WILS 2010 Programme

You can read below what we have in store for 2010, but please come back soon to download

and print off your very own 2010 WILS Meeting Programme!

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, at the Holiday Inn, Bridgefoot,

Stratford upon Avon, unless otherwise stated. Arrive from 7pm to sign in, grab a glass of wine

or a cup of tea/coffee, ready to be seated for a prompt meeting start at 7.30pm.

Tuesday 12th January. Unfortunately our published speaker, Scott Quinnell (pictured left) - one of the best known names in rugby - was unable to attend, owing to the heavy snow! However, we were very fortunate to have a representive from DORE attend; DORE offer a personalised treatment programme for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Asperger's and other learning difficulties. Scott admits that his literacy skills were so bad that he couldn’t even write a cheque or reply to an email, yet - having successfully completed the DORE programme - his reading and writing is now considered 'above average' and he went on to become Development Director for the organisation. We hope to be able to welcome Scott at one of our future meetings, when his schedule allows.

Tuesday 9th February. We were very fortunate to have Judith Franks, a bellydancer and bellydance teacher, who has been learning Egyptian-style Bellydance since 2002 and has attended classes with some of the best Bellydance performers and teachers at both a national and international level. Judith gave us a brief history of the art, along with a demonstration, and then it was our turn to get involved and have a go! We all had great fun, and now have plenty of moves up our sleeves for whenever we're on the dancefloor!

Tuesday 9th March. After getting caught up in the Asian Tsunami in 2004, Michelle Mills-Porter found a new perspective on life. In re-examining what she considered important, she set up ‘Cherish Jewels’, originally a creative and therapeutic outlet for her, and now a thriving independent business. Michelle makes beautiful jewellery, sourcing materials from developing countries around the globe and always using natural products, including pearls and gemstones. Michelle shared her experiences of growing her business, how she goes about sourcing her products and gave us the opportunity to create our own unique pieces of jewellery to take home with us.

Tuesday 13th April. Fresh from her stint on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, local playwright and performer Ginny Davis joined us to share her witty and entertaining observations on modern family life. Including ‘Ten Days...That Shook the Kitchen’ - a sell out show from last year’s Edinburgh Fringe - and ‘Family Matters’ - her latest and well-received offering for 2009 - Ginny’s plays and performances continue to entertain and amuse. Her visit to WILS - when she shared her thoughts and experiences - was a fantastically entertaining evening.

Tuesday 11th May. Each year the National Federation of Women's Institutes puts forward a resolution to the government. This resolution is proposed by WI members, chosen by the National board and voted upon by all WIs in England and Wales. At this May meeting we will be finding out all about the Resolution for 2010 which is The mandatory clear labelling of food with true country of origin and at the end of the discussion we will have to vote as to whether or not we as WILS would like to support the resolution - so this is your chance to have a voice about the issues that matter. The 'resolution' element of our May event will only take about 20 mins in total; after this there will be an additional activity: a 'Cocktail and Sangria Masterclass' with Ha Ha Bar and Grill and La Tasca!

Come along to learn how to make and sample some delicious sangrias: including traditional, pomegranate and cranberry, and cava fruity fizz. Have a go at making the perfect mojito in our mojito masterclass, and learn how to add a twist to the classic mojito to create your favourites: why not try lemon and elderflower mojito? Or raspberry or passionfruit? Watch the experts shake up a few classic favourites and share their top tips - cosmopolitan, key west cooler and long island ice tea. It might be a good idea to leave the car at home so you can be relaxed about sampling the drinks on the evening!

Tuesday 8th June. Jo Cameron is a well-known businesswoman and media personality. Setting up her first business in 2004, after being made redundant, her career took off to new heights. In 2006 she beat off 10,000 other hopefuls to secure her place in the hugely successful TV show, The Apprentice. She was the most written about and most memorable candidate and made so much of an impact that she was commissioned to write the official BBC Apprentice column the following year. After overcoming devastating personal adversity in 2006, she has become dedicated to helping people survive adversity and overcome difficulties in life. She has grown a credible business portfolio in a very short space of time and has helped thousands of women increase their confidence and self belief with her WOW programme – Women on Their Way. Her achievement system Bouncebackability, has also been introduced to thousands through her seminars, talks and coaching processes, to help people reach much higher levels of achievement. Her emphasis on women’s progression and their engagement in enterprise activities ensures that Jo promises to be a truly inspirational speaker. Don't miss it!

Tuesday 13th July. Being breast aware simply means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the lookout for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor - yet something so simple can save your life. We all know that lumps are vital to look out for – but there can be other important signs too. We are very fortunate that Dr Nicola Newman is coming to talk to us about breast examination, what to look out for, and to answer your breast health and breast care questions; and that Harriet Wilkes of “Barbarella" - Worcester’s leading lingerie and swimwear boutique - will be on hand to demonstrate how to ensure your bra always fits perfectly to provide the perfect foundation to any outfit. After the talk there will be an opportunity for individual fittings and/or to peruse (and purchase!) some of the boutique's beautiful and sexy pieces.

Tuesday 10th August. We all love to be pampered, and WILS is thrilled to have a panel of qualified and experienced beauty and holistic therapists available this evening, to answer your questions. Each therapist will take their turn to give a very short talk and/or demonstration to the group, then members will have the opportunity to walk from table to table, watch each therapist work, and ask questions - a few of you will also be lucky enough to receive a 'taster' treatment, or to be used in a demo! Come along to enjoy a glass of wine and a bit of summer pampering. This will be an exclusive event for members. New members will also be welcome to join on the evening.

Tuesday 14th September. This month we will be welcoming Bernadette Halton, who will be coming to talk to us about her experiences as a Wimbledon tennis umpire!

Tuesday 12th October. October is the month that we make decisions - and this includes deciding who YOU want to see running WILS in 2011! So the early part of the evening is your opportunity to hear the committee's Annual Report, and be involved in electing the 2011 committee... but in true WILS fashion, we have arranged a wine tasting session with James of Vin Neuf (Union Street, Stratford upon Avon) for afterwards - we know, we spoil you! x

Tuesday 14th December. Because she is utterly fabulous, we have invited Kate from In Bloom Florists back to talk to us – this time to give us a talk and demonstration on how to make a beautiful Christmas table centrepiece/decoration. I know many of us were proud of our efforts at last year's wreath making session, and we hope that Kate will be able to put together a package that allows members to buy materials from her and make their own centrepiece on the night to take home, should they wish. So whether your tastes are traditional or contemporary, keep an eye out for bits and bobs that you may be able to include when putting together your creation! Of course the option to sit back with a glass of wine and watch always remains.