December 2024 - Christmas Party and the Wareham Whalers

The hall looked very festive, with decorations, mulled wine to greet us, music playing, and a long table set for our meal.  The table was bedecked with winter greenery and hand decorated jars with candles.  The committee had produced a delicious meal of jacket potatoes and a choice of three hotpots, with a selection of desserts to follow.  We had fun distributing and opening our Secret Santas, and the icing on the cake was the Wareham Whalers, singing a variety of rousing sea shanties and a few Christmas songs.  We were encouraged to join in with some familiar songs and one new one.  The perfect end to a fabulous evening.

November 2024 - Japanese Culture and the art of Ikebana with Kinu Barsley

We were lucky to have Kinu to come and talk to us and to demonstrate Ikebana flower arranging.  Kinu explained that Ikebana has been practised for over five hundred years, and represents a reflection of yourself through flowers.  The style is minimalist, with space between each flower important.  The three tallest stems depict oneself, the moon and the Earth, with shorter pretty blooms at the base. Although the tradition is for the work to be carried out in silence, Kinu chatted to us while she worked, creating several very different displays, and also shared aspects of Japanese culture with us.  A fascinating and most enjoyable evening.

October 2024 - Policing in the past and future with Richard Hutley

Richard stepped in at the last minute to present a fascinating talk to us this month.  Now retired, Richard had served in the police force for over 30 years, having followed in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  From law and order in the 1600s, we learned abou the principles and development of policing right through to the present day, including common law, oaths, and some archaic laws that still stand today.  A variety of artefacts were passed around, including Richard's own helmet from his days as a constable, truncheons and handcuffs from different eras. 

September 2024 - Understanding Dementia by Admiral Nurse Rachel Murray

What could have been a rather depressing subject turned out to be so interesting.  Rachel explained the role of an Admiral Nurse in supporting families and carers as they look after people suffering from dementia.   In her enthusiastic style, Rachel gave us information about the function of different parts of the brain, and used her own blogs to highlight different situations.  She stressed the importance of keeping hydrated to avoid complications such as bladder infections which can lead to mental confusion.  Rachel emphasised that every case is different - there is no specific pattern to look for - and that it is important to have an assessment and proper diagnosis to enable access to support services.  

July 2024 - Stringed Instruments from Around the World - Rick Potter

Bringing a huge selection of instruments, Rick Potter treated us to a history of stringed instruments, playing some of them for us to hear their sound.  We learned about the very earliest instruments to more modern ones, and different styles from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe.  All had a similar concept, with a hollow bowl to resonate sound, with strings mostly plucked, but sometimes bowed.  Rick's favourite instrument was his hurdy gurdy, which was met with a variety of responses from his audience!  A lively and engaging evening.

June 2024 - Tommy Cooper Remembered 

We had such a fun evening when our speaker, Clive James, came to talk to us about the late Tommy Cooper.  Clive gave us an entertaining potted history of Tommy's life, interspersed with magic tricks in true Cooper style - just like that!  

Tour of RNLI headquarters - Wednesday 22 May 2024

To mark the 200-year anniversary of the RNLI and to commemorate the dedication of the volunteers who risk their lives to save others at sea, we were treated to a tour of the RNLI headquarters to find our more about their work.  A highlight was the simulator, when we steered towards a burning tanker, located people in the water, and spotted various other vessels before returning to Dover Harbour.  The day was rounded off with a delicious lunch in the College restaurant.

May 2024 - Careys Secret Garden 

Dan, garden designer and builder, along with colleague Tink, came to tell us all about Careys Secret Garden.  Purchased by the current owners in 2019 as part of a larger estate, the Victorian walled garden had been abandoned for the previous 40 years before being brought back to life.  The regenerated garden is managed in a sustainable style and contains various different elements including herbery, food forest, veg garden, events lawn and with a rose garden as its centrepiece.  Visitors can take part in a variety of activities and workshops, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the garden.  www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk

April 2024 - Annual Meeting and Line Dancing

At the Annual meeting we heard reports from our Secretary and Treasurer, followed by the President's Address.  The new committee was voted on, and the President was elected.  After refreshments, the tables and chairs were cleared and we were taught some line dancing moves, stepping them through until we were ready for the music.  What fun we had - the perfect post-AGM activity!

March 2024.  Several members had a great evening out to see 'Carmen' at Weymouth pavilion  

March 2024 - Satellite Communication - Paul Coxhead 

We learned about satellite communication in our March meeting, with thanks to Paul Coxhead, who was involved in provision of huge satellite dishes from the 1980s onwards.  Paul gave us an insight into how satellites are launched ito space, and told us about the first satellite at Goonhilly in Cornwall in 1962, which enabled better weather information and navigation for shipping and aeroplanes.  The first TV broadcast via satellite was in 1983, enabling live sporting events to be broadcast.  International telephone calls became easier, and digital communications enabled newpapers to share content between the UK and USA.  We now depend on satellites for banking, energy, transport, defence, weather, mobile phones, the internet, and many other things. A fascinating evening.  

February 2024 - Chiropractor Richard Southam

We thoroughly enjoyed our insight into the mysterious world of the chiropractor, thanks to Richard Southam, who has a practice in Dorchester.    He explained that chiropractic deals with the nervous system rather than the structure of the body, looking for imbalances within the system which can lead to a variety of health related issues such as back and shoulder pain and headaches.  After a full assessment, adjustments can help to realign the body to make it work more effectively and with a reduced level of symptoms.  Two brave volunteers took a turn on the couch so that Richard could demonstrate a basic assessment and indications of imbalances.  Asked for advice for three basic things that can improve our bodies, Richard suggested improving core and glute strength, improving posture and, above all, having fun!  An excellent evening.  https://www.aquae-sulis.co.uk

January 2024 - Resolutions & Games Night 

Part of the business meeting was a lively and informative discussion about the proposed Resolutions put forward by National Federation.  We discussed dental health matters, impacts of poor housing, gambling advertising, and improving outcomes for women in the criminal justice system and voted on which one we would like the NFWI to take forward.  Business was followed by a fun games evening.