j4lfriendship.com/West Midlands Women

J4L WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT THE BEACON RADIO CHARITY WALK

2011-04-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

On the 19th June Beacon radio have organised a charity walk.

PLEASE VISIT WWW.J4LFRIENDSHIP TO PARTAKE IN THIS EVENT WITH J4L

In aid of Promise Dreams –with a percentage of funds
also going to the Dudley and Wolverhampton Mayoral charities.

The Walk of the Black Country will take place on Sunday,
19^th June 2011
at 10am (the Registration desk will open at 8.30am on the day)
– depending on how quick you walk it should take between 2 ½ and
4 hours!

Starting the Walk from Himley Park at Himley Hall, Dudley.

Himley Hall is situated between Kingswinford and Wombourne.
The Hall is set amongst 180 acres of picturesque park and woodland
and includes a lake.

All the Walkers will set off from the Park and exit from the West Gate
– after the presenters have warmed everyone up from the Beacon stage!

The 10-mile walk will finish at Wolverhampton Racecourse in Dunstall,
Wolverhampton. At the finish line, everyone that takes
part will be presented with a medal and some freebies to celebrate
their achievement!

Everyone is free to stay here and relax after the Walk
– the Beacon presenters will be welcoming everyone back
and there’ll be plenty of food/drink and general merriment available!
Your friends and family are also welcome
to come here to support you across the finish line.

The Walk is FREE to enter
meaning that ALL the sponsorship money
will be going towards the charities.
Unlike many charity events
we’re not charging an entry / administration fee.

From Himley Park, we’ll be walking up the A449
(Stourbridge Rd), through Wombourne village,
back onto the Penn Road A449 towards the City centre.
We’ll walk around Wolverhampton ring road,
onto the Stafford Road (A449) to the Wolverhampton Racecourse.

The principal charity is Promise Dreams
with a percentage of funds also going to
the Dudley and Wolverhampton Mayoral charities
(information on these charities will appear
here when the new Mayors have been elected in May.

Promise Dreams is a registered children’s charity,
dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of seriously ill
and terminally ill children and their families.
Money raised will go to children who are seriously
or terminally ill to provide treatment,
help and support for both them and their families.

Whether the child would like a holiday,
a toy, medical treatment or equipment,
or even the chance to meet their favourite celebrity,
Promise Dreams is dedicated and committed to help.
10% of all funds raised will also be donated
to both the Dudley and Wolverhampton Mayoral charities.

We cannot do this without your help.
By supporting the charities and taking part in the Walk
of the Black Country you will be making a real difference
to the lives of local people across our region, when they need it .most.
Avia Women's A33 WalkiNG SHOE

j4l April 2011

2011-04-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone.

Well it has been great to meet some of the members on the events, You have especially liked the monthly meals. I enjoyed meeting up with you all on the 1st April.
I will be catching up with some of you nearer the end of the month for the surprise party ssssssshhhhhhhhh.

I hope you are all enjoying the j4l site and the events, please feel free to set up your own groups on the site and self organise for your area.

We have had a few members set up there own groups and i hope you will join in and support the groups on offer.

This year J4L would like your ideas for breaks away please just email me on j4lfriendship@yahoo.com.

what do you think to visiting

Centre parcs
Butlins adult weekends, they hold various weekends like 70s, 80s, 90s. Etc.

Well look forward to seeing you all next month for the meal.

Katrina

5th February 2011 Eurthymix tribute night

2011-02-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

This Saturday the j4l members are going to an eurythmix tribute night,

We had a fantastic crowd last year for this event. However i am afraid to say that this will be their last gig. As they are moving on to bigger and better things.

So it would be great to have the same turnout as last year if not more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3jhhESJGL8

Well what a fantastic turn out again for the j4l crowd. 11 in total and we sang and danced the night away to the great sounds of the band.

We had new members attend who loved the evening and the j4l members. Here are a few below.

A big welcome to Sonia & Wendy new j4l members. What a fab night!

We managed to get prime position in the Tardebigge

Al & Rach were really getting into the groove of it all !

Mel & Katrina were having a breather to pose for the cameras lol.

Dont look at me im shy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our lovely Rach the J4l mascot takes prize position on the window ledge

The band Fab night.

SEE you all again soon for the february walk.......

J4l

volunteers needed

2011-02-01T02:59:00.000-08:00

J4L are seeking volunteers to help maintain the website and the events . We need your help!
We need volunteers to help with

marketing /advertising
blog (maintaining the blog posts)
photography skills ( taking photos at some of the events) or for the website
computer skills for designing leaflets, feedback forms, surveys etc.
note taking and typing them up for j4l meetings
acting skills for the murder mystery weekends
organising skills to run an event ie arranging monthly meals or walks or anything else you would like to set up
leaflet and business cards distributed
word of mouth letting women know about the site and what we offer.

