Turning the town green to #sharethelove!

We've been thinking about the lives and places we love and want to protect from climate change. The Women's Institute is part of the Climate Coalition, along with other organisations like the National Trust, RSPB and Oxfam. On the 14th February each year thousands of WI members across the country create and share green hearts to show the love and get people thinking and talking about what we stand to lose to climate change and want to protect. We were a couple of days late, but Bake Natter and Roll wanted to join in!

A lovely postcard was sent out in this months WI Life magazine, and on the NFWI website we found instructions how to make green seeded paper hearts from recycled paper (we used old newspapers). A couple of us got together during half-term to make them with our children and had a great time blending up wet newspaper and adding food colouring and seeds. We chose flowers which attract bees and butterflies.

One of our completed postcards with recycled paper heart filled with seeds

At our monthly meeting on 15th February members wrote on the back of the postcard some of the people, places and life they wanted to protect from climate change - these included polar bears, turtles, garden birds, the rainforest, bees and butterflies. Altogether we filled in 25 postcards, including some home-made ones, and attached a seeded paper heart to each one.

And then came the fun part! We hid the postcards in popular places round the town so people could find them. Harder than you might think with the weather we've had recently as they needed to be protected from the elements. On the back of the postcard we'd added contact details so people who found them could contact us via social media and find this blog.

Only a few hours later our first postcard had been found! Staff at Alice Holt Forest were delighted by their discovery and tagged us on their Facebook Page. We left several postcards at the visitor centre and café at this very popular local Forestry Commission woodland.

"What a great find by our colleagues yesterday - some #showthelove seeds! The hearts we found were made by Bake, Natter and Roll - Farnham WI to show the love for marine life affected by plastic pollution. We're really looking forward to planting and nurturing our seeds. How do you show your love for the forest at Alice Holt?"

We're so excited some of our postcards have been found! There are still more to be claimed though, at places including a local Children's Centre, Farnham Library, Farnham Museum and the Maltings.

Comment below if you find one, or to let us know what you'd like to protect from climate change!

Our January Meeting

When we planned the Bake Natter and Roll programme for 2018 we thought that January would be the perfect time to think about patchwork quilts - what better time than a dark, chilly evening to appreciate a warm, handmade quilt? And our first WI meeting of the year did not disappoint as our speaker Brigitte Gillespie showed us her beautiful patchwork quilts and conjured up images of cosy evenings snuggled up on the sofa, as well as impressed us with how intricate the designs were.

The hall looked lovely decorated with gorgeous quilts! Brigitte was interesting and funny, and answered lots of questions from members.

Inspired by this display we're planning a possible project and hope to get lots of members involved in creating a Bake Natter and Roll patchwork quilt which we can use as a WI tablecloth for our monthly meetings!

It was also our 2nd birthday! We celebrated with a yummy cake made by our President Cat.

Treasurer Miriam was kept busy receiving subs, and lots of members signed up for upcoming events.

At the end of the evening we considered the 5 resolutions shortlisted for consideration as national WI campaigns and each selected the one we would most like to see go forward.

It was a lovely start to our 2018 meetings, and now we're looking forward to trying some creative writing next month!

Meet the Committee!

Our fantastic Secretary and founder committee member Rachel Wheeler has sadly decided to stand down from the committee after 2 years hard work on all our behalf. We're so sorry to see her go, but are glad she'll have the chance to have a well-earned break and enjoy just being a member of Bake Natter and Roll.

So it seems apt to start introducing the new committee members with our new Secretary, Jeanie Wharrier. Jeanie joined the committee at our AGM this November.

Why did you join Bake Natter and Roll?

To make friends doing activities in the local area.

What's your favourite cake?

Sponge cake.

Tell us 3 facts about yourself?

Mad about dogs.

Love travelling.

Happy in the middle of a forest.

If you haven't already then I'm sure you'll have a chance to meet Jeanie at a meeting soon!

We have a new Committee Member!

Hello there,

Welcome back to Bake, Natter and Roll - The Farnham WI Blog!

As our members already know, our lovely secretary Laura has decided to step down. Laura remains a member of Bake, Natter and Roll and we'd like to thank her for all her hard work in 2016. 

As we say goodbye to one lovely committee member, we welcome a new one........please say hello to Mandy!

Mandy is a Mum, wife, vocalist and an Independent Senior Stylist!

Why did you join Bake, Natter and Roll?

