Initiated by the 60th Anniversary of NWR, Buckhurst Hill & Woodford Green reunited some "old timers" as we call ourselves (going back forty years in some cases) and, having arranged a date in early March, we were pleased to be able to go ahead with our plans before the full  restrictions were put in place.  Most had moved away, but travelled to London for a very enjoyable lunch.  In the event, twelve were able to attend (some travelling long distances), and for those who couldn't make it, it was good to have been in touch again.  It inspired us to try and make this an annual event!

Please note that the office is currently closed due to the Corona virus but staff are continuing to work from home.  

We would appreciate if members could email the office if you have any questions This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alternatively you can leave a message on the office answerphone 01603 406767 and we can pick it up remotely.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Sam & Adelia

WhatsAppening, WhatsAppening ?

Confusion, chaos reign

I try to answer Maureen but

Kath interrupts again

From Canada to custard creams

Camels, change and crocus

Such abundance of the C word

Makes it very hard to focus

Kaiser Chiefs and croquet

Covens, haircuts will be fun

Clever curtains closing

Crosswords, colouring, cajun

I’ve a finger that’s arthritic

Which slows me down somewhat

I’m always getting left behind

Slow down, you rotten lot

The typos keep on coming

With gauge tees, mooing couse

The doves seem to be coping

But groping photo’s not allowed

It was late when Antje joined us

She couldn’t find the link

Connected to another line

Talking to herself we think

You can’t have your cake and eat it

It was virtual you see

And we also lacked a hostess

To make our cups of tea

That did not seem a problem

For in reality

Our ladies, safe behind their screens

Were sipping G&T

One by one we said Goodnight

And signed off for a rest

I so enjoyed my time with you

Bedale Ladies, you’re the best !

Written by Judith Brickwood, a member of Bedale group after their first WhatsApp meeting.  

Broadstone Afternoon members exercising and observing the isolation code! 

Here are some photos of our group’s Celebration Afternoon Tea at Lytham Hall on Diamond Day. The local press came, took photos and wrote two articles about us. We each had a goody bag containing a special memento which consisted of a tea light holder with our own commemorative transfers affixed. We proposed a toast to Maureen Nicol and a good time was had by all.

Women of the World

we see your life,

in a world of conflict,

pain and strife.

Women being wives,

we feel your pain,

trying to build towards

a life of gain.

Women being mothers,

we know your cry,

aiming, for your children,

for the best of life.

Women being strong,

we share your loss,

humiliation, degradation,

and the heart-felt cost.

Women being heard,

your voice is loud,

it can also be seen

through the dark, dark cloud.

Women of hope,

never give away

your pride, and the effort

towards a better day.

Women of the future,

work through this test,

to help you all

we’re doing our best.

The women here

have not forgotten you

and send strong support

for all that you do.

Nikki Bennett. Copyright

Some of Perth's members enjoying their monthly daytime event. In March 2020 they visited the Signet Library, Edinburgh where they had a tour and a meal which was arranged by one of the group members, herself a designated Writer to the Signet.

They coincidentally had member celebrating her birthday so she was presented with a wee cake

The Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet is the oldest legal society in the world. It is a private society of Scottish solicitors. The Society dates back to 1594 and is part of the College of Justice. Writers to the Signet originally had special privileges in relation to the drawing up of documents which required to be signeted, but these have disappeared and the Society is now an independent, non-regulatory association of solicitors, most of whom are based in Edinburgh.

The Signet Library is situated in the very heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, is the epitome of prestigious, Georgian elegance. Steeped in history, the building, with its Lower and Upper Libraries, was completed in 1822 in time for the celebrated visit to Edinburgh of King George IV, who described the Upper Library as “the finest drawing room in Europe”.

Bury St Edmunds group held a 'Bring an Object' meeting which always provides an opportunity to learn something and have a bit of a discussion.

Objects are deposited in a bag and then they are picked out one at a time and members try to work out what it is, what it's importance might be, and who it belongs to.

