Wednesday 18th November 2015

Hi Everyone and Happy Diwali to all our friends.

It's been quite a time. In fact the last time a post was written was 29th July. Due to personal circumstances the website was put on hold.

TOG returned on the 9th September after a well earned summer break for the volunteers.

Lots of Artwork, Crafts, Jewellery, Poetry and socializing has been going on during this time. Far too much for me to write in this post. Jennifer prepares wonderful food week after week for us to indulge in, and Mary and Ann busy themselves in the kitchen. I feel worn out writing about it all.

CRAFT TABLE

We have been lucky enough to have Dorethea helping out with the crafts. This week she made the most beautiful Christmas Polish Stars. She used white paper and decorated the tips with blue sparkle. However they can also be made with left over Christmas paper, coloured paper or even old magazines and comics. Must confess they are tricky to make to begin with, but once you get the hang of it, it's a great sense of achievement.

We also did a group painting. We painted two large canvases which could be placed side by side to make a greater scene. It turned out very well.

WATER COLOUR CLASS

Jennifer worked with water colour and collage. I managed to grab one picture before everyone packed their work away.

JEWELLERY with Marilyn

As usual everyone wanted to make a piece of jewellery to take home for themselves or to give away as a present.

A picture of the Guitar Group making use of a TOG day to update their music books.

Angie has been coming every week giving Dance with Exercises classes to anyone who wants to join in. It's always a full afternoon and a mad rush to pack everything away ready for another day.

Keep a look out for our Christmas event!!!!

Patricia x

Info

Wednesday 29th July 2015

We had a great ' Summer Party '... Jennifer set out a beautiful buffet as usual and Ann treated us to lots of lovely fresh strawberries to go along with other sweet delights on the table.

The bunting that the craft group made the previous week was put to good use decorating the room, and the table decorations made by Dorethea were amazing.

At about 2pm the guitar group ' Don't Fret ' entertained everyone with a ' Rock-a-oke '. A term I heard used for singing a long with a band taken from the word ' Karaoke '. Everyone was given a booklet with all the songs that were to be played. There was no excuse for not joining in..... And everyone did !!!!

Nicola came sporting a lovely pink hat....Anita and Marilyn in the background.

Adam did us proud singing along to ' I'm the King of The Jungle ' from the film Jungle Book

Our choir master David got up to sing a couple of numbers with us. Rena also decided she would give it a go with a Rod Stewart number called ' Sailing '.

Hope everyone enjoyed themselves. Thanks to all of those who helped to make this day a success.

For those who read the weekly TOG blog keep a look out for the puzzles we are going to be putting up from time to time. There will be a small prize for first name out of the hat with the right answer/s. Listen out for details at our TOG meetings.

Next TOG will be on the 9th September.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 22nd July 2015

Hi Guys,

First lets show you the rest of the Fabric Printing from last weeks project. We simply ran out of time last week and were unable to print the final three. So here we have them for all to see.

Aren't they fab!!! So contemporary!!!

Here we are.... We have all eaten and just socialising for a bit before the Art and Craft sessions begin.

THE CRAFT TABLE

This week we were lucky enough to have a wonderful lady by the name of Dorethea come to work with us at the ' Craft Table '. She suggested making some bunting for next weeks ' Summer Event '. Here she is having a joke with Elaine.

THE WATERCOLOUR CLASS

Jennifer as usual helped us create some great work again.

Caught in the act!!! Rena the busy little bee !!! All work and no play....

ANGIE'S EXERCISE TO MUSIC AND DANCE

A great way to end the afternoon.

Next week we will be holding our Summer Event. The Guitar Group ' Don't Fret ' will be entertaining you.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 15th July 2015

Jennifer was unable to attend TOG this week, but still found time to prepare a beautiful meal for us. So thanks for that Jen. Hansa very kindly stepped at the last minute to the lay the wonderful spread on the Buffet Table for us to indulge.
Many thanks Hansa it would have been very difficult without your help.

It was Mary's turn in the kitchen so another thank-you is in order. Thanks Mary and Ann for keeping things ticking over.

And as we are about it. Thank-You Miguel for continuing to keep this website up to date. He works very hard behind the scenes

Everyone missed Jennifer's Watercolour Class. But as usual there is always something to keep us busy.

It was Joan's birthday so we gathered round the Poetry Table to sing ' Happy Birthday '. We gave her a card and everyone had a small slice of her cake.

MARILYN'S JEWELLERY TABLE

Marilyn and her team got stuck in and came up with some really nice bits today.

THE CRAFT TABLE

Today we tried out ' FABRIC PRINTING '.

Fabric Printing is such great fun. No artistic ability needed. So there's no excuse for anyone to say ' Can't do '. It can be as simple or as artistic as one would like. Everyone ends up with a great print.

A ' hand print ' isn't supposed to be perfect. If you want a perfect print head to the nearest computer and printer to produce something that won't give you the same amount of satisfaction.

All were pleased with their end results. The fabric was large enough to make up the front of a cushion cover.