I joined to meet new women and experience a range of activities and I loved the sound of Bake, Natter & Roll

What is your favourite cake?

My favourite cake is Carrot Cake

Tell us three facts about yourself:

1:  I was a professional singer& I still sing. 

2: I love writing lyrics serious and comedy, verse and stories 

3: I have my own business

Next time you're at a Bake, Natter and Roll meeting don't forget to say hi to Mandy!

Thank you for popping by today,

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Bake, Natter and Roll - 2017 Programme

Hello there,

Welcome back to Bake, Natter and Roll - The Farnham WI Blog!

Well we've survived our first year as an official WI and we're excited to share with you our programme of monthly meetings for 2017. We still meet on the third Thursday of the month and we hope you like the look of the meetings we have planned for our second year.....

2017 Meetings

19th January – Crafting

Tonight we’ll be making ourselves name badges and decorating mugs to bring along to future meetings.

16th February – Wellbeing

We will be joined by various practitioners for demonstrations and talks aimed at promoting wellbeing.

16th March – Emergency First Aid

Jen Ballard will educate us in emergency first aid.

20th April – Quiz Night

Which team will triumph at the Bake Natter and Roll Quiz night?

18th May – Make a Resolution

We’ll be discussing the resolutions being tabled at the 2017 National Federation AGM and voting accordingly. we'll be joined by Farnham Foodbank and Surrey County Council for more info on how to support the current campaign to avoid food waste and address food poverty.

15th June – Murder Mystery Trail

Whodunnit! There has been a murder and this evening we’ll be out and about solving the clues and following the trail around Farnham to work out who the murderer is.

20th July – Cooking Demo

This evening we will be enjoying a demonstration of delicious Indian cooking by Malini from Curries at Home.

21st September – Pets as Therapy

Patricia Bland will join us with a couple of canine friends to learn more about the work of pets as therapy.

19th October – Weaving and Spinning

Learn more about spinning and weaving with the West Surrey Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers.

16th November – AGM/Mummy Makes Fudge

After the business of our AGM we will be joined by Liz Usher to learn about how she started her own business, how it’s grown and what’s next for Mummy makes. We’ll have chance for sampling and buying too.

21st December – Christmas Floral Arrangement

Sue Pritchard from Lavender Hill Company will be joining us to demonstrate a beautiful seasonal floral arrangement.

I know the committee are especially looking forward to November and the opportunity to sample some scrummy fudge! 

We look forward to seeing our members at the next meeting!

Thank you for popping by today,

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Our September Meeting - Healthy Eating into Winter

Hello there,

Welcome back to the Bake, Natter and Roll blog!

Last week was WI Sports Week and also our September monthly meeting. We were supposed to be having a meeting dedicated to jam and chutney making, but we couldn't get a speaker.....so instead we decided to tie the theme into Sports Week and generally being healthy.

Nuffield Health Farnham joined us again, this time providing a speaker for our healthy eating evening. Georgie Laverton, Operations Manager, joined us for an evening of practical tips and discussion about keeping healthy - what to eat and how to keep active when you have a busy life. Georgie has been in the fitness industry for over 18 years, training as a fitness professional and previously being a Health Mentor at Nuffield Health.

Georgie asked us lots of questions about healthy eating - what we wanted to achieve and what our biggest barriers are. It was great to discuss healthy eating with other people - we all know what we should eat, but equally we all face the same issues with staying on track! Georgie then gave us lots of advice about how to keep the sweet cravings at bay and how we can weave some activity into our everyday lives. Her advice was simple and straight forward - no faddy diets or strict regime!

She stressed the importance of eating regularly to maintain blood sugars levels and suggested we try snacking on nuts (especially walnuts). She also reminded us of the guidelines that we should try and exercise for ten minutes three times a day.

It was a really interesting meeting, with lots of sensible advice that we all felt we could follow!

Thank you for popping by today,

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Women's Institute First Sports Week!

Hello there,

Welcome back to the Bake, Natter and Roll blog -home of Farnham WI.

Last week was the first ever Women's Institute Sports Week! The aim of the WI Sports Week was to encourage as many members as possible to take part in a range of sports – it can be anything from swimming or dancing to rock climbing or archery. As long as members are getting active! 

Bake, Natter and Roll were very lucky to be joined by Nuffield Health Farnham this sports week, who offered members a series of WI only classes throughout the week. Nuffield Health also offered members complimentary 7 day passes to the club during the week, so members could enjoy the gym, classes and swimming pool.

