Risley WI

15/10/2026

What a fun meeting we had this month! We began the evening with our speakers Mr & Mrs Barras and their topic - the Swinging Sixties. We were immediately taken back to that time in our lives, probably for most, some of the best times!
Starting off with tales of National Service still a thing then. Items of clothing - crimplene dresses, brushed nylon nighties , stiletto heels and the white long boots - modelled by Gloria, yes we remembered them all. Gadgets with bayonet fittings on the iron or even the toaster and so much more accompanied with amusing anecdotes
Songs from the era which we all enthusiastically joined in with, bringing back memories of our love for the Beatles, or was it Elvis, or Cliff Richard?
The Business part of the evening followed. Details of the coach to Chesterfield for the DFWI Autumn Celebrations were confirmed. Menus were distributed for the Christmas lunch at The Secret Diner at Sudbury Prison.
Our President Sonia had the winning ticket for the raffle and Margaret M won the Competition - an Old Recipe Book.
Continued support for the Food Bank saw 25kg delivered this month.

07/10/2026

Once again, Sue has delivered lots of lovely baby knitting to the Baby Unit at Royal Derby. They were delighted and amazed with it all. Bonding squares and blankets are always in demand but also the teddies and toiletry bags. Well done to the super knitters of Risley and Oakwood WI’s.
Sue’s next visit will be in the run up to Christmas when she hopes to be taking Santa and Pudding hats in all sizes along with all the usual knitting. She has wool and patterns ready.

29/09/2026

At September's Craft and Social afternoon it was all hands on deck to tidy up and add more poppies to the net that will be on display on the Church wall on Remembrance Sunday.
With members encouraged to bring their own projects, there was knitting, embroidery, card making and beading. Lovely to see members sharing their ideas and introducing others to new crafts. Who thought we would be taken with the diamond painting and all those tiny sparkly beads!
Shout out to the Catering Team - lots of scones and yummy cakes.

22/09/2026

What a fun start to the September meeting. The President welcomed Sherri and members from her belly dancing class to the floor to give a demonstration and what fun it was. Members were invited to join in which they did with enthusiasm. Lots of laughter and set the tone for the rest of the evening.
The business part of the evening followed.
Chris Nolan was able to tell of her completion of the wing walk challenge she had embarked on to raise money for Happivale. Well done Chris! Wonder what she will be doing next?
Competition for the month was a favourite necklace won by Angela H.
Bumper contributions for the Food Bank 35kg in total.

17/09/2026

A lovely thank you from the Long Eaton Foodbank for our donations.

A huge thank you to Risley WI for their generous donation yesterday.

As well as plenty of food from our "Most Needed List", one of their members made these beautiful wash bags filled with some urgently required toiletries.

Thank you ladies and happy 2026!

04/09/2026

SAVE THE DATE! - 10th October at Masson Mills, MATLOCK.
The DFWI Team will be there offering:
✂ Craft Dabbling
🍰Cake and conversation
ℹ Information and WI promotion
This is a FREE event and all welcome. Further information to follow soon.

21/08/2026

The Craft session this month was extended to not only provide tea and cake but also lunch and a choice of six crafts.
Thanks to Lyn for organising and other members who led the individual groups. There was something for everyone to try their hand at be it sewing, block stamping, card making, silk painting, producing wonderful flowers from pipe cleaners or decorative miniature easels.
Plenty of choice for lunch and cake at teatime. A great big 'thank you' to the catering team who once again did not disappoint.

14/08/2026

Kurling and Cake
What a fun afternoon we had!
What better way to spend an afternoon than with your WI friends in a nice cool hall!
Some of us showing our competitive streak and well done to the winning team - only a point in it.
Thank you Sonia for organising and the Catering Team for the lovely cakes.

03/08/2026

The President welcomed members to the July meeting and after the singing of Jerusalem Sonia introduced our speaker for the evening - Kirsty Bentham.
Kirsty is the founder of the Derbyshire Allergy Network which provides support and advocacy for people living with allergies and their families and actively works to increase awareness and understanding.
Kirsty began by explaining what an allergy is and that around 1 in 3 people in the UK now live with an allergic condition. She then went on to explain that, after her own experiences and difficulties encountered with getting a diagnosis and ongoing treatment for her young daughter, she realised the need for more help and information to be more readily accessable. She explained the careful planning that is needed to make sure her daughter can join in social activities and be safe and is not disadvantaged in anyway. Communication is key.
Many members had their own experiences around various allergies which they were happy to share and discuss. A very informative and interesting talk and we wish Kirsty every success with this project.
Following the business we had a game of 'truth or lie' as a means of getting to know you!
Divided into table of six once sorted into alphabetically order on surnames there was lots of hilarity as we discovered who could spin the best tale be it the truth or a lie!
Winner of the monthly competition 'a photograph of the seaside' was Margaret Webster.
The entry into the Craft Cooperative class in the recent Derbyshire Show were on display and all the members involved were on hand to explain the thinking behind the entry and the marking system!
Later in the month the Committee held a coffee morning in Harrison's Cottage for new members giving them the opportunity to get to know each other as well as the Committee and ask any questions

30/06/2026

Our entry in the Craft Co-operative at the County Show last Sunday was awarded 2nd place. South Normanton WI came first by half a mark, so we feel very proud of our achievement.