2nd November
Tonight was the time for the local WI to hold its annual meeting and there was a good attendance. Some members do not enjoy this meeting so think of other things to do. If they intend to try to escape being assigned duties in helping to run the WI, they have another think coming! We always catch up with them and this year with a slightly smaller committee there will be no hiding place. The review of the year is always interesting and never ceases to amaze me at what we manage to achieve within the 12 months. We have increased our membership, attended lots of out of town events and done well in competitions.Some reservations were expressed on parts of the recent fundraiser but so what: in 8 years there is room for a slight blip and anyway the majority enjoyed themselves.The various sections continue to flourish so there are plenty of opportunities to share different interests, whether it be craft or badminton, reading or walking, discussion or becoming a lady who lunches.A few of us are getting together to take part in the local church Christmas Tree Festival which at the moment seems to involve a lot of cut and paste and collecting toilet roll cardboard centres but I am sure will look quite professional in the end.
What did you think of the last issue of WI Life? It was the one that focussed on the history of the WI. I read it from cover to cover and thought it was really interesting. It would be worth making a visit to the Women's Library to examine some of the exhibits. It was pleasing to see our BFWI archivist mentioned and of course you may read about our history in Bucks if you go on to the BFWI website. This website is in the process of being revitalised so keep your eyes open for when it launches in its new format.
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Poetry and dance
22nd October
After about a year's planning the local WI held its annual fund-raiser, an international evening concentrating on dance.We were delighted to welcome 92 people from different organisations in the town as well as members from neighbouring WIs.We bought in fish and chip suppers but provided home-made desserts. The Indian dancing performed by Geet Kala's little troupe was very good but it was the Morris Dancers who stole the show.I think we could all appreciate the steps and timing with their sticks far better when seen up on a stage rather than on the village green.The reggae singing was interesting but we would have liked more story-telling from the Caribbean compere.The hall looked good and there was an attractive display of Indian materials and jewellery for the audience to look at during the interval.The guests seemed to have enjoyed themselves so when the dust has settled we will start to plan another different event for next year.
The morning's Daily Telegraph featured the WI on the front page where our National Chairman was complaining that there are not enough women in the Cabinet to stand up for women's concerns.This is especially disappointing to the WI because our campaigns, such as combatting violence in the home, need Government support.I think we agree that we want the best and most honest people to be Cabinet Ministers whatever their politics or sex. However, to expect half its members to be women is unrealistic: the pool of women MPs from which these must come, is so much smaller than the male so the standard would have to be skewed to do this.What we should be going for is more women becoming MPs and that cannot happen until childcare facilities and care of the elderly are both improved to free women to think of entering politics.For many years this has been the aim of NFWI for more women to become parish councillors, town councillors and magistrates and so work their way into Parliament.The ability is there: it is the time that is lacking.
11th October
Our WI Book Group met this afternoon and because of a slight hiccup in planning we had all taken home different books to read---not the usual "set" book. Several different novels by Jodi Piccoult and some poetry selections from Carol Ann Duffy, Andrew Motion, Seamus Heaney and Roger McGough were the objects for discussion.Some readers found Jodi Piccoult's books rather upsetting to read.Even when they knew that the author always dealt with a controversial social issue, they didn't want to get so involved with the problem but felt compelled to carry on reading which is a mark of her success as a writer, I suppose. We wondered how the poetry would work out in the Group but it was a great success. We picked out favourite poems and read some of them aloud. We even considered how different the writing of verse had become since we were schoolchildren. How much easier it was to learn poetry in our youth and how it sticks in one's memory down the years.The real mark of success was that some of the readers intend to borrow the poetry from the library and to buy some for Christmas presents. Perhaps we ought to do it again.