Bake, Natter and Roll hit the gym at Nuffield Health Farnham!

Our members enjoyed a spin class with Mandy on Monday morning, an outdoor circuts class with Max on Wednesday evening and a fun filled zumba class with Elaine on Satuday lunchtime! There was something for everyone on offer and members tried new activities that they hadn't experienced before - including our lovely President Cat who went spinning!

Some Bake, Natter and Roll (Farnham WI) ladies at Zumba!

We'd like to thank the team at Nuffield Health Farnham for their generous support!

Also as part of sports week we were invited to play rounders with the Normandy Nightingales, another new Surrey WI who launched around the same time as we did. Some of our members joined in the fun at the beginning of September for a friendly game and the chance to meet some other WI members. A great evening was had by all!

Thank you for popping by today,

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Bake, Natter and Roll...Meet the Committee - Part 6

Hello there,

Welcome back to the Bake, Natter and Roll blog - home of the Farnham WI! Today we're meeting another of our lovely committee members, this time it's Miriam our Treasurer....

Miriam lives in Farnham with her husband Wayne and their two children.

Why did you join Bake, Natter and Roll?

I joined Bake, Natter and Roll to meet new people and learn new things

What is your favourite cake?

My favourite cake is Red Velvet (especially cafe nero's!)

Tell us three facts about yourself:

I love keeping fit especially running, 

I have trekked the Himalayas twice, 

I have started up-cycling old pieces of furniture from car boots or tip!

We can't wait to see all Miriam's up-cycled projects!

Thank you for popping by today - we have just one last committee member left for you to meet....our membership administrator Jude.

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Craft and Coffee Wednesday - polymer clay trinket dish

Hello there,

Welcome back to another craft blog post from Bake, Natter and Roll.

For this project you need to make sure you have some polymer clay before you start - but its a really simple craft project and you can either keep the dish for yourself or they make cute gifts....

These marbled beauties are made using several different coloured polymer clays, I love the effect and you never quite know what you are going to get.

I use Fimo clay - not sure why...I just love the colours.

The more colours you use for this project, the more colourful your final dish - for this one I used just three colours. To start off with you need to make long sausage shapes out of your clay...

In this case I used more white than the other two colours. 

Next you need to twist the sausages together, before turning them into a ball of colourful clay...

Next you need to start rolling your clay out.....and this is where the magic happens. 

I used a glass jar to roll my clay- this meant I could see my clay as it marbled....

I enjoy this part of the project - watching the colours marble and blend. 

Do it slowly though, otherwise you might loose the marbling effect. When you're happy with your colours you can cut out a small circle of the clay...

I probably could have used a bit more clay for this project - as you can see I only just had enough! Next lie this circle into base of a small dish in order to shape it...

Then you need to bake your clay (in the dish) following the manufacturers instructions. 

When the time is up, remove your dish from the oven and leave it to cool. Your dish will just fall out when you turn the china dish upside down.

Now my dish had some rather rough edges, so I just got a nail file and smoothed the edges down.

The next bit is optional, as you can just leave the dish unglazed. However, I think the finish you get from Mod Podge is lovely and works really well with the marble effect.

So I gave my dish two coats...

Finally I was finished.....and I just love my little dish....

This project might not be as quick as some of the other projects (as you have baking, cooling and drying times to factor in), but I think the uniqueness of the marbling makes up for the wait! 

We hope you've enjoyed this project -we'd love to see your makes if you try it at home! Send us a photo of your trinket dish!

Thank you for popping by today,

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Bake, Natter and Roll .... Meet the Committee- Part 5

Hello there,

Another Saturday rolls around and today on the Bake, Natter and Roll blog we're meeting another lovely committee member. This time we meet Vice President Kate....

Kate lives with her husband Keith and two children in Farnham.

Why did you join Bake, Natter and Roll?

I started up the Farnham WI with our President Cat, as I've always loved the ideology behind the WI but didn't fit into any of the local groups. I was looking for a more varied age range.

What is your favourite cake?

My favourite cake is carrot cake

Tell us three facts about yourself:

I have had over 26 piercings and tattoos.

I love sewing and embroidery

I love travelling

It's great to learn a little more about Kate, if you want any sewing tips look for Kate at the next monthly meeting!

Thank you for popping by today - we still have two more committee members for you to meet!

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Craft and Coffee Wednesday - quick bunting card!

Hello there,

Welcome back to the Bake, Natter and Roll blog, home of Farnham WI.

