July Newsletter (From Kefalonia)

View all photos on the front page of the website or @sheffforgewi on Instagram

Meeting Roundup

At last month’s meeting Sarah, one of the 3 CEOs at Heeley CityFarm accompanied by The Financial Director visited us andbriefly talked about the history of the farm. The rest of the meeting was given over to a social activity ‘Speed dating The Forge Style’. This gave our members an opportunity to mix and get to know each other a little more in a structured way. It was a very lively and noisy time with everyone talking to eachother. Afterwards most members said that they had enjoyed the experience, however some people found it a little daunting.

Next meeting: Wednesday 2 July will be chaired by Gill who will introduce Lucy, a local book illustrator who will tell us about her work as an illustrator and you will have the chance to have a go at doing a pen illustration of some botanicals.

NB: Please bring a Flower or greenery you think you could draw.

View all future meetings

Cake Rota

• Caroline Robinson

• Mavis Carter

• Mary Gwinnell

• Nicola Czuczman

NB: If you are unable to come on the day and are on the cake rota, please let Jan/Carolyn know asap.

Charity Fundraiser

Saturday 21 June 12pm - 4 pmThank you to Nicola, Madeline, Liz, Margaret and Maviswho came to help Carolyn & Jan set up and man the stall at Heeley City Farm Festival, also Pat who came to help pack away.

Thanks also to our bakers Jan, Carolyn, Madeline, Jenny, Pat, Mavis, Viv and Margaret without whom we would have not had a profitable stall! I am glad to say that despite a lower than average turn out we managed to raise £145.90, including a £5 donation from Heather in lieu of baking, as she has no kitchen at present! all the proceeds will be given to Heeley City Farm as our first donation. Well done all involved!

Next Fund Raisers Sunday 20 July 12 - 4pm (Set up 10.15 - 11.30 all cars must be off site by 11.30)

Sunday 24 August (time to be confirmed) Laycocks Day

At both events we will be selling cakes, bakes and makes as usual, also maybe a tombola.

At Laycocks Day we will also run a raffle.NB: At our July meeting we will be asking people to sign up for donations of baking, preserves etc, along with donations of tombola prizes/bottles and raffle prizes.

There will also be signing sheets to sign up to volunteer to help set up and man the stall for both events.

The money raised from these events will largely go to increase funds for The Forge WI.A further donation will be made to Heeley City Farm later in the Year after all this years fundraising events have taken place.

Craft Corner

Thank you to everyone who has knitted any little hats or made bobbles The Big Knit for Age UK. The campaign has run over 2years instead of the usual 1 year. We have made 283 little hats! Each little hat will raise 30p when sold on a smoothie bottle in theshops. Very well done to all our knitters!

We can now continue with ongoing projects making baby blankets for Sheffield BLISS appeal, trauma bears or Jan’s characters forSheffield family court or even start making things to sell at the Christmas markets! You do not have to come to knit and natter meetings to join in with our charity knitting, contact Jan for patterns etc for our WIPs.

Next meeting: Friday 4 July - 1.30 pm - Jenny Monday 7 July - 7.30 Robin Hood Pub Millhouses.Friday 18 July - 1.30pm - Heather

Monday 21 July - 7.30 Robin Hood Pub Millhouses

NB: If anyone needs to know the location of a meeting please contact Jan either by text oremail.

If you enjoy crafting of any type you are most welcome to join us, or if you don't want to craft just come for a relaxing afternoon/evening chat!.

All Craft and Natter dates for 2025 are now published on the Events Calendar on the front page of The Forge website

Book Group

This month’s book was The Poison Garden by LJ Ross. Most people thought that it was an OK book, but those who were familiar with her writing and had really enjoyed her previous books were somewhat disappointed with this latest edition. Those people who had not read any of the previous books found it a more difficult read,

because they did not know the back story of the characters. However several people have since read some of her earlier work and did enjoy those. The book rated 6.5.

Books and jigsaw puzzle swaps are available at monthly meetings for a donation of £1.

Next meeting: Wednesday 18 June 7.30 Laycocks - We solve Murders - Richard Osman

Book Group meetings - 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm at Laycocks Sports Club. For full details see Upcoming Books

Social Events

As Social Events have grown we have decided to give them their own space rather than overload the general monthly news roundup. These updates will be emailed as necessary.

In the meantime, be prepared and complete the online Social Events Declaration form that must be filled in by anyone wishing to take part in an event. The Declaration can be completed online (you'll find it on the members page), or alternatively it can be completed during a monthly meeting.

For future events see Upcoming Social Events book online or at the Social Events Desk

Charity

Now that the festival is over we will be contacting Sarah to plan some group visits. For those who would like to have a guided tour of the farm during July, August or September. Please register your interest by signing up at the July meeting

Have your say

If you have any thoughts or ideas you'd like to share or suggest please use the Contact Us form so we can follow it up.