Wednesday 22nd April 2015

Jennifer was away and we had to pack up earlier than usual because the Church had a ' Korean Choir ' coming to do a show. However there was still a lot going on to keep us engaged.

The ' WATER COLOUR TABLE ' was left to its own devices, because of Jennifer's absence. But, a few people did their own thing. I managed to take pictures of a couple lovely painting before they were taken home..

Also this pencil drawing of Madonna & Child

THE JEWELLERY TABLE
Marilyn has so many beads. The jewellery table always have a lot of fun.

THE CRAFT TABLE.

These ladies are looking pretty busy.

We painted on white tiles today. The theme was a ' Beach Hut'. The idea is to cut and paste them on the computer to make a ' Beach Scene ' at some stage.

Well that was a lot of fun !!!

THE POETRY GROUP

Another beautiful poem written by one of the poetry group.

Have a good week. Next TOG is on the 29th of April. Please note that we ask you to contribute £2 per week to help keep the group running.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 15th April 2015

Hi Toggers. It was such a beautiful day. Temperatures reached 25 degrees. It almost seemed a shame to be indoors. But, it seems we can't help ourselves. We are becoming addicted to TOG. Sun... Rain... Snow... we can't seem to stay away!!!

The Craft Table

' PAINTING POTTERY '

We used acrylics to paint the pottery. A good find at a charity shop ( 9 small white vases ready to decorate ) found their way to our craft table today. It was a lot of fun painting a 3 dimensional object." A ' wee ' bit messy at times " as our friend Lisa would say. That kinda of talk rubs off on people. I couldn't help saying ' wee this' & ' wee that ' the rest of the day !!

This lot are so engrossed.

Finished and unfinished products. Sometimes we just run out of time.

THE JEWELLERY TABLE
Liz was here to help Marilyn today. She is very experienced, so its great when she is able to help out.

THE POETRY GROUP

Gloria on the right with Vernon and Sian.

I love this poem written by one of the Poetry Group. It was written a while ago when T.O.G. was in its infancy.

The Art Table

' MESSING WITH ACRYLICS '

ALL TOO SOON it was time to go home.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 8th April 2015

We decided to have a ' FUN DAY ' at TOG. We had to use the large hall so it seemed the ideal opportunity to try something different and give ourselves ( The Volunteers ) a little break from the usual ' Art and Craft ' work that we do.

After lunch and a good deal chit-chat we were introduced to Anjie's Dance and Exercise Class. It was different and a lot of fun. We exercised with music and she directed everyone through the steps. We are hoping that she will be able to come back and do another class with us.

Pictures of ANJIES ' DANCE & EXERCISE CLASS '. She managed to get quite a few people dancing and exercising to some lovely music.

It was a bit more energetic towards the end but these four kept going. Bet they slept well that night!!!.

Next, on the menu was a ' POETRY READING '

Vernon read the first Poem.

Sian read two Poems.

Jennifer's grand-daughter Anya also read two poems. She read very well and was definitely ' Star of the Day '.

At around 2.30 Hansa did a ' BINGO SESSION '. Any time we do Bingo the hall goes so quiet you can hear a pin drop. ' Funny That '. We didn't have great prizes but it was a bit of silly fun!!

Eyes Down!!!!! Two Little Ducks.... 22....Quack!! Quack!!....
My..my..such concentration.

The last hour was filled with a few different activities such as Badminton and Skittles.

The Guitar Group also held a ' GUITAR WORKSHOP '.

Then it was time to pack up and go home. How time flies!!!!!

We will be back doing our usual TOG next week. Have a good week!!!

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 25th March 2015

So.... are we all getting ready for the ' Easter Break ??? ' No... I hear somebody cry !!! Well today David and Neresh joined forces with a great ' Easter Project '

' Chocolate Easter Cakes ' and beautiful ' Easter Baskets '

Take a peek !! Over to Naresh to tell us all about it.

Easter Egg Basket with Cake Eggs ( or was it Egg Cakes? )

The ' Craft Activity ' at TOG was handed over to David and me ( Naresh ). The Easter holiday were near and to make the traditional Easter Egg Basket would be enjoyable by all.

The design by Patricia was flabbergasting simple. An A4 card/sheet just needed folding and sticking with double sided tape.

David led the group to make cakes without baking! Cakes without baking ? I hear you ask !

Yes, just melt some chocolate in a bowl and mix in your favourite cereal. Spoon into papercups ! and top with small Easter Eggs.

Now for the Easter Box. Folding the box was a bit tricky for some of the group. But all quickly learned to fold the card/sheet correctly, peel the double sided tape and stick together.