Today we're going to share another quick and easy craft project with you.....and this week we're making a card. It's always handy to have a card ready....and you can use this one for lots of different occasions.....

Quick and easy card from Bake, Natter and Roll

To make this card you will need:

Coloured and patterned papers

Blank card

Washi tape

wool or sting

sticky stuff -glue or glue dots

scissors

If you haven't got a blank card to use, simply use some white or coloured card to make your card blank. If making your card, it can be any size you like.....I find square cards work well for this design.

First you want to cut out and fix your background papers -if you haven't got any patterend paper at home, simply use coloured paper or wrapping paper works well too.

I opted for a plain green and multi-coloured striped paper for my card...

Next you need to make your bunting...

Cut three or more pieces of washi tape and lie them flat on the table (you can do this altogether or individually if  find it less fiddly), next you want to lay your wool / string across the tape...

Next, fold each piece of tape over onto itself and then cut a small triangle from the bottom to make the bunting shapes...

If you haven't got any washi tape, just use some coloured paper and stick it down. This is a little more fiddly, but just as effective.

You now need to fix the bunting across one corner of your card, tucking the ends of your wool / string under the paper...

Mini sparkly bunting!

On the opposite bottom corner of your card attach a white piece of card / paper backed with coloured card / paper - this is where you can write your sentiment.

And this is what makes the card really useful, as you can make the card up and just leave the sentiment card blank until you know what type of card you need!

And that's it - simple, quick and perfect for lots of occasions!

We hope you've enjoyed this quick craft project - if you have a go at home we'd love to see your cards....send us a tweet or a Facebook message! 

Thank you for popping by today, pop back soon for another quick and easy craft project!

The Bake Natter and Roll Committee

Excititng News - Farnham In Bloom Container Competition

Hello there,

Here at Bake, Natter and Roll we have some very exciting news to share.....we have been awarded gold for our entry in the 2016 Farnham In Bloom container competition!

Bake, Natter and Roll - Farnham WI entry for the
Farnham in Bloom Container Competition 2016

The judge thought our entry, with its knitting needles, crochet, bunting, cup and saucer, and even a bra as a nod to the WI's "Hanging Braskets" competition, was totally different and really fun. 

Farnham WI mini bunting

Buttons and thread join flowers in our container!

Well done to all the members involved in planting and decorating the container!

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Our First Summer Outing - Denbies Vineyard

Hello there,

Welcome back to the Bake, Natter and Roll blog!

Traditionally August is the month when WI groups take a break from their regular monthly meetings and go on a summer trip. It's the perfect opportunity for members to spend a little more time together while enjoying a day out.

Earlier this year we asked our members where they would like to go on their first summer outing and several choices were put to the group vote. A trip to England's biggest vineyard - Denbies in Dorking - was the most popular choice!

Denbies Vineyard - Dorking

So last Saturday, nine Bake, Natter and Roll ladies travelled to Denbies where they enjoyed two tours of the estate - an indoor tour which included a wine tasting and talk about the estate and an outdoor tour where they viewed the vines from a train.

The ‘Indoor Cinema Vineyard Tour’ starts in the brand new cinema where we watched a short film about the vineyard. We learnt about the geology and history of the estate and experienced the changes in the vineyard through the seasons.

Next we went on the winery walking tour, which passed through the working winery with a full commentary from a Wine Tour Guide. Here we learnt a lot about the production process.

 Finally we made it to the cellar tasting where we enjoyed three different wines produced at Denbies, including the award winning Surrey Gold.....

Bake, Natter and Roll (Farnham WI) on the road for our summer 16 trip!

Next we headed outside for the train tour....the 50-minute vineyard tour takes visitors to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard. We listened to a commentary as we went around, learning more about this vast and beautiful estate.

Since we hadn't tried the sparkling wine during our last tour we decided we wanted to try some while on the next tour and treated ourselves to a glass...

The views from the tour were rather spectacular and we got close enough to see the grapes growing on the vines. 

We all thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Denbies and said we'd come back for another tour. We're looking forward to our next Bake, Natter and Roll trip!

Thank you for popping by today,

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Bake, Natter and Roll.....Meet the Committee Member - Part 4

Hello there,

Welcome back to the Bake, Natter and Roll blog - home to the Farnham WI!

Today we're meeting another of our lovely committee members, this time it's our secretary Laura.....

Laura is married to Jimmy and lives in Farnham with their two young children.

