JANUARY NEWSLETTER
Another year over and 2026 is looming! Am I the only one who feels the years are speeding up? But 2025 was a great one for us Gems during which we enjoyed each other’s company, did fun and interesting things together and were able to continue to support the charities and causes we value. The year finished up with a great party at the Woodman as well as many of our groups doing smaller Christmas celebrations.
Gems gifted around 46 boxes to the Potters Bar Foodbank.
Well done to all those involved.
At our December meeting members made some fabulous Christmas Wreaths.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​2026 promises to be another great year to us but I do have a sense that we could do with some fresh ideas. The Fun Day in the summer was not as well attended as we would have hoped, resulting in our not raising as much for our chosen charities as we would have hoped despite the hard work of our members.
We have enjoyed the hospitality of The Woodman for three years of Christmas parties and two years of barbeques, but I am hearing murmurs from members that a change of venue would be welcomed for the coming year. And, whilst Linda and team again organised a very successful quiz, I think perhaps that she would welcome a break this coming year? So, thinking caps on ladies please. We need new ideas for fund raising and celebratory events. Happy to hear all ideas and the wackier the better! Let’s make 2026 another fantastic year.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, fun and interesting year to come.
Laura
OUR NEXT ALL MEMBERS MEETING
Wednesday 14th January - 7pm​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​at Wyllyotts Centre (downstairs)
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Etta Stobs-Stobart
The Power of Natural Skincare and Beauty.
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​See you all there!
National Federation Resolution Shortlist 2025- 2026
Each year the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, of which we are of course a member, chooses a cause to support. The cause to be supported is chosen by the votes of all the members. Thus, we will be voting as to which cause Potters Bar Gems wishes the Nation Federation to support at our next All Members Meeting on the 14th January.
The shortlisted resolutions are:
Accessible public toilet facilities to promote dignity, health and social inclusion
1
Action on women’s homelessness
2
Every child needs a friend
3
Nearer to Nature
4
Love your Vulva – Self-checking is your best defence against vulval cancer
5
Further details on the Resolutions can be found at:
https://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/resolutions/nfwi-resolution-shortlist-2025-26
Please have a read and let's make sure our voices are heard
Future dates for your diary
TBA​
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Group Activity Updates - January
(Contact group leads for further info and bookings)
Art with Kathy – Various dates through the month organised with attendees
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Quiz - Cock o' the North - Mon 5th 7.30pm
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Mah Jong - Tues 6th 10am
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Tate Britain Visit (Turner & Constable) - Mon 12th - Arts & Exhibitions Group
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RBC book club - Thurs 15th - 2pm The Manor - Book Title "The Christmas Book Club"
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Monday book club - Mon 19th - 7.30pm to 9pm
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Quiz - Two Brewers - Tues 27th 6.30pm
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Walking group - TBA
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Cycling group - Every Sunday (weather permitting)- see Agnes
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Welcome Space - Every Tues - St John's 10.30am - see Barbara
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Knitting & Craft - Every Tues - St John's 2pm to 4pm
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Beading - Tues 6th & Thurs 8th - see Hilary
WI County Information Highlights - January
Federation
The WI has announced the Resolution Shortlist. Further details were in last months edition of WI Life. Further details above.
PB Gems will be voting for their preferred resolution at our All Members Meeting - Wednesday 14th January.
Also visit the Federation Website for News and Events:​​​​​​​
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VIA/Learning Hub
In February the WI Learning Hub is being changed and renamed as VIA. This is taking place in the hope of making accessing the learning resources easier for members.
Further details are on Page 32/33 of WI Life November/December edition.
Lets all consider making more use of the National WI learning resources!​​​​​
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