Corner by corner it took shape. Some of the group needed help with folding at the right spot. The card/sheet was pre-creased to make the project easier.

Once made the box was decorated with beautiful Easter papers and ribbons to match.

For those who missed out on today's project better luck next year !!!

Soooo...pretty !!!

Zara and Mez putting finishing touches to their version of the Easter Baskets.

Ranjan managed to finish her basket with and additional ribbon on the handle.

Another beautiful Easter Basket !!

The Watercolour Class

Nicola, Iris, Krisna, Hema and Sheenal enjoyed themselves at the Art Table. The pictures speak for themselves!!

Most of all it was such a joy to see some smiles from members of the group. Whatever activity they took part in today.

Happy Easter everyone !!!

The next TOG will be on the 8th April. We want to come back with a ' Just for Fun Afternoon '. Don't ask....we are just thinking about it now, any ideas welcomed.

Regards from David and Naresh

Info

Wednesday 18th March 2015

Hi Everyone,

Another ' Wonderfully Creative Day ' at TOG.

Naresh showed off his teaching skills again today and has written this entry to tell you all about the afternoon and art of ' ORIGAMI '

On Wednesday 18th the activity at the TOG took a turn towards the paper folding art of Origami, originating from Japan. A selection of simple designs were chosen to introduce the group to this relaxing art. A cat, a dog, a bear, a koala and a penguin were chosen due to popularity and ease of folding. Just the face part was to be created!

The instructions were on a single sheet of A4 paper and Origami paper of 6'' x 6'' (always square) were used. One of each of the dear creatures was created in paper for the beginners to see the finished face. The paper was multi-coloured with a light side and a darker side for better visual effect.

There were about ten people all waiting and wondering what this new thing was. Origami papers of various colours soon made the place look like the Indian spice bazaar. Some like Ranjan managed to get the hang of it quickly others needed help. The artistic talent was shown by those who drew the eyes and nose of the creature slightly differently to show and expression, raised eyebrows, upturned nose etc.

Some found accurate folding, edge to edge a bit of a struggle. The final result depended on accurate folding. Origami improves hand-eye co-ordination and concentration too. Soon the table was getting filled with cats and dogs of every colour in the rainbow. People do this in real life too -- colour their cats and dye their dogs!. Woof!

It was a good day for all in the group and the introduction to Origami ended with all excitedly commenting on the various pleasures derived from this activity.

Naresh

Jennifers Watercolour Class produced yet another beautiful array of paintings.

Hope you all enjoyed the display of ' Art and Craft ' again this week.

Next week David is going to show us how to make ' Non Bake Chocolate Muffins ' and Naresh is going to take us through making a beautiful ' Easter Box ' to put the muffins in. Can't wait !!!

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 11th March 2015

Another eventful afternoon at TOG. Nearly every week we seem to entice new faces to our group. Today was no exception.

It was quite an eventful afternoon. It was the Wednesday before ' Mother's Day Sunday '. We tried to make it special.

Everyone enjoyed the usual scrumptious buffet the Jennifer made. Her trifle is first class and goes within the first five minutes of being put out. Marilyn also treats us to bowls of fruit and other goodies. We are really spoilt and love every minute of it.

Elaine made some beautiful little hearts on the sewing machine and handed them out to people as a ' Mothers Day ' gift'. So sorry,... but seem to have lost a few pictures this week. My computer has been giving problems downloading.

Jennifer did some more work with the ' Water Colour Class '

Unfortunately we were unable to upload all the photo's we took this week. But here are some paintings that haven't been seen before. Done at TOG Pre - Website.

' Paint Magic ' was the theme of today's ' Craft Group '.. What is that ? you may ask. Tissue paper was swiped with acrylic paints. These pieces of multi-coloured tissue paper will be used to decoupage at a later date.

Morher's Day couldn't possibly go by without a special treat, so it was decided that we would bring back ' Nicola's Nail Bar ' . Feels so good to be pampered now and again !!!!

At about 3pm everyone was treated to a rather unique ' Mother's Day Card ' and a ' Bag of Sweets '. A lot of thought and work was done to prepare these wonderful gifts.

You may well ask who did this good turn. I have been told to keep it a secret. So my lips are sealed. But a big thank you goes out to ...........from us all.

Everyone seemed to go home with a big smile on their face. I wonder why !!!!

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 25th February 2015

Two weeks away from TOG was almost too much too bear for some, and it was good to be back again enjoying each others company.