After about a year's planning the local WI held its annual fund-raiser, an international evening concentrating on dance.We were delighted to welcome 92 people from different organisations in the town as well as members from neighbouring WIs.We bought in fish and chip suppers but provided home-made desserts. The Indian dancing performed by Geet Kala's little troupe was very good but it was the Morris Dancers who stole the show.I think we could all appreciate the steps and timing with their sticks far better when seen up on a stage rather than on the village green.The reggae singing was interesting but we would have liked more story-telling from the Caribbean compere.The hall looked good and there was an attractive display of Indian materials and jewellery for the audience to look at during the interval.The guests seemed to have enjoyed themselves so when the dust has settled we will start to plan another different event for next year.
The morning's Daily Telegraph featured the WI on the front page where our National Chairman was complaining that there are not enough women in the Cabinet to stand up for women's concerns.This is especially disappointing to the WI because our campaigns, such as combatting violence in the home, need Government support.I think we agree that we want the best and most honest people to be Cabinet Ministers whatever their politics or sex. However, to expect half its members to be women is unrealistic: the pool of women MPs from which these must come, is so much smaller than the male so the standard would have to be skewed to do this.What we should be going for is more women becoming MPs and that cannot happen until childcare facilities and care of the elderly are both improved to free women to think of entering politics.For many years this has been the aim of NFWI for more women to become parish councillors, town councillors and magistrates and so work their way into Parliament.The ability is there: it is the time that is lacking.
11th October
Our WI Book Group met this afternoon and because of a slight hiccup in planning we had all taken home different books to read---not the usual "set" book. Several different novels by Jodi Piccoult and some poetry selections from Carol Ann Duffy, Andrew Motion, Seamus Heaney and Roger McGough were the objects for discussion.Some readers found Jodi Piccoult's books rather upsetting to read.Even when they knew that the author always dealt with a controversial social issue, they didn't want to get so involved with the problem but felt compelled to carry on reading which is a mark of her success as a writer, I suppose. We wondered how the poetry would work out in the Group but it was a great success. We picked out favourite poems and read some of them aloud. We even considered how different the writing of verse had become since we were schoolchildren. How much easier it was to learn poetry in our youth and how it sticks in one's memory down the years.The real mark of success was that some of the readers intend to borrow the poetry from the library and to buy some for Christmas presents. Perhaps we ought to do it again.
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
History on hand
10th October
This evening about 20 of our local WI members joined with others from the surrounding WIs for a Group Meeting. We are very fortunate in this area that we are still able to find a volunteer Group Convener to arrange two meetings a year and, doubly so because she also organises an outing in the summer. We heard that many groups have ceased to function because no one thinks she has the time to act in this way which is a pity.Clubbed together we can afford more expensive speakers although cost is not always a good yardstick for judging performance. It is also a chance for the members who cannot attend the larger meetings to mix with other WI members. Actually the one criticism I had of last night's get-together was that we sat around tables designated to our own WIs rather than mixed up but there was fraternization during the refreshment break.
The speaker was Mary Forlenza who talked about the wide topic of "Women". She gave an amusing well-constructed talk which everyone enjoyed. The female subjects whom she used to illustrate the changes in recent history which have most affected women were interesting and she very diplomatically ended with Adelaide Hoodless the founder of the WI. It was a very good meeting with lots of talk and an excellent selection of refreshments.
5th October
The local WI meeting tonight was very interesting. We entered the hall to see a machine made of wood and brass which would have graced the bridge of an ocean-going private yacht. It turned out to be a change of the century magic lantern projector which had been lovingly restored by the speaker. The members then enjoyed a demonstration of moving pictures and cartoons:some of these were historically significant in their own right, others were amusing and some I'm afraid we recognised were early examples of advertising. It is good to hear of enthusiasts about the country who make sure that historic items and interests do not disappear from memory in this throw-away society of today.
Talking of history did you see that a new account of the WI has been published recently? "A Force to be Reckoned with" by Jane Robinson is a history of the WI movement which has had quite good reviews, except for the title. I am sure the author could have thought of a better one than that.If you are a keen or new WI member it might make a nice present or reserve it through your local library which should make sure it is bought for stock.
There seems to be a wide range of events coming up this autumn so a lot of the meeting was taken up with reports and plans for the future and, of course, arrangements for the Christmas Dinner. Already? Where did 2011 go?
