Belles arrived at our December Meeting laden with Xmas Gifts for this year’s charity, Yours Sanctuary, as well as gifts for the Royal Surrey Hospital. On display was our wonderful ‘pom-pom’ Christmas Tree beautifully handmade by our Crafts and Laughs Group loaned to us for the evening before making it’s trip to St. Nicolas Church Bookham for the church’s annual display. The members ‘awarded’ our President the prestigious WI President’s Broach, in recognition of her acceptance of Presidency once again, heard about the works of our charity Yours Sanctuary from their Operations Manager, guest speaker Alex. The evening ended with a selection of Christmas Carols by Great Bookham Belles WI’s very own choir, The Decibelles, a Christmas raffle, festive mulled wine and goodies!
[sz-gplus-share size=”standard” align=”none” annotation=”none” /]
November 2017 Meeting
November saw our AGM monthly meeting and our President, Amanda Edge, agree to continue in her role, much to everyone’s delight! We also had the opportunity to learn the art of Iris Card Making from our very own committee member Jacky Steadman.
[huge_it_gallery id=”33″] [sz-gplus-share size=”standard” align=”none” annotation=”none” /]Belles Lose Sight of Shore
Special occasions are always started with a loud rendition of Jerusalem at the Belles and October being our 3rd birthday was reason to celebrate; it also brought us a very special speaker – Natalia Cohen.
Natalia Cohen was part of the first all-female team to row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean. With no rowing experience prior to applying, Natalia showed us how, with a positive mindset, a determined and aligned team, and a sense of humour, you can cross your own personal Pacific. She gave us a huge insight into the dramas, fear, issues and triumphs of the 6 women who completed this amazing feat.
There were gasps and laughs throughout her whole talk and she was such a fan of the Great Bookham Belles she didn’t want to leave!! There was plenty of time for Qs & As and refreshments including our number 3 birthday biscuits kindly made by Lesley Gilbert.
Natalia’s story has been shown as a documentary on Amazon prime called ‘Losing site of Shore’. It is certainly worth a watch!!
[sz-gplus-share size=”standard” align=”none” annotation=”none” /][huge_it_gallery id=”29″]From Toytown to Buckingham Palace
The hall was filled with laughter and tears and pure astonishment at John’s extraordinary career as a child actor, producer, director and playwright and now rescuer of abandoned or maltreated donkeys!
To Infinity and Beyond
Our Stellar Belles reached for the stars and succeeded in their mission for winning 1st prize at the Space Themed Bookham Village Day 2017 for best dressed stall »View Slideshow
Highclere Castle
Great Bookham Belles WI travelled in a full coach on the much anticipated trip to Highclere Castle otherwise known as Downton Abbey. »View Slideshow