Category Archives: Uncategorized

Emma Lawton’s Inspirational Story – Our October 2026 Meeting

Writer, blogger and erstwhile graphic designer Emma Lawton came to talk to us for our October meeting. Emma was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 29 but in no way has she let that hold her back….. she spoke with incredible positivity about all the achievements and activities in her amazing life since then, including stand-up comedy, wild camping, sailing, writing, fund raising for Parkinson’s charities and even featured on an episode of the BBC programme Big Life Fix which you can watch here. In spite of ongoing treatment, including extensive back surgery, she continues to live a very busy and active life. She was a joy to listen to and a complete inspiration for us all.

Dancing with Dacre Morris – Our September 2026 Meeting

    Local Morris Dancing side, Dacre Morris, returned in September for their second visit to Lee Green WI. The musicians and dancers arrived resplendent in their red dresses, decorated with ribbons, bells and badges. After a brief talk about the history of morris dancing (despite it being historically a male pursuit, these days it’s… Continue reading

Falconwood WI’s Quiz – May 2026

A team from  Lee Green WI’s First Friday Friends took part in a quiz held by the newly formed Falconwood branch of the WI. “Well, we didn’t win but we didn’t come last either.  We saved our talents for the raffle where we won all the best prizes, including the last one, Sheila, a cuddly… Continue reading

A visit to the Old Bailey – September 2026

On Saturday 26th September, 29 members enjoyed a fascinating private guided tour of the Old Bailey, London’s famous Central Criminal Court. Our guide, Jay Patel, has worked within the court system for an impressive 47 years. His wealth of knowledge, combined with his engaging storytelling, brought the history of the Old Bailey to life. Along… Continue reading

Our Annual Summer Picnic – July 2026

For our Lee Green WI summer picnic this year, on Sunday 26th July, the forecast broke the trend as we didn’t have to worry about the possibility of it being rained off!  We enjoyed glorious sunshine, with fizz and cakes provided by the committee, and members sharing their delightful array of picnic snacks. We even… Continue reading

A visit to Lee Green Fire Station – September 2026

We visited Lee Green Fire Station on Saturday 5th September to learn more about fire safety and see behind the scenes.  We left feeling that we had a much better appreciation of how hard the firemen and women work and how difficult their job can be as well as a better understanding of how to… Continue reading

A Cardio Tennis Taster – July 2026

Perhaps inspired by some great tennis at Wimbledon, in July a group of us took to our own local courts in Manor House Gardens for a Cardio Tennis taster.  Cardio Tennis is a really fun way to exercise and hit a tennis ball (well … sometimes) at the same time.  Anyone can take part from… Continue reading

Influential Women in Lewisham – Our July 2026 Meeting

Becky Laxton-Bass joined us to talk about influential women of Lewisham.  Becky took us on a virtual tour of the Borough and picked out 14 women to talk about: Marie Louise Coidavid (1778-1851)  Born into a free black family, Marie Louise, married to Henri Christophe became Queen of Haiti after a monarchy was established following… Continue reading

A return to the dabchicks – July 2026

An intrepid group of our outdoor swimmers took to the water again in Beckenham Place Park on a lovely sunny and warm day.  We thoroughly enjoyed a refreshing dip in pleasantly warm water, swimming and chatting with friends – just how does Caroline swim and talk at the same time and manage to keep afloat?!… Continue reading

Tour of Modern Architecture on the Cator Estate – July 2026

Following her excellent talk to LGWI in June, local architect Ana Sutherland very kindly guided a group of 20 of us round some of the Blackheath Span estates featured in her talk.  The sunny Saturday morning weather showed off the local houses and communities at their best, and Ana was full of interesting facts and… Continue reading

Modern Architecture on the Cator Estate – Our June 2026 Meeting

For our June meeting we welcomed Ana Francisco Sutherland, architect and founder of Francisco Sutherland Architects based in Blackheath and Chair of the Blackheath Society. Ana became fascinated by the architectural history of Blackheath and the number of post-war buildings of architectural merit.  She soon discovered a network of collaborating practitioners living locally who had … Continue reading

Manor House Gardens Festival – June 2026

Sporting pinnies, a wonderful new gazebo, jolly bunting and a bountiful supply of cakes we had a great afternoon supporting the annual Manor House Gardens festival.  We had a lovely, not too hot day, and were kept busy all afternoon selling our cakes at this wonderful community event.  A big shout out to all those… Continue reading