1st October
The SSAFA organisation held a public event in the town to advertise the wealth of activities available for "oldies" so naturally it asked the WI to participate! Having explained yet again that we were not a senior citizens' gathering, we agreed to have a publicity stand because obviously we will welcome new members whatever their age. It was a very successful event and we stand to gain at least 2 new members who are moving to the town but we didn't ask their age.A lot of interest was shown in our display and in a way it made up for not having a tent at the Winslow Show this year.
This evening about 20 of our local WI members joined with others from the surrounding WIs for a Group Meeting. We are very fortunate in this area that we are still able to find a volunteer Group Convener to arrange two meetings a year and, doubly so because she also organises an outing in the summer. We heard that many groups have ceased to function because no one thinks she has the time to act in this way which is a pity.Clubbed together we can afford more expensive speakers although cost is not always a good yardstick for judging performance. It is also a chance for the members who cannot attend the larger meetings to mix with other WI members. Actually the one criticism I had of last night's get-together was that we sat around tables designated to our own WIs rather than mixed up but there was fraternization during the refreshment break.
The speaker was Mary Forlenza who talked about the wide topic of "Women". She gave an amusing well-constructed talk which everyone enjoyed. The female subjects whom she used to illustrate the changes in recent history which have most affected women were interesting and she very diplomatically ended with Adelaide Hoodless the founder of the WI. It was a very good meeting with lots of talk and an excellent selection of refreshments.
5th October
The local WI meeting tonight was very interesting. We entered the hall to see a machine made of wood and brass which would have graced the bridge of an ocean-going private yacht. It turned out to be a change of the century magic lantern projector which had been lovingly restored by the speaker. The members then enjoyed a demonstration of moving pictures and cartoons:some of these were historically significant in their own right, others were amusing and some I'm afraid we recognised were early examples of advertising. It is good to hear of enthusiasts about the country who make sure that historic items and interests do not disappear from memory in this throw-away society of today.
Talking of history did you see that a new account of the WI has been published recently? "A Force to be Reckoned with" by Jane Robinson is a history of the WI movement which has had quite good reviews, except for the title. I am sure the author could have thought of a better one than that.If you are a keen or new WI member it might make a nice present or reserve it through your local library which should make sure it is bought for stock.
There seems to be a wide range of events coming up this autumn so a lot of the meeting was taken up with reports and plans for the future and, of course, arrangements for the Christmas Dinner. Already? Where did 2011 go?
1st October
The SSAFA organisation held a public event in the town to advertise the wealth of activities available for "oldies" so naturally it asked the WI to participate! Having explained yet again that we were not a senior citizens' gathering, we agreed to have a publicity stand because obviously we will welcome new members whatever their age. It was a very successful event and we stand to gain at least 2 new members who are moving to the town but we didn't ask their age.A lot of interest was shown in our display and in a way it made up for not having a tent at the Winslow Show this year.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Glory,glory
27th September
An Evening of Fish Cookery may not be an invitation that appeals to lots of people but over 100 Bucks WI members and friends thoroughly enjoyed watching the demonstration given at Newton Longueville Hall tonight. Carrie O'Regan from Denman College showed us how to make 7 different dishes and inspired us to try something a little more stylish and interesting when cooking fish.She started out with a spinach and smoked salmon roulade which looked easy to do, even though the thought of producing any sort of roulade has many cooks retreating to a dark corner in tears.Congratulations to the organising sub-committee Home and Garden for presenting the evening and choosing such a good venue. Carrie will be one of the course leaders when Bucks takes over Denman College in November this year so we know already how good this option will be.