J4l site encourages members to form there own groups and arrange activities for other members.

So if you fancy a theatre group or a cinema group then just register on the site and visit the group section and create your group.

From there you can post nights out etc for other members to see.

The j4l team will also put it on our events section for all to see and join the group if it appeals to them.

J4l is a free womens site, however there is an administration charge for every event you attend to enable j4l to keep the site running.

We hope you will become a valued j4l volunteer and help to keep the site as successful as it has been over the last year.

J4l Team

NALGENE Tritan Grip-N-Gulp BPA-Free Water Bottle

Reflections on 2010

2010-12-22T06:29:00.000-08:00

Reflections on some notable highlights of j4l events 2010

Its been another fun packed year for j4l; and for me as the founder of the site I have met some wonderful and interesting women over the last year. Its great to see that we now have over 100 members now actively using the site facilities.

I realise how fulfilling my role is, when I see members enjoying and establishing friendships and personal growths. Even a few romances!!

The year seems to have flown by so quickly since our first cottage weekend back in Feb 2010.

We have seen a good attendance at the monthly meals and have all become gastronomic experts lol! Its been a great way to get to know people in a relaxed setting. I hope you all feel the same?

Sitting here now with the snow and the cold, makes me reflect upon the red hot day in the summer at Himley Hall. Having the sunrays beating down and enjoying our picnics whilst watching some of the j4l members sailing on the beginners course was a really enjoyable experience and a chance for us all to work on our suntans and amazingly no one capsized!!

Packed in throughout the year were:

Come dine with me meals;

Special congratulations to Rach for achieving her very first dinner party and to say you have
never cooked before you certainly have a great flair. We look forward to your next one.

golf days - from beginners to single figure players all joined in;
horse show of the year;
Blackpool weekend;
jewellery parties;
Wimbledon;
Bewdley rowing regatta;
self defense classes - run by a third dan member of j4l;
tennis and racketball days with our own resident national champion; and
live gigs special thanks to Roz for an excellent Annie Lennox tribute. We will see you in February.

Here are just a few pictures of some of the year's events.

One of the most memorable times of the year was the murder mystery weekend back in October. Everyone made their character come alive with a special twist of drama, flair and imagination.

So all that is left for me to say is a big thank you to each and everyone who makes this site a success, without you and your commitments j4l would not be the site it is today.

Hoping you have happy holiday's and festivities.

See you in the chat room over Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.

EURYTHMIX TRIBUTE NIGHT

2010-12-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

Well all,

The Eurythmix tribute band will be playing on the 5th Febuary 2011 at the

The Tardebigge Venue
Hewell Lane
Tardebigge, Redditch
B97 6QL

Come on lets get a crowd going again to this fantastic night. See the site for details.

Christmas Meal

2010-12-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

Well. What a lovely turn out for a christmas gathering at Harry's. 11 in total and what a fabulous night, it was great to see you all and Welcome to Lynn & Wendy new members of the site. Fun & laughter was had by all and the Indian food was lovely as always.

See you all for the drinks night on the 3rd January at the Lytellton Arms. Please see the site for more details.

WALES OCT 2010 MURDER MYSTERY WEEKEND

2010-11-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

Bumps and noises approached the cottage when night fell, pumpkins were lit to keep the ghouls at bay... The sea storm was bashing against the cliffs. Squeals could be heard echoing around us, Little did we know that when we entered Hotel Paradiso our fears would heighten and the noises would become louder, our teeth would be chattering and kneees knocking. None of us would be safe from the murdererrrrrrrrrr.
The Table was set for the spooky things too come!!!!!!

The Butler slowly went over the table setting to make sure all was well.....

Finally the scene was set as the time was fast approaching for the unsuspecting guests to arrive.

A nice glass of Bubbly should steady their nerves.....

Chocolate Bertrand looks very relaxed after a glass or two of the fine bubbly.....

"what was that" quick lets go and check on the others and see if they are all still feeling relaxed on this weird and knee trembling adventure......

Little Fitz hears a noise and jumps to his feet ahhh nothing to worry about its only my puppet Ziggy.....

How are the othersssssssssssss!!!!!!

Marchioness Duchamp must have heard something, she is out of her seat as fast as a poltergeist ahhh no sorry my mistake she has just ran out of fine wine and is after a refill off Mike Bison, she swoons over his muscles......

ahh here he is in the middle of the ladies of the night........ Yep you guessed he is a right thug, as rough as they come and as ignorant.....big drinker tooo by the looks of it..... Well if there are any strange scary moments i hope the ladies are not putting all their faith into Mike saving them.......And i mean what's a Dame doing sitting at the side of him, surely this is lowering her status, unless she likes a bit of rough and tumble........ to the right little innocent looking Maria Von Snapps.....Poor woman she doesnt stand a chance of fighting off Mike Bison if he drinks anymore and decides to make a pass.....Ahhh but wait here comes a true gentleman its Dr Sigmund Freud, he will save the ladies from this creature....Such a fine gentleman....