Why did I join Bake, Natter and Roll?

I joined the WI to learn new craft ideas and activities and also to meet local like minded people. 

What's your favourite cake?

My favourite cakes are coffee and walnut and yellow courgette and ginger. 

Tell us three facts about yourself:

My interests are running, skiing and anything active really,

Gardening-growing my own veg, 

And I craft when I can.  

Don't forget to say hi to Laura at our next monthly meeting and pop back soon to meet another of our lovely committee members!

Thank you for popping by today,

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Bake, Natter and Roll......Meet the Committee - Part 3

Hello there,

Welcome back to the Bake, Natter and Roll Blog - today we're meeting another of our lovely committee members. This week it's the turn of Vice President Lydia....

I am Lydia and I have 2 children; Evie who is 3 and Willow who is 9 months and I have been married for 6 years.  I grew up in Farnham but have lived in Farnborough for about the last 8 years. I work part time for a forklift truck company. I love to cook, bake and craft when I have any spare time, which is hardly ever!

Why did you join Bake, Natter and Roll?

I joined bake , natter and roll as I really like what the WI Is about, playing a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, whilst being with other like minded women. It's also about getting time out for myself where I am Lydia and not always mummy!

What's your favourite cake?

My favourite cake- hmmmmmm so many but my ultimate favourite would be carrot or coffee and walnut, is it ok to have 2?!?

Tell us three facts about yourself:

I ran Brighton marathon in 2012

I was in Mark Owens' video Clementine

I spent 6.5 months travelling South America, New Zealand, Australia, Bali and Thailand.

Pop back soon to see what we've been up to at Bake, Natter and Roll and to meet another committee member!

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

Craft and Coffee Wednesday

Hello there,

Welcome back to Bake, Natter and Roll's Blog - we hope you're well today.

Today we're sharing a new post with you - time to take five minutes out of your busy day and take a peek at a quick craft project! We're a crafty bunch at Bake, Natter and Roll and we thought you'd enjoy seeing some of our makes.

Today we have a quick and easy Mod Podge project to jazz up some boring old glass jars to use as storage jars. All you need for this project is your glass jars, some pretty decoupage paper, a jar of Mod Podge and a brush....

Never heard of Mod Podge before? Basically it's a water based sealer glue finish which can be used on all surfaces. It's non toxic and the one I use has a gloss finish.

Using the product is a simple case of building up layers of the decoupage paper on your jar, using the Mod Podge to stick and seal the paper. You can add as many or as few layers of paper as you want - the more you use the denser the finish.  The Mod Podge dries into a clear, glossy finish...

It's a really quick and easy way to jazz up your old jars! 

I used mine to store my sewing scissors on my (messy) sewing table....

We'd love to see your Mod Podge projects - send us a photo to our Twitter page!

Pop back next week for another Coffee and Craft Wednesday!

Thanks for popping by today,

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee

The Denman Experience

Hello there,

Welcome back to Bake, Natter and Roll, the Farnham WI blog.

As a newly formed WI group we are always learning new things about the Women's Institute and today we're sharing with you a little about Denman.

So what's it all about then, we hear you cry....

Denman offers a wide variety of day and residential courses in cookery, craft and lifestyle. Set in the picturesque village of Marcham, in Oxfordshire, the Georgian mansion and seventeen acres of grounds provide the perfect atmosphere for learning.

Denman (from website)

With over 500 day and residential courses to choose from, Denman offers one of the widest ranges of short courses in the UK.  Guests can choose from day schools or two to four night residential courses, led by tutors with vast experience in their field and a passion for imparting their knowledge to others. Courses range from novice to experienced and everyone is welcome — men and women, members and non-members.

A sample of the courses available.....

WI Baking Weekender

World Street Food

A Taste of Italy

Polymer Clay Jewellery

Festive Willow

Leatherwork: From Belts to Bracelets

Family History for Beginners

Gardening: Three Famous Gardeners

Music Appreciation: Gershwin and Porter

There is something for everyone!

Guests who opt for a residential course get to stay, eat and relax at Denman as well. All of Denman’s sixty-nine en-suite bedrooms are designed and furnished by WI members — providing a unique and individual feel to each room. Guests also enjoy mouth-watering meals, sourced from local farms and independent suppliers, including a wide range of regional and seasonal recipes.

For more information about Denman and the current courses on offer, please visit their website.

Thank you for popping by today,

The Bake, Natter and Roll Committee