Leith SWI

This is our diary of events from October 2026 to September 2027. Please note that if there are any changes to these events we will update the diary here and send out emails/WhatsApp.

It was Leiths AGM last night with our VIP guest speaker - Diane Cooper. The night started with our President, Susan, giving a run down of all the places we had been, the crafts we had tried and talks we had had over the last year. When she highlighted how much we had done over the year it was mighty impressive! Susan also thanked the committee for all their hard work and then, most importantly, cut the cake. Diane then gave a really insightful talk about her work as our CEO over her first 100 days, quite an eye opener to us all. From the relocation to the new premises, the organisation of items found in Heriot Row, streamlining central office, connections made and new partnerships formed to take the SWI forward. The future looks good for us all.

What a creative night the lovely ladies from Leith had last night. Led by Leith SWI member Allison, we all managed to make fabulous notebooks using Allisons instructions on book binding. It was a bit tricky however we all seemed to get a finished item. Allison was so well prepared with kits for everyone - a big thank you to her for guiding us through the process 👏👏👏

On Tuesday Karen from Musselburgh SWI came along and showed us how to make jewellery from sea glass. Talk about recycling, this is recycling at its best. The sea glass came in so many colours and shapes that it was difficult even to decide how to start but, under Karen's instructions, start we did and end up with some lovely pieces of jewellery. I can see that a walk along a beach will now turn into a sea glass hunt for many of us in the future.

Last night we were off to Sth Queensferry for a visit to the RNLI. The visit started with a talk from Maggie Quayle who spoke with enthusiasm about the work of the RNLI - she told us where the lifeboats are stationed around the UK and, more importantly, how many lives have been saved. We then moved on to the business end - we got to go on the boat! We were told all about the different jobs done on the boat, all so interesting. A fascinating insight to the work of the volunteers who put their lives on the line to save others.

The ladies of Leith SWI had an interesting and entertaining talk last night. Our guest speaker, Lesley, brought along her circular sock machine. It all looked very complicated however Lesley talked us through all the bits and pieces. She also told us the history of the machines and how she became interested after seeing a quick demonstration of one on Countryfile. We saw a sock being knitted and even a heel being turned - all very impressive. Lesley then gave us all a go on the machine, how very brave of her but we didn't break anything. A brilliant night was had by all.

We were being very environmentally conscious at our meeting last night - we were making Beeswax food wraps. Allison had kits with the Beeswax pellet and material all ready for us. She also gave us tips on how to save money by either buying cotton items at a charity shop or using cotton clothing that might have been thrown out, she did emphasise that the material must be clean or washed before use! We set to work with our irons by melting the wax pellets and letting them dry and then they were all ready to go. Good work everyone and thank you to Allison for leading the session.

Leith SWI went for a very local visit to the Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre, it's a 2 minute walk from our usual meeting place and I'm sure many of us didn't know it existed. We were met by 2 of the committee members who told us all about the history of the building, it was a bank and fell into ruin until the Hindu community came together in the 1980s and made the building into the beautiful place that it is now. There are sculptured images of deities which are beautiful and we were told about the stories behind each deity. We were given such a warm welcome by everyone we met and all of us throughly enjoyed the visit.

Last night the ladies from Leith took their lives in their hands as we attempted Needle Felting. We all had kits to make up and were helped by Dalbir and Jane as we stabbed the wool into submission. Every kit should come with a free packet of plasters as there were a few 'ouchy' moments, the minute your concentration slipped so did the needle (straight into fingers!). It was a fun night as you can see with all the smiley faces at the end.

What else would the ladies from Leith SWI be doing on a Tuesday night but playing (or trying to play) Petanque at the Inverleith Petanque club. It was a glorious night, sunny and warm and filled with laughter. Armed with our boules we endeavoured to get closest to the jack - yes the jack was that small! We had 3 lovely members of the Petanque club helping us understand the rules and to help some of us out with our throwing aims. It was really a fabulous night and I think a few of us found out that they were really good at it. If anyone fancies a go, contact https://inverleithpetanque.co.uk/