Gardening group Wisley visit

After some illness and rain delays many of the lovely gardening ladies managed to get to see the butterflies at RHS Wisley last week. We were surprised at the number and variety of butterflies on show so early in the season and the new butterfly box section was lots of fun and very informative too. Of course there was coffee, cake and chatter to be had at in the cafe afterwards. 

We are looking forward to visiting Longacres garden centre next month. 

January

January kicked off with a fabulous start! We welcomed many new members and guests- they had heard on the grapevine that we were great!

After our fabulous Christmas party, we wondered how we would muddle through the January blues. Our meeting blew them all away- we welcomed Suzette Jones who taught us various meditation and mindfulness techniques. We all left feeling much lighter! Thank you Suzette!

Suzette also sold us some fabulous things that support a charity in the Philipenes.

Please check the wesbite for various group meetings and please get baking for the vintage fair (details to follow in full).

November was a very busy month for the Guildford Spike WI. We hosted our first craft fair! It was Christmas themed and we invited other stall holders to come. We sold items that had been made by our fabulous craft and chatter group. Plus home-made chutneys and cakes. The event was a great success! 

We were then invited back to the Holy Trinity Christmas fair, where we sold some more of the items that had been made for the craft fair!

The 10th October was a very busy weekend for the Guildford Spike WI.

Many members attended the stitching and knitting show at London's Alexandra Palace. It was a fanatstic day, with unbelievable exhibitions and great stalls. We certainly got some great ideas and inspiration for the craft and chatter group.

Those who did not attend the London excursion were at the vintage fair in Guildford where we had a stall! It was more successful than last time and our table cloth had its first official outing!

Muriel enjoyed meeting one of the bake off contestants and discussed him possibly coming to visit the spike in the near future-watch this space.

Friday 2nd October 2015

Yesterday we celebrated our 3rd birthday, and what a night it was! We had a fantastic albeit slightly mad female comedian!

The ladies being entertained

We ate and drank a lot (not all of us).  We all enjoyed an amazing cake, made by Sarah J.

We also had the exciting and emotional unveiling of our table cloth. This was a project started by Caroline last year (our 2nd Birthday). Unfortunately she was not here to see it unveiled due to her sad passing last year. Despite this we all agreed that her spirit is in every stitch and we are so grateful to her mother for finishing the project for us in her memory!

The unveiling

We rushed to get it on the table

It was, as mentioned previously, a truly great evening - made more special by it being the WI centenary year.

August meeting - 6th August 2015

This month we enjoyed a social evening with a fantastic picnic. Unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side but we still had a great time. Muriel brought a fantastic quiz along, which became quite competitive. The raffle was a great success, with our new member Jill donating a private Pilates session as the top prize. 

Gardening group outing to Mayfield Lavender Farm - 17th July 2015

A small group of our ladies and little people visited the lavender farm in Banstead. After a few travel issues! We all arrived and explored the fragrant fields. We stopped in the little cafe and tried some of the lavender infused biscuits and lemonade before heading home.

The lavender fields

Test Blog!

GTG's Jekyll and Hyde

Last week we were treated to a fantastic production of Jeckyll and Hyde by Godalming Theatre Group at Charterhouse. It was a particularly special evening as we were able to support the lovely actors who came to our March meeting. Keep eyes peeled for details of their next production in October...

Sharon and Carole enjoying some half time refreshment

Helen, Ricki and Shirley having a hilarious time!

Fashion show in aid of The Fountain Centre

On Friday The Mandolay hosted a fabulous fashion show raising funds for The Fountain Centre at St. Lukes Cancer Centre. The Fountain Centre is a truly amazing charity giving support and special treats to cancer sufferers all over Surrey in their lovely centre based at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Lots of our lovely ladies attended and a brilliant time was had by all.

Our fabulous fashionistas huddled around a fireman!

One of the models strutting her stuff

Barbara seemed very happy!!