This month has seen Nottingham take stricter measures on Covid19 but here at the Hive we’re still keepin’ on keepin’ on.

We managed to meet once in person for a very successful and safe crafting session, as well as met several times for tea and cake, and walked and talked at Walk ‘n’ Talk.

Things finally seemed like they might be getting back to normal.

It may feel like one step forward one step back, but, well… on the bright side, at least that provides us with the perfect segue for our main meeting!

On with the news!

October Meeting

“Step Into Strictly”

We’ve done disco.

We’ve even done bhangra.

We’re now doing Latin and ballroom.

FitSteps describes itself as “an energetic, up beat dance fitness class featuring all of your favourite strictly dances. It is designed to give real, measurable fitness results. It is suitable for all ages and abilities and you don’t need a partner.”

We love a good dance at our meetings but this will be the first time we’ll be dancing together from our own homes through Zoom!

As with all of our active meetings, you will need some comfortable clothes that are easy and safe to move in, as well as enough space to move around freely.

There is no pressure to join in or do everything. The point is to have fun (“Strictly Fun” is one of FitSteps’ mottoes) so please don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with and always put your health first.

FitSteps is inspired by Strictly Come Dancing, but they promise us that their classes are suitable for everyone “even if you can’t dance”.

I don’t know about you but that’s the caveat I look for in every dance class!

They have been running classes on Zoom since lockdown began so they’re now experts in the beginner’s ballroom in your livingroom.

If you’d like to find out more about their classes, you can find them on Facebook through the Manor Arts page: https://www.facebook.com/chiversmanorarts/

Give it a whirl!

On the Tables

Media swap, Just for Fun, and prizes

If you are on Facebook, head over to our member’s only Facebook group for a virtual version of our “On the Tables”.

• Media swap: We’re swapping media recommendations rather than physical items. Have you read or watched anything good lately? Let us know!
• Health and well-being: Were we meeting in person, October was going to see us hold a health and well-being raffle with all kinds of goodies up to win. Instead, we’d like to know how you’ve been taking care of yourself during Covid19 and what makes a positive difference for you.
• Stem cells: Our CAKE Fighters met to talk about stem cell donation this month. They’ll be sharing what they learnt on Facebook!

Don’t Forget!

What to bring to the next meeting

What you need to join our dance session:

• The Zoom link;
• Comfortable clothes in which you can move freely;
• A safe environment where you will not fall or trip over anything;
• Some water;
• Somewhere to put your phone or laptop so you can still see and hear the instructor as you move.
• That’s it!

Other News

Make a Match

…and start a conversation

Our CAKE Fighters were joined by WI members from around the country again this month to talk about stem cell donation and the NFWI’s Make a Match campaign to promote registration.

Around 40 people attended the Zoom meeting, including our wonderful speaker, Jet.

Jet received a donation of stem cells as part of her cancer treatment nine years ago.

The first part of the meeting focused on how stem cells are used, and how they are donated. The second part of the meeting was a conversation between Jet and the attendees. Everyone was so engaged and there were many insightful questions and personal stories being shared.

The most important thing to take from the talk, as Jet said, is to know what stem cell donation involves and to talk about it to other people. Even if you can’t donate yourself, you might inspire someone else.

90% of stem cell donations are taken in a similar way to a blood donation. It is far less invasive than most people imagine! We will be putting more information on our Facebook page in October for people to share.

If you missed this meeting but would like to know more, come to one of the CAKE Fighter’s Monday chats and ask us anything!

CAKE Fighters meet on the first Monday of the month at 19:00 to chat about previous events and what we’re up to next. These conversations are casual and open to any woman in Nottingham.

The next CAKE Fighter’s event is in November and will address the NFWI’s campaign Stop Violence Against Women. We will be joined by an expert speaker from Broxtowe Women’s Project. The project provides help and safety for women experiencing domestic abuse in our local area. The date and time of the meeting will be emailed out to members when it is arranged.

You Give Me Butterflies

#WhiteRibbonDay

Broxtowe Women’s Project contacted CAKE Fighters to ask if we could do “anything” for White Ribbon Day on the 25th of November to raise awareness about violence against women. Of course we said yes!

We came up with the idea to hand make white butterflies to “release” on social media.

We’ll be contacting other WIs around Broxtowe to join us but it would be fabulous if Hive members could take the lead.

You can create your butterfly in any way you like, such as by painting, baking, or sewing. You can make as many as you like – just remember to send us some pictures when you’re done so we can “release” them!

Can Nottingham save Denman for the WI?

Some news from our sisters in the City

Denman College was founded by the WI in 1948. It was bought by WI members with their own money, and many of the rooms are still furnished with textiles handmade by WI members (pictured). In July 2020 the NFWI trustees announced the proposed permanent closure of Denman.

Sarah Manton of Nottingham’s City WI is leading the charge to try to save the college for the WI. She set up the Facebook group Project: Save Denman to network with other WI members about the college. Please search for the group on Facebook if you’d like to find out more and join the cause.

The Hive’s October Calendar

What’s on when

• Monday 5, 18:00 – CAKE Chat
• Monday 12, 19:30 – CAKE Fighters: Stem Cell Donation
• Wednesday 14, 19:30 – Main Meeting: Step into Strictly
• Thursday 15, 20:15- Publess Quiz
• Saturday 17, 14:00 – Crafternoon
• Sunday 25, 10:00 – Walk ‘n’ Talk
• Wednesday 28, 14:00 – Cafe Society: TBC
• Wednesday 28, 18:30 – Committee Meeting
• Thursday 29, 18:45 – Book Club: Atonement by Ian McEwan

Recurring Events

Your shortcut to the subgroups

• C.A.K.E Chat: Every first Monday, 18:00
• C.A.K.E. Fighters: Days and times vary
• Craft ‘n’ Chat: Every first Wednesday, 13:00-15:00
• Pub Quiz: Every two weeks during lock-down, 20:15
• Walk ‘n’ Talk: Every first weekend of the month on alternating Saturdays and Sundays – times vary
• Main Meeting: Every second Wednesday, 19:30-21:30
• Tuesday Book Club: Every third Tuesday, 20:00
• Crafternoon: Every third Saturday, 14:00-16:00
• Supper Club: Every third Wednesday, 19:30
• Committee Meeting: Every fourth Wednesday, 18:30
• Cafe Society: Every last Wednesday, 14:00
• Thursday Book Club: Every last Thursday, 18:45

Please get in touch if you would like to lead a subgroup.

For a list of the reading lists for our book groups, please go to our website or check the reminders on our Facebook group.

Walks for the Walk ‘n’ Talk will be listed on our website as soon as they have been planned.

Find Us Online

• Email: thehivewi@gmail.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/thehivewi
• Facebook group (members only): facebook.com/groups/thehivewi
• Twitter: twitter.com/thehivewi
• Website: thehivewi.com
• You can also search for us on Google Calendar using our email address.