WILS 2012 Programme

Tuesday 10th January. Sally Bee is living proof that appearances can be deceptive. Looking at this young and vibrant woman anyone would be forgiven for thinking that she is the picture of health. Tragically things are not as they seem. At the age of 36, Sally was in the prime of her life, she successfully juggled a career as a writer and TV presenter, as well as looking after her three young children. Her life seemed perfect.
 
Then in 2004 Sally suffered three major heart attacks in the space of only one week. Unbeknown to her she was born with a major heart defect that had the potential to kill her at any time. The main artery which feeds her heart had become entirely dissected (SCAD) With Sally’s life hanging in the balance, doctors asked her husband to come and say his final goodbye. It was a huge surprise to doctors when Sally managed to survive three precious hours, astonishingly she also survived until the next morning!
 
Six years on, Sally appears to be glowing with health. Unfortunately there is no medication that can ever cure her but in spite of this she tries to live her life to the full and be as healthy as she can possibly be. She is a big believer in living life actively and in not making a distinction between ‘tasty food’ and ‘healthy food’. Sally is nothing short of a miracle and continues to confound doctors’ expectations.
 
Sally is a the founder of the newly launched Precious Hearts Foundation and is a trained therapist giving regular talks to heart rehabilitation groups. She is also an NHS 'Expert Patient' having completed the expert patient programme through Stanford University, USA.

Tuesday 14th February. Marie Doris is a professional make up artist who has worked in the film industry for many years. Marie will be coming along to give is a master class in make up and offer a few amazing transformations.

Tuesday 13th March. Nestling in the foothills of the North Cotswolds, the eco-savvy Little Soap Company provides your skin with the richest, natural & most wholesome soap possible. Emma will be explaining how to make soap and she will show us the different additions that can go into natural soap to make it more luxurious. They have trusty old familiars as well as some new quirky blends and the opportunity to pamper your pet with their dog and small pet shampoo bar.

Tuesday 10th April. Liz is a contributing editor to Oz Clarke, journalist, writer and lecturer takes us to the “Cradle of wine making”; Bekka in the Lebanon. It is from here its forebears, the Phoenicians, took the vine throughout the Mediterranean. Where is Lebanon today? Learn how it has overcome the challenges of conflict to build back its glory. Learn about it’s new boom, its great well priced offerings. Overlay the evening with a taste and understanding of way in which the exquisite and complex Lebanon’s cuisine complements its wine to become an evocative middle eastern experience – an evening to remember, don't forget to book a taxi.

Tuesday 8th May. Charlotte will be offering us the opportunity to enjoy an introduction to laughter yoga. Did you know that being positive significantly increases your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, opens up your creative channels, fosters communication, makes you more attractive and invites fabulous fulfilling relationships? Charlotte’s mission is to bring all that enrichment and added value to your life, workplace and local community. Not only will she help you realise your current potential; she will bring you avenues of new possibility so your horizons just keep on extending.

Tuesday 14th August. John will be entertaining us with demonstrations of juggling and circus equipment as well as explaining their historical origins and development. John will be demonstrating juggling balls, juggling clubs, diabolo, spinning plates, poi, ribbon stick, juggling staff and more. This will of course include a bit of comedy along the way (you know John), and he will also, maybe bring one or two “dangerous items”.

Following the demonstration you will have the opportunity to have a go with any of the items and John will of course offer tuition.

Tuesday 11th September. Preparations are underway for the annual WI Lite Charity Fashion Show and Shopping Experience taking place at Stratford Civic Hall. Again we will have some of your favourite boutiques showcasing their Autumn and Winter collections in what promises to be a fantastic night out.

As well as getting a fashion fix, those attending will be able to indulge in retail therapy. Boutique retailers and independent craftspeople will be selling everything from jewellery and handbags to cupcakes and toiletries. If that’s not enough, there will also be a charity raffle with some great prizes.

Tuesday 9th October. October is the month that we make decisions - and this includes deciding who YOU want to see running WILS in 2013! So the early part of the evening is your opportunity to hear the committee's Annual Report, and be involved in electing the 2013 committee...

If you are fed up with buying expensive cards, this workshop is for you! Jessica will be showing us how to make a range of individual cards, using different card making techniques. Great materials to work with, you will be so pleased with the results you may never buy another card again.

Tuesday 11th December. Come along and make your own contemporary wreath for Christmas using fresh evergreens and all those lovely little extras. Katherine will supply the technical bits, frames, wire, foam etc for £4 and then you can either bring along your own foliage, ribbon and festive decorations or buy them from her on the night.