The tems shown are a cherished 'Brumas' toy bear, a St Thomas' hospital nurse's badge, a Lincoln Imp brooch, Fitzroy Storm Glass, butter curler, walking stick ferrule, Romanian egg ornament, Dorset button rings, and tiny metal sticks to draw peg numbers on a shooting party. Quite a mixture!

Celebrating 60 Years of NWR

The function took place at the Priory Street Centre York where almost 100 members attended

In the morning we heard about the history of diamonds and were able to see some beautiful examples.

At lunchtime a lovely meal was provided by the venue. After that, via the live link, it was good to actually see and hear from our founder Maureen Nicol.

In the afternoon we had a fabulous talk about Rebel Women, we heard about some specific women from the 19th century to the current day who were pioneers in their different ways. The talk was illustrated by some wonderful clothes from the time.

During the event members participated in quizzes and the day ended with tea and cake!

On Wednesday, our Bury St Edmunds group hosted an event at the Athenaeum to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the NWR, in tandem with around a dozen other events across the UK. What a lovely, memorable day we had!
130 members attended, representing 21 different groups in the Eastern Region.
Starting the morning with tea & coffee, we then moved into the ballroom to listen to very interesting talks from two entertaining speakers - Paul Stancliffe from the BTO and Catherine Buchanan from the Guildhall.
The three-course lunch was enjoyed hugely, and was followed by a successful (phew) live link to Birmingham for a recorded interview with Maureen Nichol and a sparkling toast to the NWR. Hooray!!

In the afternoon many members elected to go on organised tours of the Cathedral, Guildhall and Greene King Brewery, or to stay at the Athenaeum and take part in activities such as botanical art, attracting wildlife to your garden, spinning & weaving, and a talk on the women of Bury St Edmunds.
It took a lot of organising, and the committee probably collapsed on their respective sofas when they got home, but it really was worth it!!

Our group has  a new Interest sub-group of cinema lovers. The group recently enjoyed Little Women.  Anyone can propose a film and help the Cinema group coordinator organize the details.

This group is most frequently about cinema but we also enjoy attending live theatre, concerts and dance performances. The performances typically are within our Milton Keynes area but we also venture to nearby towns and cities.

Lytham St Annes group are to celebrate Diamond Day with a celebratory Afternoon Tea at our local Georgian manor house Lytham Hall.

Attached is a photo of a vintage bus trip to Lytham Hall that some of our members took a few weeks ago. The vehicle is a 1960s single decker Leyland Tiger Cub owned and driven by John Edwards (the husband of one of or members). The bus will be 60 years old this March 2020 so it was the perfect choice.

A Saga in a nutshell

Lively minded ladies, that is who we are

Finding fun and frienship in the NWR.

Researching topics of many diverse kinds

Laughing at our gaffes as we're broadening our minds.

Our association was started by a few

of stay at home Mother who had the idea to

Host meetings in their houses to enjoy a lively chat

Sharing views and ideas and starting something that

Led to home group meetings that spread out wide and far

And thus became the founding of NWR.

by Rosemary Crawford (Plympton NWR)

Here are our Celebration pages for NWR's Diamond Anniversary in 2020. They represent our members, our village and our reasons for joining the NWR.   

   JCE Pro

We held our annual Christmas party in mid-December. Fiona (our LO) and Ian hosted. There was the usual fabulous buffet and we enjoyed a lovely relaxed evening which included the customary quiz. All in all a lovely evening spent with friends enjoying good food and fun.

Completed Scrapbook examples from Hampshire

Before we break for the festive holidays we wanted to share with you these examples of completed anniversary Scrapbook pages which have kindly been shared by some groups in Hampshire.

 We hope that you will find these helpful and please do share with your groups.

Likewise if you have completed your pages and are desperate to show them off then please do email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - I'd love to share a few each month!

 Don't forget that you can also look at our Pinterest pages for more inspiration. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/nwrorguk/nwr-uk-2020-scrapbook-project

Grantham NWR displayed a Christmas Tree in the St Wulfram's Church biennial festival.  We chose a diamond theme in anticipation of next year's anniversary and added references to our own 40th anniversary. Well done to all the decorators.

This year the quiz was most enjoyable. We solved all the clues bar the internet one. We have made a stab aat that one. Thank you Battle and District.