22nd September
Two coachloads of Bucks members and friends set off at the crack of dawn to visit the Olympic Village site under the guidance of 2 Blue Badge guides who met us at Woolwich Arsenal. The event was heavily over-subscribed so another date has been found for those who were disappointed in the ballot. On my coach we had a troublefree run into London and even had time for a comfort stop en route. I mention this only because I know how long some people have to be in the coach before reaching the destination, especially if it involves entering London: this can make travellers hesitate from booking on outings.I think many passengers were pleasantly surprised at the included film and tour of the Firepower Museum before lunch. It was impressive to listen to the young soldiers recently returned from the Middle Eastern battlelines. After a good lunch, we nipped in to the Greenwich Heritage Gallery to see its embroidered panels depicting the history of Greenwich and Woolwich. I could have spent much longer here but then we were off to look at the site for the Olympic Games. This was very impressive indeed, mostly ahead of schedule and much, much bigger than I for one had somehow envisaged. We viewed from the viewing platform and toured round in the coach seeing where the outlying buildings were and what events they were going to house. Our tour was called Land of Hope and Glory and we couldn't have had a more enthusiastic guide. It was good to listen to someone who was so positive about the staging of the Games and of the UK too. And as for Seb Coe, she obviously worshipped him! The outing was full of interest and very busy: everyone enjoyed the day and to arrive home so quickly, was just the icing on the cake.
19th September
It doesn't get better than that! Front page of the Daily Telegraph "WI joins battle to save the Green Belt" and inside a photo of our National Chairman heading an article on the way in which the WI has always fought for our greeen and pleasant land. Along with other organisations such as the National Trust, the Countryside Alliance and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the WI is joining in the battle against the Government's controversial changes to planning rules, the Hands off Our Land Campaign. Watch the media and if you are asked to write to MPs and Councillors please make time to do so. Imagine the effect of 208,000 letters bombarding the Government offices! Could save the Post Office too, although I bet we are asked for e-mail votes.
An Evening of Fish Cookery may not be an invitation that appeals to lots of people but over 100 Bucks WI members and friends thoroughly enjoyed watching the demonstration given at Newton Longueville Hall tonight. Carrie O'Regan from Denman College showed us how to make 7 different dishes and inspired us to try something a little more stylish and interesting when cooking fish.She started out with a spinach and smoked salmon roulade which looked easy to do, even though the thought of producing any sort of roulade has many cooks retreating to a dark corner in tears.Congratulations to the organising sub-committee Home and Garden for presenting the evening and choosing such a good venue. Carrie will be one of the course leaders when Bucks takes over Denman College in November this year so we know already how good this option will be.
22nd September
Two coachloads of Bucks members and friends set off at the crack of dawn to visit the Olympic Village site under the guidance of 2 Blue Badge guides who met us at Woolwich Arsenal. The event was heavily over-subscribed so another date has been found for those who were disappointed in the ballot. On my coach we had a troublefree run into London and even had time for a comfort stop en route. I mention this only because I know how long some people have to be in the coach before reaching the destination, especially if it involves entering London: this can make travellers hesitate from booking on outings.I think many passengers were pleasantly surprised at the included film and tour of the Firepower Museum before lunch. It was impressive to listen to the young soldiers recently returned from the Middle Eastern battlelines. After a good lunch, we nipped in to the Greenwich Heritage Gallery to see its embroidered panels depicting the history of Greenwich and Woolwich. I could have spent much longer here but then we were off to look at the site for the Olympic Games. This was very impressive indeed, mostly ahead of schedule and much, much bigger than I for one had somehow envisaged. We viewed from the viewing platform and toured round in the coach seeing where the outlying buildings were and what events they were going to house. Our tour was called Land of Hope and Glory and we couldn't have had a more enthusiastic guide. It was good to listen to someone who was so positive about the staging of the Games and of the UK too. And as for Seb Coe, she obviously worshipped him! The outing was full of interest and very busy: everyone enjoyed the day and to arrive home so quickly, was just the icing on the cake.
19th September
It doesn't get better than that! Front page of the Daily Telegraph "WI joins battle to save the Green Belt" and inside a photo of our National Chairman heading an article on the way in which the WI has always fought for our greeen and pleasant land. Along with other organisations such as the National Trust, the Countryside Alliance and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the WI is joining in the battle against the Government's controversial changes to planning rules, the Hands off Our Land Campaign. Watch the media and if you are asked to write to MPs and Councillors please make time to do so. Imagine the effect of 208,000 letters bombarding the Government offices! Could save the Post Office too, although I bet we are asked for e-mail votes.
