Making time to Talk in March.

Good Morning Jam Gals, it’s JAM DAY!

I hope you are all well and prepared for tonight’s meeting “Bunny I’m Home!” which I will talk more about in a moment. However, first I just want to talk about last months meeting “Make Time for Tea” which was held on International Women’s Day in March. Which was quite appropriate really, considering.

You may know (if you are a regular reader of this Blog) education surrounding both women’s mental and physical health, is something that we feel very passionate about at LMJ – well that, and having a lot of Fun! Oh, and eating cake, eating cake is always good too! And thanks to the Amazing Julie Wells, armed with an abundance of awesome literature provided by The Eve Appeal, we had lots of very interesting and important facts flying about that night. We all took it in terns to read some of them out and there were a few that both surprised us, and sparked conversations, which of course, was the whole point! Literally being about ‘Making Time’ to talk about these things, together, dispelling both the myths and the stigma that surrounds gynaecological cancers.

So after the meeting I asked our members, on Facebook, for one or two facts that stood out to them from either the facts on the tables or that were read aloud. And whilst Mo’s was probably the most factual, Gills really made me laugh.

And on the night we certainly had lots of laughs, especially when the time came to play ‘Food or Fanny’

Of course, besides the chat and gorgeous cakes, we also managed to get in some #coughs ‘themed‘ crafting in…

and so if this was the practice…

…the aim was the possibility of achieving something like this….👇

And whilst there really was a few genuinely talented thread twisters amongst us, the reality on the other hand, was something quite different. I gave up after about 20 minutes. I was absolutely useless at it! With all the best will, AND practice in the world, there is no way I could produce something like this!

As I mentioned in the blog last month, The Eve Appeal is a UK-based charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for gynaecological cancers, including ovarian, womb, cervical, vaginal, and vulval cancers. It’s main aims are to improve early detection and treatment options while challenging taboos surrounding these diseases.

Through educational campaigns, fundraising events, and advocacy efforts, the Eve Appeal endeavours to empower and educate women to recognise the symptoms, seek medical help, and participate in research initiatives. By encouraging partnerships between researchers, healthcare professionals, and the public, the Eve Appeal’s goal is to reduce the impact of gynaecological cancers, ultimately saving lives and improving the quality of care for those affected.

So the long and the short of it ladies really is “DON’T Be A Diva, It’s ONLY a Beaver” so PLEASE, PLEASE Go & Get a Smear Test!

Ask Eve Information Service – If you have any concerns of your own, you can contact their nurse-led information service about any questions related to gynaecological health. You can call  on 0808 802 0019 (which is free to call from landlines and mobile phones) or get in touch via email at : nurse@eveappeal.org.uk.

Amazing April

April is amazing for many reasons. It marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, bringing new life and beautiful blooms. In addition, April often brings a sense of renewal and rejuvenation as the natural world awakens from its winter slumber. Many cultures and traditions also celebrate important holidays like Eater and Eid, and events during this month adding to its significance. Whether it’s the promise of warmer weather, the beauty of nature, or cultural festivities, April absolutely, in my eyes, lives up to its “Amazing” reputation. And is also World Autism Awareness Month

So, what can you expect from a LMJ April?

Well lets see shall we. We have already seen the first of the Hookers meetings, at The Westbury Tavern this month (more said about that in the new Sub Club ‘n’ Stuff Blog later in the month), and we have tonight’s meeting ‘Bunny I’m Home’.

Now unfortunately, it doesn’t actually feature live Bunnies 🐇🐰(as one member asked) but it will hopefully feature something else that’s smooth, appealing and also likely to give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside, CHOCOLATE!

April is also WI subs month. It’s £48 for the year and £23.60 if you’re a dual member. This works out at just £4 per meeting, with £2 of that going directly to Federation, and the other £2 going towards the fabulous Speakers and all materials needed for any crafting sessions. Which personally I think is Amazing value considering you get the WI life magazine thrown in and full access to ‘My WI’ a dedicated website for all WI members. Here you will find everything you will need to get the absolute most out of being a part of the WI (well that’s what it says in the blurb anyway). Unfortunately, if you are a dual member we don’t get to see a penny – as it all goes to the HQ Gods of Admin (Slightly unfair I feel, but that’s a subject for another blog!) Please use the details above to make your payment and don’t forget to use your name as a reference.

Other goings on in April

We have Jammy Hookers .2 on the 17th at Brindley Farm, times may vary depending on who’s meeting up for food – which I do think should qualify for a separate Sub Pub Club name in its own right – Vanessa ‘Queen of the Kitchen’ what do you think? Actual Hookers starts at 7.30 and here you can swap tips and tricks regarding all things Woolly, show off your latest WIP and generally put the ‘Unofficial WI’ word to rights (if you know, you know) 😏.

National Tea Day on Sunday the 21st

Your Committee meet up on Monday 22nd – if you are interested in becoming a committee member please ask any one of us for more details. The 22nd is also Earth Day, a day of education about environmental issues, and is celebrated as World Stationery Day and Jelly Bean Day – Who Knew!

The 23rd is of course St. Georges day, so why not celebrate that with a Macaron as it’s also National Macaron Day!

On the Last Tuesday, the 30th of the month, its the Jamanory Book Hub club who also meet at Brindley Farm, just a little later at 7.45 for an 8 o clock start. Unfortunate I will not be able to make this months meet up to talk about ‘The Long Form’ by Kate Briggs because I will be away reading said Long Form. Also up for discussion with be the BYO book ‘The History Man’ by Malcolm Bradbury which, sadly, cannot be purchased on Audible.

And Now on to some very sad news.

It is with great sadness and a very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished WI member, Hilda. Her warmth, wisdom, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her daughter Janet Royall and the entire family during this very sad and difficult time.

Janet please know you are in our hearts and if there is anything we can do to help in anyway at all please let us know. Sending much love.

The Jam Girls ❤️

Tonight’s meeting will be held, as usual at St John the Evangelist Community Hall, Loomer Road, Chesterton, ST5 7JS. At the usual time of 7.15 for a 7.30 start.