As usual the afternoon ended with some exercise. Two sessions today. First Christiane took ' Tai Chi ' and then Angie had ' Exercise with Music and Dance '.

Hope everyone enjoyed a good rest after that exhausting half hour.

We have a guest ' Craft Lady' next week. Her name is Dorethea. I'm sure you will all make her welcome and enjoy working with her.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 8th July 2015

Seems ages since the last blog post. Hope all of you are well and enjoying the lovely weather. My son who lives in Spain says it's 40deg. in the day and calms down to 30deg. at night, so I guess we mustn't grumble too much when it gets hot here.

I am not going to write too much today as our work will tell all.

THE CRAFT TABLE

The craft chosen today was ' Silk Painting '. The hardest part is learning how to master the ' Resist Technique '. This involves using a type of paste which is piped onto the material either from a tube or a cone and is similar to icing a cake using a very fine tip. The fun part is painting the silk once the resist is dry. The paint moves on its own but will not go past the resist ( so long as the resist has been put on correctly ). As one can clearly see in some of the paintings below the paint has seeped through.

WATERCOLOURS with JENNIFER

' Sunflowers in Bloom ' What a wonderful choice on such a beautiful sunny day.

The painters picked up the brushes and did some great work here today. Jennifer as always on hand to give advice.

Here is what they were asked to paint. Aren't they a picture !!!

THE JEWELLERY TABLE

Just look at Marilyn so very happy in her work. Wish I'd had such a jolly teacher when I was at school.

These are gorgeous !!

THE SEWING TABLE

This table is busy most of the afternoon. Rena is so kind helping others to sew, make and mend. Do ask her advice. She is always there to help solve any sewing problems you may have.

At about 3.30pm every week we start packing away. But .... don't go home yet everyone as Angie holds a ' Dance and Exercise ' class till 4pm. So for those that want to please feel free to join in. It's so much fun.

So another Wednesday afternoon ends.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 17th June 2015

These Wednesdays seem to come round so fast. The summer is flying by.

It was great to be back after the two week break. Everyone seemed ready for another creative afternoon.

THE WATER COLOUR CLASS

Getting to grips with the techniques of watercolour. Jennifer guides her students as they learn this very enjoyable form of painting.

THE CRAFT TABLE

The theme today was ' Whimsical Art '. The picture is painted without much care or attention, and then drawn round quite carelessly with a black sharpie pen. One person said they enjoyed this very carefree form of art as they didn't usually feel as though they were ever good enough to paint a ' proper painting '. We used white plates as our canvas and porcelain paints.

THE SEWING TABLE being put to good use as usual.

THE KNITTING CIRCLE

Nicola and her team, knitting away madly. Slowly but surely the knitted squares are multiplying.

EXERCISE TO MUSIC & DANCE

Angie rounds up the afternoon with a good work-out. What fun !!!!

Get ready for another magical day next Wednesday same place, same time.

Thank You Naresh for being our photographer again.

Thank You Elaine for stepping in at the last minute to do the washing up.

Thank You Jayshree for helping us set up for the afternoon.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 27th May 2015

Another Wednesday enjoyed by all.

THE WELCOMING TABLE

Ann sets this table up every week. We sign in as we enter the room. Some people bring a little gift for the raffle we hold. Buying a ticket is not compulsory, but it does put a smile on your face when you win a prize.

Jennifer made us a truly wonderful lunch. Thank- you to those who paid their £2 into the ' Honesty Box '. It really means that we are able to continue with the afternoon' s activities and the food and drinks that are supplied.

CRAFT GROUP

The Craft Table was first to get going. Over to Naresh to tell you all about it.

The activity for the day was ' Painting by Numbers '. Trish very kindly had a framed sign to say that it was to be led by Naresh ! Thanks Trish !

The activity was to paint a picture which is divided into small areas with numbers. These depend on the colour that needs to be in that area. A picture too is provided for guidance. This is a very good way to start painting as it can be done by selecting a colour and ' filling ' all areas with the same number. So number ' 1 ' can be red ' 2 ' could be green and ' 3 ' may be blue. This is also defined/stated/given on the pre-painted picture. Unfortunately the containers of the paint supplied with the kits were dried up. This meant resorting to a spare store of acrylic paints.

All 10 of the kits were quickly grabbed by the enthusiastic painters who had taken their places before I had time to finish my lunch. It was such a surprise as I was worried about the interest in this simple way to paint. As the activity picked pace there was water tumblers,paints,paint brushes, tissues flying about. Some people had to be restrained from squeezing too much paint onto the paper plates for immediate use. Acrylic paint dries quickly. Oil paints in comparison take days to dry out. The paper plates with pea sizes paints were a sight in themselves.

THE ART CLASS

Jennifer's 3rd and final Charcoal Drawing Class. Really messy but a great deal of fun !!!! It's back to Watercolours when we return.

JEWELLERY GROUP

Marilyn's group is always so relaxing. She is so patient with everyone, and always seems to find the most colourful and unusual beads to work with.

