BEWI held its Annual Meeting this week, a formal affair with reading of minutes, reports and bye-laws.  Listening to the Annual Report composed mainly by the Secretary one is reminded of all the events, activities and gatherings over the last twelve months which reflect our growing organisation. Bransgore Evening WI is an example of a warm and friendly social group with diverse but shared interests.   Our officers of the last three years, President Ann, Secretary Carole and Treasurer Barbara have worked together with the committee to ensure BEWI’s success and this is appreciated by our 80 plus members.   President Ann said “It has been an honour to have served Bransgore Evening WI as your president for the past three years, I cannot believe it has been that long since I stood here and promised I would do my best for each and everyone of our members.”  Thank you Ann.  We wish new President Wendy and her committee a wonderful, enjoyable and outstanding new year.

The sun was shining and the day perfect for taking photographs so BEWI Camera Club headed off to the delightful town of Christchurch to look at it through the lens of our cameras.  A very helpful Parking Enforcement Officers pointed out various areas of interest (we must have looked like tourists with our cameras).  There are many different types of architecture which was our main theme and fascinating to look at an original 1950s bungalow and see the modern version next door.  At our next meeting we’ll take a critical look at our efforts and share thoughts. As with any good visit, we ended our wandering in a small, clean and welcoming café serving excellent Skandi coffee.

You may ask what?  Well, looking back over March there’s been so much to bring a smile to our faces.  Not only the weather and all the daffodils, tulips and magnolia trees but the number of events available to BEWI members.  Our speaker in March told us about the  unique and ancient body, the Verderers Court and it was fascinating.  March also saw the Hampshire County Federation Spring Council meeting where we were treated to talks by  Dr Mark Aldridge who is a recognised expert in the field of Agatha Christie; Nelly Ghaffar who simply endeared herself to our hearts with her life story and positive attitude and Esme Young probably best known in recent years as a judge on The Great Sewing Bee.  Esme is the creative genius who created ‘Amorphous Dress’ worn by Linda Kozlowski in the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee and that dress is now in the V&A Collection.  It was certainly a joy to be present to listen to all the speakers including our current HCFWI committee.

Other good events this month included our annual trip to Brockenhurst College to sample their excellent meals prepared by catering students; the wine clubs, now 2 in number; Crafty Girls crafted books; Camera Club explored Christchurch architecture with cameras at the ready not to mention History Groups, Mah Jong, Knitting and the opportunity just to chat at the aptly named Coffee & Cake meeting.

Thanks are always due to those who put in their time to arrange events that members can enjoy, well done.

Have you ever wondered what it is like at a WI meeting?  If you want to find out just send a message to us using the Join Us tab and come along.  We always aim to  make you welcome.

Monday January 6th.

Bright blue sky, sunshine, no dark clouds, a really good day for a walk.  As ten of us set off along the coast we had the warm sun on our faces and breathed in the refreshing air.  Yes, the north westerly wind reminded us that it was winter and according to the news most of the country appeared to be blanketed in snow but here on the coast it was perfect.  We walked and chatted about Christmas, our plans for the New Year and how lucky we are to be able to take advantage of meeting with friends and enjoying a morning together.  Bransgore Evening WI’s next meeting is on Tuesday 14th January.

With ‘brain rot*’ being voted the 2024 word of the year perhaps it’s time to make a Resolution we can all keep? Let’s make 2025 amazing!  If you are looking to try something new, have a look at the WI.

Bransgore Evening WI  wishes you, your family and friends the best year yet, cheers to 2025.

*Brain rot’ is defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration”.

and a happy, healthy, peaceful New Year.

BEWI  Wine Club celebrated the Christmas season by comparing Prosecco, Cava and Champagne all recommended by a national magazine and purchased locally.  It was a great treat to sample the sparkling wines with the most expensive comparing well to the best value fizz.  It was another interesting evening.  Our thanks go to Celia for the delicious nibbles to compliment each bottle and for her excellent research, we are all wiser.

Best wishes to you all from BEWI Wine Club – Cheers!