What is he contemplating Here???????? After all anyone would think their has been some Ghastly Murder!!!!!!!!!!

Chocolate Bertrand is astonished after all the Host Billy Bonka it seems has been Murdered!!!!!!!

The guests are terrified what has happened to Billy Bonka and are we all safe here at the so called Hotel Paradiso

Dame Barbara Carthorse in a panic runs for the Butler to keep her safe, MIke Bison is no where to be seen

Little Fitz has not got a clue what has happened, he lives in his own little world with Ziggy his friendly Puppet.............................

Maria Von Snapps is not amused and is pondering, Why the hell did i agree to come to this Spooky Hotel in the first place????????

Dr Doris Johnson sits there on hearing the news Smirking.........side ways glancing at the others, coming across very calm and collect.....but wait whats that knocking i can hear,,,,its her kneees mwahhhh.....

the characters are set and the scene is unfolding and the photo's are getting blurry as there has been too much fine wine consumed.......So lets look at who it could have been!!!!

Dame barbara Carthorse and Dr doris Johnson are trying to look busy so it couldnt have been them.....

Maria von snapps looks up astounded that anyone could think it was sweet little innocent.....

Dame Barbara Carthorse says she is too much of a Dame to do anything so outrageous as Murder....

Yet again Dr Doris Johnson Proclaims her innocence

Dr Sigmund Freud smirks at the lunacy of people thinking it could be him...

Mike Bison sits looking at his fists concentrating on his upcoming fight....

impossibla it was not i

and so the characters proclaim their innocence it is up to you to find out who dunnit!!!!

and so the Butler looks on and wonders who dunnit!!!!!

until the next time ...........What will become of the characters and still further who did actually do it......

MEAL OUT AT THAI DUSIT KINGSWINFORD

2010-09-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Well its that time of the month again, for our monthly meal out, im looking forward to meeting up with you all and having a good chin wag.
I know alot of you are getting excited about the murder mystery cottage weekend, and your all throwing yourselves into getting your characters costumes.(not long now ladies) Funny dickie bows, grand Tiaras and so forth. So i will see you all on the 11th September and get ready for the next lot of photo's of the evening.

I will also update you all on how my Reiki course went and will be looking for volunteers to practice on.

Katrina

Well we had a nice turn out of ladies for the meal, sorry i was not fully with you ladies, but you know how it is when you have been doing spiritual things all day. Im enjoying floating on my cloud.

Has you can see another good night had by all. some liked it at the Thai dusit and others did not, i have been to better Thai restaurants. so will keep you informed of the next adventure.

Oh yes its Carol's curry night......

reiki training

2010-08-25T01:56:00.000-07:00

Well finally i have done it...... I have enrolled on the first step of learning Reiki. I'm so excited i could burst. Form an orderly queue please for the practice sessions.

Start the 11th September so i will keep you updated with my step by step feelings on working towards becoming a master......

Well what can i say apart from had a fabulous time learning, my master opened me up to the 4 attunements over the weekends course.

I had a Reiki treatment and fell a sleep but hey it aligned my mind, body & spirit.

So the first day, we sat and talked about how Reiki came about. Then we practiced opening up the chakras through touch healing.

I was so tired after the first day and it was the group meal out, well i was away with the fairies, i was so relaxed i couldn't converse lol.

Roll on tom......

Well 2nd day was even more indepth and we did hands on heaing for most of the day and some meditation.

I am now a fully fledged Reiki level one yipeeeeeeeeeee

need 9 subjects and to do loads of self reiki....

picnic & sailing day at Himley

2010-08-15T02:40:00.000-07:00

Well, the picnic is packed, chairs and blanket. Rain coats ohhhh noooo let the sun shine please.

Dog is getting excited just waiting for the gang to arrive. I will update you on the fun and antics later and maybe some good photo's..............

Well the sailing went well no mishaps and plenty of fun fun fun... and water.....

Sue, Al & jax loved it. Shame i couldn't have a go, its like being a kid with a toy that you cannot play with... But i had fun with the camera.
We all had our picnics communal style, all bags emptied and food thrown into the centre for sharing, not literally i mention to add.
We had a lovely turn out 8 initially and then we had another 2 come along as they were friends of Wendy's.

Oh my The dogs loved it, Alfie was a little too over excited at first and Ruby was loving jumping on Alfie and saying hello as she had not seen him for a while, bless. Then Shaney a newcomer turned up, with Jen and Sue and the 3 dogs were well behaved for the rest of the day.