Jayshree came early to help organize the room, and also to help Jennifer lay out the buffet. I think it is her special role now as she has been helping for quite some time. Thank-You dear Jayshree !! You even do it with a lovely smile !!

After greeting one another and catching up on the last couple of weeks we sat down to the wonderful meal that Jennifer prepared for us. She makes us feel so welcome.

Talking about WELCOME..... I have received a beautiful poem from one of our Toggers about TOG.

Take a look at some more of Angela's poetry in ' GALLERIES '

' The Poetry Group' Vernon, Ann and Sian retreated to a quiet corner to read.

Five lovely paintings from Jennifer's group

' Marilyn's Jewellery Group '

Rena busy repairing a garment on the sewing machine.

Our new Knitting Circle led by Elaine

Now it's over and out to our stand in ' Art &Craft Instructor' Mr Naresh Lathia.

Look in the ' Galleries ' for more of these ' Elephant Clocks '. Designed and created by the ' Art & Craft Team '

We'd all had a break from TOGs for a fortnight so everyone was rearing to get going with the activity of the day. The group enjoyed the painting flags of nations on hardboard cut outs of an elephant, on Wednesday.

Since a pure white paint was not to hand an Apricot colour was settled for. When dry all the elephants looked 'pink' and were ready to 'fly' off. But hang on this was not going to be possible till the flags were painted on. So the group was set to work as they all did enthusiastically choosing the flags to paint depending on personal preferences. Jayshree chose the flag of India, Lisa said Switzerland was for her, David braved it with USA, Nicola liked the French Tricolour, Karen said it was the Union Jack for her and so on.

The tables were laid out with brushes of all sizes and shapes. Acrylic tubes of paint added colour to the pre-printed flags, on A4 sheets, to paint from. No diplomat should be offended if we got the colour slightly incorrect to their National Standard.

Brushes, glasses of water to washes the brushes, masking tape, tracing paper etc. were flying left right and centre for the next hour or so as all got busy. Some brush strokes went smoothly laying the paint on others dabbed it on for special effects while one even tried to create a weave pattern from the brush strokes. The cups of water, to wash the brushes, were soon resembling messy cups of tea and coffee, reminding me of green tea and black coffee.

People were seen running in and out of the Ladies and Gents. It was later discovered they were drying the paint under the air dryers, to finish before anyone else. Thanks so much to Brian who gave a hand with drilling the holes in the centre of each flag/elephant. Bless him! The clock mechanisms were kindly fitted to each flag/elephant by Lisa, with very deft hands.

There were some 12 happy faces, in the group altogether, as they got something to take home with them today. It was something they had made themselves. It was something that they can hang in their living room to show others the sign of their achievement. A very proud day for this dirty dozen, but dirty only with the odd blob of paint they might have accidentally spilt.

Yes, we each had a flag to fly (if not the pink elephant). As for the time, well we are still wondering where that flew! And now I too must fly and allow you a rest from all the 'flies'.

Written by Naresh Lathia

Next TOG will be on the 11th March ( so it's going to be very close to ' Mothers Day ' lets get on our thinking hats ).

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 28th January 2015

Towards the end of our splendid lunch we decided to have a discussion about the forthcoming General Election and how our benefits would be affected. Ann decided to take on the role as ' Chair ' because people had plenty to say and were talking over one another. But on the whole it was quite a healthy debate without getting heated and out of control. Jennifer finished the session by going through a couple of other news items from the days newspaper. After that it was back to business!!

Don't exactly know what was happening at the sewing machine. But it seemed that our Caretaker was having a very busy afternoon working on it. With the help of Rena he's becoming quite an expert.

Marilyn's Jewellery Group were very engaged when we took this photo !!

Some of the work done today. Pretty pastel colours !!

As you can see Jennifer had a full table again. The Water Colour Class is very popular. I cannot believe how many talented artists we have in TOG.

Four paintings rescued before the artists took them home.

And finally ' The Art of Calligraphy ' was the theme of today's ' Art and Craft Group.'

Samples of the ' Art of Calligraphy '. Looks easy, but it's a difficult technique to master. Well done everyone for giving it a go !!

TOG was very well attended today. There was plenty going on to keep everyone occupied, including our weekly raffle with some very nice prizes. Hope everyone enjoyed themselves. Know I did !!

Just before I go. Just who is this in the kitchen ? Why it's our very own Elaine enjoying the role she was born for !! Only kidding. In actual fact Elaine loves to participate in the various activities we do. But.. today she offered to do the washing and clearing up. Thanks a lot Elaine. Its a very important job, and not everyone wants to do it when there are so many other fun things going on.