Saturday, 17 September 2011
New term for WI members too
16th September
Love your Library Day and the birthday of the Women's Institute.Every WI member was exhorted to borrow a book from her library to reinforce the message given at last June's AGM in Liverpool that the WI was against library closures. It was a pretty insignificant gesture locally so I hope more was made of it nationally. We needed a banner really and actually we could have got away with just passing backwards and forwards through the library door because books issued are not recorded so much as the "footfall".It all went wrong when the authorities started to refer to clients instead of readers. Anyway several of us dutifully attended and let's hope that 4,000 or so Bucks members did the same. We got a mention in the local press.
14th September
The local WI discussion Group enjoyed a good evening when a member reported back on having attended a meeting where the speaker explained about New Leaf. This is an organisation set up to help rehabilitate prisoners who have been in prison for under 2 years. Two WI members had attended in order to tell the rest of us following our discussion on the Care not Custody campaign. The WI was more interested in the sentencing of lawbreakers who had mental disabilities, the topic which had been covered by a pair of magistrates at a neighbouring WI. We revisited the subject and also discussed the mandate passed by the Bucks Federation on Care for Stroke victims. We decided to advise the members at the next WI meeting to contact their MP and local organisations to express our concern about provision of help and information.
13th September
We were almost back to full strength at the Book Group today after the holidays. We started with a brief reprise on Africa House by Christina Lamb for those who had missed the last meeting. Then we turned our attention to The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton which everyone had enjoyed reading.It was a long novel with some unexpected twists. The style of writing which tells the story in turns between 3 generations is confusing but seems to be a popular tradition in today's novels. Some of the descriptions were a bit Dickensian but the characters were interesting although we thought that one male could have been brought to the fore which would have darkened the plot.We like a bit of the sinister in our books!
12th September
Those WI members who did not sign up for the Art Day at Cheddington missed a treat. Professor Anthony Slinn talking about the Impressionists was a delight and we all learned a great deal. The food at lunchtime had a French theme and was excellent. The exhibition of art from WI members was of a high standard. There was lots of talk over lunch and everyone was full of praise for the small team which had planned and carried out such a successful event.Well done to the Executive members hard at work in the kitchen!
2nd September
A brief mention of an article in the fashion pages of the Daily Telegraph which featured Jazz Domino Holly who has just published a book called Queen of Crafts. Apparently it all started with the author wanting to learn to knit, then forming the Shoreditch Sisters WI to encourage others and the WI grew to over 100 members mostly working girls with Jazz as President for a couple of years, doing much more than craftwork as we all know WIs do.
1st September
The Bucks County Show and for once it was a lovely fine day. The Bucks Federation had space in the Produce marquee and showed off displays with the title of Our County. It was fascinating to see the different interpretations of the subject and to take part in a joint effort. It is all good experience in showing and following the schedule to the letter because WI judges are famous for their strictness in such matters. The training to become a WI judge is stiff but well respected in the world of county shows so that they are often asked to judge for other organisations.It's something to think about doing if you know you have the expertise in either craft or cooking.
Love your Library Day and the birthday of the Women's Institute.Every WI member was exhorted to borrow a book from her library to reinforce the message given at last June's AGM in Liverpool that the WI was against library closures. It was a pretty insignificant gesture locally so I hope more was made of it nationally. We needed a banner really and actually we could have got away with just passing backwards and forwards through the library door because books issued are not recorded so much as the "footfall".It all went wrong when the authorities started to refer to clients instead of readers. Anyway several of us dutifully attended and let's hope that 4,000 or so Bucks members did the same. We got a mention in the local press.
14th September
The local WI discussion Group enjoyed a good evening when a member reported back on having attended a meeting where the speaker explained about New Leaf. This is an organisation set up to help rehabilitate prisoners who have been in prison for under 2 years. Two WI members had attended in order to tell the rest of us following our discussion on the Care not Custody campaign. The WI was more interested in the sentencing of lawbreakers who had mental disabilities, the topic which had been covered by a pair of magistrates at a neighbouring WI. We revisited the subject and also discussed the mandate passed by the Bucks Federation on Care for Stroke victims. We decided to advise the members at the next WI meeting to contact their MP and local organisations to express our concern about provision of help and information.
