal visits.

Mandy Hickson

A really amusing and motivational speaker who described her time working as the only woman in a team of fighter jet pilots for the RAF, working in hostile environments, such as the Iraq war.     Since then she has gone on to run her own business as a motivational speaker, promoting self-belief and determination – ‘Dream It, Believe It, Do It!’.

Edwina Currie

Probably needs no introduction – ex-Conservative MP – who now lives in the Peak District with her second husband.   Gave us some amusing anecdotes about her time serving as an MP under Margaret Thatcher.

In spite of the snow, many members still ventured out for our chocolate evening on 28th February 2018, led by the award winning chocolatier, ‘Cocoa Amore’.   

We were first given an interesting talk on the origin and history of cocoa, with plenty of samples being passed round – first cocoa pods and cocoa nibs, then chocolate of different flavour intensities – white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, up to 100%!

Then it was members’ turn to have a go at truffle making.   Here’s some eager members raring to go!

Plenty of rolling and squidging of chocolate ganache went on, with everyone managing to make a bag of truffles to take home with them.

We are sorry some of our members didn’t make it to this session last Wednesday because of the awful weather.    Unfortunately, we didn’t save you any of these delicious chocolates ……….!!!!

However, ‘Cocoa Amore’ are now based in Market Harborough at 10 Church Street and also at 34 Silver Street, Leicester.   Check them out at :

https://cocoa-amore.co.uk/