Lastly, sorry to disappoint, but the next TOG won't be till 25th of Feb. What surprises will we have in store !! Come along a find out.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 21st January 2015

Hi everyone !
Hope everyone is managing to stay warm in this cold spell.

I thought you might like to hear some feed back we had concerning the
' Gourmet Bird Treats ' that we made on our first week back at TOG. One of my neighbours has a large Avery in her garden. So, I gave her a few of the ' Gourmet Bird Treats ' that we made for her birds. I also sent her a note on a hand printed card made by Nicola Swan. She sent Nicola and myself a letter back.

"Dear Patricia, How kind of you to give me the bird treats. You must have been told how much I love wildlife. I will be freezing when I do my R.S.P.B. ' Bird Count ' later on this month as I will do one in Oxhey Park as well as the garden. Hope to see you soon and feel free to tell me more about the charity. Best Wishes Madeline and my feathered friends."

"Dear Nicola, thank you for your card. You are very clever, it is beautiful. I love doves and it looks very happy while it is flying. I have given you a couple of felt flowers to add to your next card. Best Wishes Madeline"

Now for a glimpse at what we got up to this week.

First things first. After tucking into our lunch I couldn't wait to try out the ' Cooked Pears in Cinnamon Sauce ' that Jennifer made for us. If I could have, I would have had it all to myself. It was simply delicious.

WATER COLOUR CLASS

Naresh concentrating on his artwork.

This lady came to observe our group, but joined in instead.

JEWELLERY GROUP

Marilyn working on a bracelet.

Marilyn teaching someone how to make a necklace.

ART & CRAFT GROUP

We did some more hand printing today.

Vernon's Dolphin

Louise's Bird

It was Jennifer's birthday. Yong Shik & Marilyn doing the honours

Looks like Leonard & Laura are enjoying themselves !!

We have many more pieces of art & craft ready to be displayed in ' The Gallery ' . Keep a look out !!

Today was yet another lovely, leisurely, lively, lifting afternoon.

Info

Wednesday 14th January 2015

Happy New Year all ye Toggers. It was really weird writing 2015. What on earth happened to 2014. It went by in a flash!

Today on arrival we were ushered to the big hall. Always a bit worrying if only a handful of people turn up. But as it turned out, a good number of people did decide to show up.

Jennifer spoilt us once again. We sat down to a lovely lunch accompanied by lots of leftover chocolates and other treats from Christmas. Yum..Yum.

It was good to see everyone again, meet new comers and catch up on the past weeks.

Jennifer's Water Colour Class was well attended. We didn't managed to get any photos of the days work, so the work displayed today are pieces that have been in a folder from a previous week. I thought it was a good chance to put them up today.

Very Reminiscent of a Van Gogh Sue.

Margaret has painted a scene of tranquility here. The colours blend together so well.

The Jewellery Class. Liz came to help Marilyn today. It's always great when Liz comes. She has a lot of experience. She makes and sells some of her own jewellery at various events. I managed to take a picture of a beautiful necklace she made for someone rather special. All Hush! Hush! for now.

The Craft Class was inspired by ' Bird Life ' this week. As we all know the birds have a hard time this time of the year feeding themselves, so we made some Bird Treats. ' Gourmet Bird Treats ' to be precise. We made a total of 66 treats.Those birds are going to have a ball !!

This print was taken from an original drawn by my father Preston Wilson when he was 15 years old. It seemed just the right picture accompany today's project.

Birds can eat a whole host of ingredients. So we ransacked the kitchen cupboards and came up with a host of products to use in our ' Gourmet Bird Treats '.

Here's what we had on the table -:

Bird Seeds & Gelatin dissolved into Hot Water.

Semolina - Chick Pea Flour - Fine Cornmeal - Plain Flour & Rice Flour.

Wheatabix & Porriage Oat Mix - Peanut, Almond & Crushed Eggshell Mix.

Honey, Peanut Butter, Mixed Dried Fruit & Mixed Dried Peel.

Everyone taking part made 6 ' Gourmet Bird Treats ' .

Everyone had to use 2 Mugs of Bird Seed and a Pkt of Gelatin dissolved in Hot Water. After that it was up to the individual to make up their own recipe with any of the ingredients on the table. It was a lot of fun and quite an interesting project.

We set the Gourmet Bird Treats in muffin tins. String was attached to allow the treats to hang.

O.K. I know it's not a REAL bird. But every time I went to take a shot of real ones they wouldn't oblige and flew away.

Hope everyone enjoyed our first TOG of 2015 ! Patricia

Info