WILS 2010 Programme

Below is a taster of what we have in store for 2010, but please come back soon to view our full exciting 2010 WILS Meeting Programme - including a version for you to download and print off!

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. I am thrilled to be able to announce that we will be starting our New Year off with a bang!! We are very fortunate to have Scott Quinnell, one of the best known names in rugby. He played both rugby league and rugby union, for Wales and for the British Lions. He was Captain of the Welsh Team seven times and won 52 caps. He will be coming to talk to us about his career, his family, his struggle against learning difficulties throughout his childhood and his journey towards becoming one of the best rugby players in Britain. This really will be a night not to miss. Tickets will be available for non-members at a cost of £5.00 per person, to include a signed book from Scott.

Tuesday 9th February. We are 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 will be giving us a brief history of the art, along with a demonstration, and then it is our turn to get involved and have a go at the moves! This will be a very fun evening - dress comfortably if you plan on joining in (download guidance notes sheet, right), or just come along to watch, listen and learn a little more about Arabic dance.

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 will be sharing her experiences of growing her business, how she goes about sourcing her products and giving 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 will be joining 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 will be sharing her thoughts and experiences, is a night not to be missed.

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 TBC), at the end of the talk 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 hae a voice about the issues that matter.

The 'resolution' element of our May event will only take about 45 mins in total; after this there will be an additional activity, which we are very excited about - a cocktail making workshop!!

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!