THE SEWING TABLE

Rina giving Mez a few tips on the Sewing Machine. If you want to know how to replace a broken zip, shorten a pair of trousers or even make your own curtains we have our girl on hand to help out.

Angie rounded off the afternoon with her ' Dance and Exercise Class '
Great shame we never took any pictures. Must remember next time !!!

Sorry folks ' NO TOG ' for two weeks. We are back on the 17th June.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 20th May 2015

" The sun is out, the sky is blue, there's not a cloud to spoil the view.......but " I'd have to change the words of that song to carry on because they are a bit sad and miserable and we don't want that do we ??. Does anyone know which song those words belong to ???? First one out of the hat to answer the question correctly wins a prize !!!! Write it on a piece of paper and give it to me next TOG.

Mary was unable to be the washer-upper today but thanks to lovely Elaine she was able to step in. Told you we had a good team !!!

So, I suppose you would all like to see the results of our work this week.

The first person I met on arriving was Vernon. He gave me a beautiful poem he had written and wanted us to share.

THE ART TABLE

Jennifer wanted to carry on with the ' Techniques of Working with Charcoal ' from the previous week.

There's a definite improvement. These are real good !!!

Told you that they would be good !!! Well done to all those who took part.

THE JEWELLERY CLASS

Marilyn and Liz held the class today. Some exquisite ( Jayshree's words ) pieces to show you.

Who is this busy little bee ??

THE CRAFT TABLE

We hadn't done ' ZENTANGLE ' for a very long time. Somebody asked if we could do it again. In case you are wondering what it is.....Briefly it is ' Yoga for the Mind '. Concentrating on repeated patterns, which seem quite complicated at first glance And here is the result of today's workout.

The first three were done quite a while ago and were part of a demonstration. They have been on display at our ' Art Shows ' and have been stored in our ' Big Art Journal '. The others have been done today. It just shows what can be achieved from a few humble strokes of a pen.

Below. Today's work. My! My! Great effort !!!

And to wind up the afternoon....

ANGIE'S EXERCISE & DANCE GROUP TO MUSIC

Angie ended the afternoon with her exercise group. Hope everyone had a great afternoon !! Exhausted but ready to fight another day.....

Next TOG is on the 27th May. Better get our thinking caps on again for another fun afternoon.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 13th May 2015

There was lots of chit-chat around the table as we sat down to our lunch. Everyone had so much to say as we met at our weekly gathering. Jennifer was busy making sure that we all had plenty to eat and Elaine made herself useful clearing and doing the washing up. Ann always seems to do a bit of everything including welcoming new people to the group. All in all I think we have a good little team.

JENNIFER'S ART TABLE.

There was no Water Colour class today. Jennifer brought in some charcoal and here is the result of today's work. Some of these guys will have a go at anything it seems. Great work!!

THE KNITTING CIRCLE

Nicola got her team of knitters together.

Such beautiful coloured wool. We are learning all sorts of different patterns to knit on 15mm squares. I guess we will make something from them all when we get enough of them.

THEN CRAFT TABLE

Hansa led the Crafts today. She showed the crafters how to make colourful clay beads from ' Fimo Clay .' It's a real delight working with all these intense colours.

Below are the finished product. They had to be baked in an oven and then coated with a plastic varnish. Also small pots of the ' Fimo Clay '.

Marilyn's Jewellery Table

All very happy making their own jewellery.

A lovey delicate bracelet that was made today. But whose shoes are they ???

Ann went round with the raffle. Another little plant that was donated today. Lucky for me I won it..... It went straight into my garden when I got home. So pretty !!!

At the end of the afternoon Angie held a ' Dance and Exercise Class '.
It certainly turned out to be another busy TOG !!!

That's all for now folks. Thanks to Naresh for being today's photographer. Hope you are enjoying the wonderful weather we are having.

Patricia

Info

Wednesday 29th April 2015

It's been almost two weeks since the last TOG. I'd quite forgotten what we did.

Ah!! I remember now ......But first another poem. Written as usual by a very fine poet from the ' POETRY GROUP '

THE WATER COLOUR CLASS

Jennifer brought in some beautiful flowers to paint. She had picked them from her garden that morning. I remember thinking what glorious colours they were. What a difference Spring makes.

Caught in the act. Peggy is really into her artwork.

Madonna painted her drawing from last week.

THE CRAFT TABLE

Everyone wondered what we had in store when they came to the Craft Table today. No paints, pencils or paper. No scissors, cardbord or tape. Just a hardback book. Surely there had been a mistake!!!. Well we soon assured them not to run away but to stay and have a go at 'Book Folding'.

Here's what we come up with. This was just an introduction to what can be done. At a later date we hope to bring along a wonderful lady who can do some fantastic work with books. This is a great craft, and costs virtually nothing but time and concentration to achieve an amazing result.

As usual all worries put behind and just full concentration on their work. A couple of hours of bliss!!!