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/