For our April meeting we were lead by Joe Hoare in an uplifting Laughter Yoga session, which involved a blend of playful laughter exercises and gentle breathing techniques designed to improve both mental and physical health. Laughter quickly became contagious, connecting attendees with each other. We really did discover how a little laughter can go a long way, leaving feeling energised and less stressed. What a joyful way to boost wellbeing!
TALK FROM HEAD GARDENER OF TYNTESFIELD
As the evenings get longer and we look to spend more time outside, we are excited to welcome Paul Evans, the Head Gardener of National Trust Tyntesfield, to our May meeting. He will be talking to us about the ‘potted’ history of the garden, what they have discovered over the last 20 years and plans for the future.
Plant and Seed Swap
In addition to our talk, please bring along with you any spare plants, seedlings or seeds for a swap with other members at the meeting.
Tuesday 19th May,
Doors open 7:45pm,
St Bonaventure’s Parish Hall,
Visitors welcome.
We were delighted to welcome Becky Purchas, Declutter Coach and Pro Organiser, from White Space.
Becky shared practical ways to bring calm into our homes.
She also covered her personal journey from the corporate world to registered decluttering and home organisation expert.
There was plenty of time for questions too so people left with simple ideas and gentle approaches to sorting, organising and letting go of things no longer needed, or at least the motivation to tackle that corner we’ve all been meaning to get to.
Community Event
We teamed up with Window Wanderland, to support their theme of ‘Hope’ by creating our unique window design, using our own ideas or provided templates.
We were delighted Lucy Reeves-Khan, the founder of Window Wanderland joined us for this session. Lucy talked about its history and led us in template making, so that we are all ready for this years event.
All materials were included, however
For more information on Window Wanderland go to https://www.windowwanderland.com
Our January meeting was very successful, with a lot of members and visitors alike interested in exploring the world of fermented foods and their benefits for gut health!
Local producers Nadia’s Vineyard (Kombucha) and Muti (Kimchi) joined us for a very engaging live demonstration and tasting.
We learned how Kombucha, a cultured living drink, and Kimchi, a cultured living food, are made—and why they’re so good for your digestion. Both are rich in probiotics, containing beneficial bacteria and yeasts that help support a healthy gut.
For more information go to https://www.eatmuti.com/ and https://naniasvineyard.co.uk/
For December, instead of our usual meeting we booked a table at a favourite local spot.
This was a member only event and all members were welcome to join us on the evening.
Some members joined for a festive drink and fun and others stayed to dine.
There was delicious food, great company and fun conversations. It was an evening filled with laughter.
We also had our Christmas raffle and 3 lucky ladies went home with a fabulous hamper each.
Christmas Wreath making
This fun session was free for members and £28 for visitors (women aged 18+). The price included everything needed to make and take home a beautiful, traditional Christmas wreath. Spaces were limited and needed to be booked in advance.
Everything was included but we encouraged people to bring along fir cones, rosemary sprigs, bay leaves, holly, dried hydrangeas etc that they may have had in their garden, to share or add to their own wreaths. Some ribbons were provided and some people brought along ones they preferred.
Members: All members were welcome to attend but we needed to confirm numbers for material ordering.
Visitors: (women aged 18+) were welcome but needed to pay in advance to secure their place.
AGM & Cyber Security
Our October meeting included our Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members were updated on the club’s performance and finances through the Annual Report and Financial Statement.
Once the formal business of the AGM concluded, we were pleased to welcome guest speaker Megan Haldane from Avon & Somerset Police.
Megan led an informative session focused on staying safe online. We explored some of the common online scams currently circulating. We discussed helpful advice to protect ourselves when using the internet and technology. Additionally, we explored the phishing red flags to look out for. Finally, we then covered some basic cyber security advice. This aimed to help build confidence when using the internet at home and highlighted some of the great resources available for help.
Discover more at http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
Sound Bath Evening with Rounik
What a wonderful chance to slow down, unwind, and recharge that we had at our Sound Bath session. It was just what we needed.
Through the soothing power of sacred sound frequencies, guided meditation, and gentle breathwork, Rounik guided us on a journey designed to relax the mind, calm the body, and restore balance.
Using both ancient and modern instruments—including a full chakra set of singing bowls—Rounik worked intuitively with the group to create a sacred, supportive space. The harmonic vibrations of sound help eased tension, release stress, and encouraged a deep sense of peace and wellbeing.
This experience was suitable for everyone, no matter ones level of familiarity with meditation or sound healing. All we needed to do was get comfy! Attendees brought blankets to keep warm and a yoga mat to lie on and let the waves of sound carry them into a state of deep relaxation and renewal.
After the session we enjoyed a cup of tea to rehydrate, ground ourselves and feedback before heading home. And thank you to those that felt inspired and brought cake to share – always a lovely addition.
Discover more at Rounik
Gloucester Road WI 
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