Pearly Queen at our September meeting

Gwen Jones, who has been the Pearly Queen of Greenwich since 2011, was our speaker at our September monthly meeting. Gwen Jones was a lovely warm character who explained what it means to be a Pearly Queen, which includes lots of charity work and upholding the traditions of the working class Cockney culture. She tested our proficiency in Cockney rhyming slang, explained the designs on her unique handmade outfit covered in thousands of handmade pearl buttons, and shared newspaper cuttings. It was a fascinating evening!

Cocktail Party

We had a wonderful party in Maxine’s garden which was all decked out with lights. There were free-flowing cocktails and non-alcholic fruit drink, while guests brought an amazing variety of delicious dishes.

Picnic July 2006

We had our annual picnic on 14th July at Catford Cricket & Sports Club. There was an amazing variety of food and drinks available at the bar. We sat outside in the warm summer’s evening and had a laugh and a chat.

Charlie Chaplin Walk

On 14th March a group of us joined our guide, Robert Coleman (in Charlie Chaplin costume) for a wander around Kennington to see the places which were significant to Charlie Chaplin in his early life. We saw the last surviving building in the Lambeth Workhouse, Charlie, his mother and brother, Sidney, stayed when they were thrown out by his father. We saw the house where they lived when his mother emerged from the workhouse and the house where they lived with his father when his mum was incarcerated in an Asylum. We learned where he was taught to tap dance by his uncle and saw the scenes and characters which he reproduced on a film lot in California in later life. We heard of the life long relationship that Charlie had with his older and younger brothers and the care they took of their mother after her battles with mental health.

March 2026 meeting

At our March meeting Caroline showed us how to make useful booklets complete with a handy pocket. Some beautiful samples were produced. Our refreshments were provided by Julia to celebrate her birthday, thank you!

February Wellness

At our February meeting we had a presentation by Georgia Bennett, a personal trainer and wellness coach. She spoke about the importance of hydration and sleeping well as well as tips for improving muscle mass and balance.

Houses of Parliament

In early February we went on a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. Our very knowledgeable guide showed us the magnificent Westminster Hall where some monarchs have lain in state and another was condemned to death. We saw the House of Commons, Central Lobby and the voting lobbies, most could not be photographed!

Canary Wharf Winter Lights Trail

Audrey, Max and Kay went for a wander around the unusual lights trail at Canary Wharf…not at all put off by the weather!

St Bartholomew's Hospital

In early January a group of us visited the newly restored Great Hall and Hogarth Stair at Bart’s Hospital. Fascinating to see the lists of the benefactors of the hospital and to learn the history of the hospital which was founded in 1123 and is oldest hospital in the UK still operating on it’s original site.

Lullingstone

Our annual Christmas walk and lunch at the Lullingstone Visitor Centre was immeasurably improved by the beautiful weather. The last of our Christmas celebrations for 2025

Christmas Party

An absolute feast was provided for our Christmas Party. We had a singalong of Christmas Songs accompanied by Baz Golin and good old fashioned party games. Merry Christmas to all at Catford WI!

Christmas Lights

On November 26th a group of us took a stroll around all the beautiful Christmas lights in the west end of London. The city always looks extraordinary at this time of year.

November Craft Evening

At our November evening, our member, Chris, showed us how to make Christmas decorations by folding books. All members were able to produce beautiful results!

All The President's Women

In October we produced our second Murder Mystery Evening. Written and directed by Kay, we were joined again by our friends from the College Park Players. A fun evening was had by cast and audience alike….who knew the WI was such a dangerous place!

Votes for Women Walk

A group of us joined a wonderful walk with Maria from Herstorical Tours around the sites of significance in the fight for women’s suffrage. Beginning at the statue of Millicent Garrett Fawcett, the leader of the Suffragists through to the Old Bailey the scene of the trials of the militant Suffragettes.

A Catford Cocktail Evening

On Saturday 16th of August, Max kindly hosted an evening of Cocktails in her garden. Lots of our members came along to enjoy delicious, and often non alcoholic, cocktails.

The Foundling Museum

The 28th June saw a group of our members visit the Foundling Museum in Brunswick Square. The museum is close to the site of the original buildings of the Foundling Hospital founded in the 1730’s by a merchant named Thomas Coram who was distressed by the number of abandoned and neglected children in London. Among the early supporters of the hospital was Handel whose Messiah had it’s London debut as a fundraiser for the charity.