Following the next Brigsteer WI meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 April, our speaker for the evening will be Dr Caroline Eames on "Forensic Science - Fact not Fiction" at 8pm. This promises to be a very interesting talk on a fascinating subject.
Dr Eames' experience spans over 30 years from starting as a forensic scientist with the Home Office to her present role as Senior Forensic Reporting Scientist with Cellmark Forensic Services, Lancaster. Many aspects of forensic science will no doubt be covered, from the careful recovery and analysis of samples from crime scenes (Dr Eames has attended more than 350 in her career) to the constantly improving methods through new and complex science leading to the proof required for a conviction.
Visitors and prospective new members are very welcome to attend the talk at 8pm (admission £3).

​Unfortunately Zoe Gilby has tested positive for covid so the event on Thursday 17th March is cancelled. We have been offered a new date of 12th May and will let you know once it is confirmed. Anybody who has booked via the website will receive a refund.

Our speaker this month is Paul Waterhouse, Cumbria Wildlife Trust Southern Reserves Officer, who has experience in osprey conservation as well as nature reserve management. His talk is entitled "Foulshaw Moss Ospreys", particularly appropriate for March as the birds are expected to return towards the end of the month. It was fascinating to watch the progress of last year's three chicks on the webcam before the birds migrated to their warmer winter grounds in early autumn. The same parent birds have been returning to our local Foulshaw Moss for the past nine years.
Visitors and prospective new members are welcome to attend the talk at 8pm.
​

Brigsteer WI's next meeting is on Wednesday 9 February when our speaker at 8pm will be Sandra Gold-Wood of Sedbergh.
Sandra and her supporters are campaigning to establish a memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum to honour the Canary Girls of both world wars. Her presentation provides a vivid illustrated history of these female munitions workers. Over two million women worked in two hundred munitions factories across Britain in both world wars, working twelve hour shifts in very dangerous conditions with highly toxic and volatile chemicals which dyed their skin and hair yellow, hence the nickname "Canary Girls". Explosions were common, many died and many were maimed and scarred. The memorial campaign is gathering public support and Sandra will describe her work so far and her efforts to achieve charitable status for the Canary Girls.
More information can be found at www.canary-girls.com, including a Radio Cumbria interview.
​Prospective new members and visitors from Brigsteer are welcome to attend the talk at 8pm.

I am pleased to announce that we have secured another willow weaving workshop in Brigsteer village hall.  Steve and Simone from Willowpool designs will run a one day workshop giving us an  opportunity to make some plant supports, otherwise known as wigwams or pea ones. These can be used to help support sweet peas and climbing plants or put over tall growing perennials like delphiniums.
People will learn to make their own structure using fresh and soaked willow and different weaving techniques. Everyone should be able to take home two wigwams.
​www.willowpooldesigns.co.uk/

Brigsteer WI's first meeting of the New Year is on Wednesday 12 January.
We are most fortunate to have David Hall, Manager of Blackwell Sailing, to launch our Speakers Programme for 2022. He has been directing this local charity for many years and will be retiring at the end of this month. Blackwell Sailing was established in 1993 to enable local people with disabilities to enjoy sailing on Windermere. David's illustrated talk will include the history and work of the charity and the many participants including volunteers for the past three decades.
This will be an Open Meeting, when visitors are welcome to attend the talk at 8pm at the Village Hall. Donations £3 appreciated.

The Brigsteer WI 2022 programme is now available to view here

​Sadly, not enough people have expressed interest in attending the ceilidh to make it a worthwhile event, and because of that, and the seemingly worsening covid situation, we have regretfully decided to cancel it. 

I would be interested to hear from people who have attended previous ceilidhs as to why they were not interested in this one, and whether they might be interested in future.

Dear all, we have had greetings cards made picturing the wall hanging in the village hall. 
There are two slightly different designs, both blank inside. Size is 14.5 x 10.5 cm with envelopes.
They are for sale individually at £2.50 or five cards for £10. They could be used as  Christmas cards.  
If you would like to buy, message me on 
07849 916167 & we can sort out delivery & payment.
​Shelly

Tickets have sold well but we still have some availability for this excellent Highlights Christmas show on Friday 10 December at the village hall. 
Please come along if you can. If you’d like to come you need to book in advance and you can do so via the    Highlights North website  (their preferred option) or email me, Shelley, to:    Savyshells@gmail.com
We are licensed for this show, and we’ll be offering a table service with a  smile. (cash only). 
Hope you can make it.

Brigsteer WI cordially invites non-members of the village to a talk by Jane Cooper about her childhood in the village during the 60s & 70s, including anecdotes about people, places and events and illustrated with a power point presentation including some of her father's film footage. The talk is due to commence at 8.00pm following our monthly meeting and promises to be a most interesting evening for everyone, especially recent residents in the village. We look forward to welcoming visitors. Refreshments will be provided. Donations (recommended £3) much appreciated.

We still have tickets for the excellent theatre performance by the Elysium Theatre Group entitled ‘Hello & Goodbye’. This is at the hall on Sunday, 7th November so not long to go. If you are free that evening pls come along & support both the hall & the arts. Tickets can be booked through the Highlights website, which is:
https://highlightsnorth.co.uk/
Go to the What’s On section & select Hello & Goodbye & then select the Brigsteer Hall booking button.
Contact us if you’re having trouble booking!

Hi
If you’re a Fan of the Highlights events we regularly put on at the hall, you’ll love the two we have lined up for this winter…..
On November 7th we have the Elysium theatre group & the production is ‘Hello and Goodbye’ and then on 10 December we have The Opera Dudes & their show ‘Swing Song Merrily On High’ which will put you in the mood for Christmas!
Both shows can now be booked via the Highlights webpage. The link is:
https://highlightsnorth.co.uk