Arts and Leisure Activities
Arts and Leisure Activities
 Formerly known as 'Leisure Activities' our remit now encompasses all the areas of 'the arts', including the performing arts, visual arts and literary arts, as well as sports and leisure activities. This means that one minute we could be planning a trip to a museum or stately home, and the next we could be working on a dance workshop or even a gliding day. |
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| 2024 Committee | ||
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| Sandra Barker (Chairman) | Gilly Plumb | Sue Birrell |
| Helen Hall | Deborah Hampshire | Paula Park |
Regular Activities
The Bridge Club meets regularly on a Wednesday morning at Evelyn Suffield House and holds Bridge Days twice a year.
The Mah Jong Club meets every fortnight on a Tuesday afternoon, also at ESH.
Future Activities
The following activities are planned over the next few months. More will be added once dates etc., are confirmed.
| Proposed Date/Period | Activity | Location |
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21st June (South Coach) | Hampton Court trip A day out at one of the former Royal Palaces. Includes a 2 hour private tour of the Palace and free access to the gardens. | Transport from Norwich and various stops, south of the City. |
28th June (North Coach) | Hampton Court trip A day out at one of the former Royal Palaces. Includes a 2 hour private tour of the Palace and free access to the gardens. | Transport from Fakenham and various stops in the West of the County |
| 30th August (reserve day 20th September)  | Gliding Day You asked for more, so we've listened, and you can once again reach for the sky, with additions to the experience this year | Norfolk Gliding Club Tibenham Airfield |
Monday 2nd September (photo from Pexels website) | Poetry and Prosecco Afternoon Once again we will be hosting an afternoon of poetry to celebrate National Poetry Day. There will naturally be cake and fizz, and the chance to read/listen and discuss a selection of poems including, it is hoped, the winner of the 'I have a dream' poetry competition | Evelyn Suffield House Norwich |
Thursday 12th September photo by kind permission of Luke Miller | Fitness, Food and Fun A full day event. In the morning Luke Miller (pictured), freshly returned from the Strictly Come Dancing tour, will lead us in a dancing/fitness session. Enjoy a healthy lunch, before relaxing, and have some fun in the afternoon singing workshop with Stephen Amer | The Poppy Centre Stalham |
Thursday 10th October (photo from Pexels website) | Dry Ski Slope Tubing Well, if we can take to the skies, we can also take to the slopes. If you've ever fancied traversing the slopes in what is effectively a huge rubber doughnut, then now is your chance. Whilst it cannot be guaranteed that you will end up facing the right way, you will have fun trying. For those less adventurous there is always the Apres Ski.......... | Norfolk Snowsports Club, Norwich Dri-Ski Slope. Trowse, Norwich |
Proposed Future Activities
The following activities are still in the planning stages, so there is no guarantee that they will be taking place, but keep a look out for more information: Darts Evening, WI Members only Workshops at the Theatre Royal, Broads Paddle Boat Trip with afternoon tea.
Darts Tournament
The next season of the Darts Tournament will run from March to September 2024. The final is booked at Hethersett Sports and Social Club, NR9 3DB on Tuesday 22nd October 2024.
See flyer for more info and application form Darts Tournament 2024
Whist, Tea and Cake - Thursday 18th July 2024
Come and have a fun morning playing Whist with tea and cake, at ESH 10.30am - 1.30pm apply here
Poetry Competition - to celebrate National Poetry Day
Closing date Monday 2nd September 2024. The theme is 'I have a Dream' more details here
Past Activities
May 2024 Murder Mystery Evening at South Wootton
 (photo credit Hilary Franzen) | A murder most foul took place on the 15th May in South Wootton, and it was up to an audience of local sleuths, from a somewhat interesting collection of suspects, to deduce who was responsible. The clues, alibis and motives were there but needed to be analysed during a supper, prepared by local WI members. However, just when the majority thought they knew who the murderer was, there was a final plot twist, as is often the case with such plays. The murderer was revealed and justice served. The top detective was Jenny Harrigan from Downham Market WI, who managed to correctly work out, both who did it and how (photo of Jenny with her prize) It was a very entertaining evening with excellent performances from all the cast. It has since come to light that there is an alternative ending to the play, so maybe there will be another chance to solve a murder in the future. |
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February 2024 Victoria and Albert Museum Visit
 | Arts & Leisure activities can take us outside of the County on trips which are usually well subscribed. A trip down to the capital was no exception, with 89 ladies (some of who were up well before dawn) taking two coaches, to see not just the special exhibition, with costumes from various musicals, but also a chance to see what else the museum had to offer. If the clothing displays weren't enough, there was also some very beautiful jewellery pieces. Even those who went along with the aim of just having a day out were impressed. |
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2023 Gliding Days
 | There were a few sceptics who thought this event would never prove popular, let alone 'take off' (literally for some) as well as it did. It took some planning (12 months to be exact), but ultimately it did prove that Norfolk WI ladies are clearly willing try anything, given half a chance. In fact it proved so popular plans are afoot for more of the same for 2024. |
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2023 Darts Tournament
 | The darts tournament once again proved to be a hard fought competition, with 14 teams aiming to be crowned the Norfolk Federation winners for 2023. With just 5 teams left standing at the oche by October, it was a case of who would prove to be the most accurate on the night. Four matches later (a play-off was needed between Surlingham WI and Coltishall & Horstead WI), with Briston & Melton Constable WI coming out as the worthy winners for 2023. |
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The committee continues to look out for new and exciting ways to entertain fellow members.
As well as the regular outings and activities, to places of interest, the Committee also arranges the annual Federation holidays.
We are always open to new ideas and suggestions from members across the Federation. if you have any ideas please pass them to the Federation Office for our consideration. With your assistance we can add new pursuits as well as old favourites to the calendar.