Crafty methods

6th October
Eleven of the local WI members spent the day learning how to cut glass and we all produced a frame for a mirror and a hanging mobile thing to catch the light wherever we chose to exhibit it.I must admit that I expected to need the first aid kit either immediately or in the days following the activity but the Health & Safety people would have been very relieved as we escaped accident-free.These craft schools are very enjoyable as everyone gets to know each other while taking part in a common project. The stumbling block is being able to find a meeting place which doesn't raise the cost beyond a reasonable level or indeed finding a hall not taken up by playgroups.This was our second craft session and both times we have had to hold them in private houses which is very pleasant for the guests but a bit daunting for the hostess.
8th October
This evening two of our members attended a meeting up at Emberton for the WI Press reporters. This event is one of two called by the Federation Press Officer which is a good idea as she is new to the job and this way members get to know her. The speaker was John Falding, a retired editor from the Financial Times.I think those attending would have liked more practical advice on writing their columns as most of them have built up or inherited good contacts with their local papers. There were a lot of different papers represented on our evening, stretching across all our county borders. We have always given reports rather than blatantly advertised forthcoming events which our Press Officer seemed to want us to do. However most local papers do not welcome advertising except as straightforward paid for advertising so we have always "sneaked" in forthcoming events. Also we did not see the point of passing our press reports through her for the papers, although we were quite willing to advise her of events planned. The Press Officer in history has been the link with WI Life and the national papers and local media so I don't know whether the WI reporters will be very happy or co-operate with this new idea.WI reporters are aware of the benefits of e-mail for photos for the newspapers and many are using this method to good effect. We were able to cite good examples of coverage as well as those which did nothing to enhance the WI image--and it was those that we hoped would be helped by the evening held.