WI Finchley

27/09/2026

Book group
This month we read I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, a charming coming-of-age story set in a crumbling castle in Suffolk. We enjoyed the characters and the vivid descriptions of castle life. There was plenty to discuss, particularly the relationships and the different personalities within the Mortmain family and Simon and Neil Cotton whose American family own the castle. Their arrival brought romance, humour and plenty of complications, especially for Cassandra and her feelings for Simon.
A lovely book, plenty to talk about, and another enjoyable evening together along with a delicious lemon and blueberry cake baked by Mary our wonderful host.

22/09/2026

15/09/2026

Our 14th October meeting will be a hands on session with Natural Elements London. We will be creating our own air fresheners from soy wax and essential oils finished with dry flowers, 'bringing the soothing benefits if aromatherapy into everyday life' -as the founders of this small South London business explain.

https://www.naturalelementslondon.com/

11/09/2026

On a day when headlines report Anthropic researchers can foresee AI having the ability to end humanity within a decade it was reassuring to have Dr Ruth Stalker-Firth's take on this. Since the beginning of time headlines have placed technology into scenarios which tap into our worst human fears and AI, she maintains is just one more example. Ruth recounted the development of AI and the essential role women have played in it, although mostly written out in the history books. She looked at what AI's capabilities and its limitations, as well as, how seemingly impressive developments often need human behind the scenes to avoid embarrassing errors.
We also progressed our Poppy installation project by starting to attach the poppies produced by community groups to the first of the camouflage nets.

31/08/2026

Still plenty of time to make your contribution to this Barnet borough-wide community project. Individuals or organisations welcome. Knit or crochet a poppy for November's installation at Finchley . Monday 28th September 10am -5pm will be the first chance to drop in to Stephens House and help fix poppies to the camouflage net.

28/08/2026

This month we read'The Summer Book' by Tove Jansson. This is a beautifully written book observing Sophia, a six year old girl, and her grandmother spending summer together on a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland. Sophia's mother has recently died and although the loss is not discussed it manifests itself through the relationship with her grandmother. The two explore, argue, swim and talk. It is sad and amusing with wonderful descriptions of the island. They are an eccentric couple and the question of aging is brought to our attention.
Most of our book club weren't impressed with the book. They felt it was well written but were disappointed by the lack of character development and storyline. All were impressed, however, by Mary's Marmalade Sponge.
Next month we read, ' I Capture the Castle' by Dodie Smith

17/08/2026

Next meeting, 9th September, Dr Ruth Stalker-Firth will be 'Demystifying AI'. Ruth is a computer scientist and human-centred AI consultant. In response to what she sees as growing hype and nonsense around AI, she will discuss how and why it was created along with what it can and can't do.

10/08/2026

It's early days yet, our first attempt to attach the poppies to the camouflage net. If you can knit or crochet get involved in this community installation
Thanks to all the groups and individual who have signed up: Arts Depot Knitting Group, Finchley Reform Synagogue Meet and Make, St Mary's Church Hendon, Community Focus Friary Park, Nanak Darbar Ladies Society, Muswell Hill Knitters to mention but a few.

27/07/2026

This month we read The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins. It was well written, full of atmosphere, and the mystery unfolded at just the right pace to keep us hooked. None of us particularly liked the characters—they were mostly difficult, flawed and not especially likeable—but somehow that suited the story and added to its dark, unsettling feel. It sparked an interesting discussion, and despite not warming to the cast, we all thought it was a good read.
Our thanks as always to Mary our host who made a delicious lemon tart.
Our book next month is A Summer Book by Tove Jansson.

17/07/2026

This month our Craft Group created a variety of designs in acrylic paints on wooden bangles - it’s fascinating how we all start out with the same materials yet produce different designs. We’re taking a break in August, back in September.