Characters were dished out for the October Murder mystery weekend, after all they have to prepare. Mary squealed with delight as she has to wear a ball gown and tiara and other lavish things, Carol asked if their were any Tart parts, bless her mmm let me think NOOOOOOO lol.

Al said that her character was the most unusual attire as she would have to get a dickie bow ANYYYYY one have one please OHHHH and a ventriloquist dummy if you have one laying around somewhere.
Not too hard a shop for ya then Al hey........

We sunbathed all afternoon having a good natter and a few giggles, chilling by the lake, How else are you going to spend a sunday i ask?

Till the next time ladies

See ya Sat night for more chatter and laughs...

Oh yes and dont forget Sue We now have the photo's to show that you need to smile more bless he he

photos will be added later mwahhhhhh

MONTHLY MEAL

2010-08-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic time we all had on the 7th August meal at the Rainbow Palace in Lye. 15 of us in total and it was great to meet up with some of the newbies .

I had a fabulous time meeting up with other women who are looking to extend their social circle. We all arrived for 7.30pm and were seated on a long table, thats the trouble when there are so many of you. No room on the round tables which i love as they have a giant lazy susie on them, but hey ho.

Sam and Claire arrive and Sam has brought her camera, fantastic and ohhh!!!!! flash just gone off in my eyes, yep i will take that as she has began her torrent of happy flashing. I so look forward to seeing those when there ready. Memories of a fabulous night and fabulous company.

And so the adventure began, how to get round chatting to all the women that were in attendance????? And so a plan was devised, ahh Sarah who was seated next to me has just gotten up from her seat to go to the other side of the table for a natter, and im off jumping into the seat. Move one accomplished.
The starters arrived which looked devine.

Starters eaten round two........
Whats that i see out of the corner of my eye......Sue has just gotten up to chat to some one and im off second move of the evening, done accomplished and im loving having the opportunity to chat to every one.
By this stage i am now in the middle of the table and i have managed to talk to nearly all of the people. Still no sign of the main course but luckily we are all enjoying having a chat that we barely notice!!!! until you feel that little nagging in your stomach and it progresses to a shouting match squealing at you, come on where's the food. How much longer have i got to wait?????? Well we are all still nattering our selves senseless or is that the swooning through lack of food.

Wait wait!!!!!!!ahhhhhhhhhhhhh here it is, well half of the peoples, they apologise and say they cook it fresh and they are trying to get them all out as fast as they can. Its 9pm by now and we are now focused on food and our stomachs yell at us.

The food was fantastic really tasty so well worth the wait. No one seemed to mind as we were all having such a lovely time. The Rice came in giant bowls that i thought were for 4 people, turns out NO its just for 2!!!!! oh my i will never eat all this no matter how hungry i am.

So the challenge begins at first unnoticed, but then we see Alison and Rach eating away looking at their stomachs, then back to the rice bowls which are still half full and their little cheeks like Hamsters. Finally ta da!!!!!!! it has vanished.... A work out on the Hamster wheel me thinks lol. Well done you two.....

The chatter continued none stop......and wait another seat becomes available, Carol has just gone to the loo, ahhhhhh my next move is with in sights, as she passes me i jump up and manage to get across to talk to the others that i had not managed to get too. Mission accomplished..... Ahhh time for a rest me thinks lol...I especially had fun playing musical chairs gabbing my way around the table, as others followed suit.

And so comes a draw to another great evening out, bring on the next chapter roll on the 11th September. This time we are trying out the Thai Dusit in Kingswinford.

MMMMM a once a month sunday lunch may also go down a treat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So keep checking in for the next exciting chapter........

looking forward to seeing the pictures Sam.

Katrina

J4L gets bloggy with it!

2010-08-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

My name is Katrina and I run the J4L www.j4lfriendship.com website. Don't ask me how I have achieved this being computer illiterate but all I can say is thank goodness for friendships!

I am not the most computer literate of people so you will have to bare with me as I get used to blogging! I hope you get to know me and the J4L gang a bit more as we go along and welcome your comments, views and/or any information that you would like to share about the West Midlands and events etc... that you think our group would enjoy.

I am in the middle of arranging another cottage weekend in Wales for October, this time A MURDER MYSTERY WEEKEND! I have yet to decide who dunnit or indeed who's going to get it with what but previous cottage weekends have given me some ideas! I have nearly decided who is what and am really looking forward to seeing the weird and whacky characters in their refinery!

Also being kept busy and very excited with my jewellery business as I have another rep for the Nottinghamshire region. Am hoping this year to get another rep for the Midlands and see lots more of my jewellery out there on the ladies. Chakra jewellery is really interesting and has even got me thinking about Reiki training.