13th September
We were almost back to full strength at the Book Group today after the holidays. We started with a brief reprise on Africa House by Christina Lamb for those who had missed the last meeting. Then we turned our attention to The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton which everyone had enjoyed reading.It was a long novel with some unexpected twists. The style of writing which tells the story in turns between 3 generations is confusing but seems to be a popular tradition in today's novels. Some of the descriptions were a bit Dickensian but the characters were interesting although we thought that one male could have been brought to the fore which would have darkened the plot.We like a bit of the sinister in our books!
12th September
Those WI members who did not sign up for the Art Day at Cheddington missed a treat. Professor Anthony Slinn talking about the Impressionists was a delight and we all learned a great deal. The food at lunchtime had a French theme and was excellent. The exhibition of art from WI members was of a high standard. There was lots of talk over lunch and everyone was full of praise for the small team which had planned and carried out such a successful event.Well done to the Executive members hard at work in the kitchen!
2nd September
A brief mention of an article in the fashion pages of the Daily Telegraph which featured Jazz Domino Holly who has just published a book called Queen of Crafts. Apparently it all started with the author wanting to learn to knit, then forming the Shoreditch Sisters WI to encourage others and the WI grew to over 100 members mostly working girls with Jazz as President for a couple of years, doing much more than craftwork as we all know WIs do.
1st September
The Bucks County Show and for once it was a lovely fine day. The Bucks Federation had space in the Produce marquee and showed off displays with the title of Our County. It was fascinating to see the different interpretations of the subject and to take part in a joint effort. It is all good experience in showing and following the schedule to the letter because WI judges are famous for their strictness in such matters. The training to become a WI judge is stiff but well respected in the world of county shows so that they are often asked to judge for other organisations.It's something to think about doing if you know you have the expertise in either craft or cooking.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Talk,talk
11th August
Three of us from our WI got together this afternoon to plan our exhibit for the Bucks County Show. Gone are the days when the BFWI used to have its own tent at this event but we are promised an area for promotion and for displaying a craft competition. We hope to improve on last year and on the result from the Mums Matter competition in which our WI did very well.Several other members are contributing items but the person arranging the floral part always has to be able to set the display up on the day previous to the Show as flower arrangements don't travel well.
10th August
The WI Discussion Group met tonight and although the set topic was Dentistry, I'm afraid we were straight into the city riots of the weekend. In fact more than half the allotted time was spent on discussing what had gone wrong over those few days and what was the real cause of such a breakdown of the rules of behaviour.We came up with a selection of suggestions on how to repair the situation.The general feeling is that it will take about 20 years to re-build the public attitudes to society and that the lack of respect for anything at all, lies at the heart of the problem.The importance of communication between parents and children was stressed, the relationship of teachers and pupils and the importance of example from public representatives whether government or sporting personalities. Solutions ranged from the re-instatement of parent-facing pushchairs, some sort of National Service and the teaching of basic principles eg that rights come with responsibilities.
Dentistry had improved technically and was something positive to think about, although it was still very difficult to sign on with NHS dentists and the alternatives were expensive. We considered ourselves lucky to have escaped the false teeth at an early age with which our parents' generation battled.Were jokes about false teeth still made or had they become outdated?
9th August
The Book Group members had been reading Africa House by Christine Lamb which was the biography of a man who spent most of his life in Northern Rhodesia. He built an English style mansion and a complete village for the native community based on the production of fruit and herbs. He played a major role in the setting up of Zambia and fought against apartheid although he treated his staff quite brutally at times. The book was very well written and caused a lot of discussion because Gore-Browne was a man with such conflicting characteristics and he lived such a hard life.I think we all felt that we were glad not to have had to live with or work for such a man! The book was enjoyed by everyone.
8th August
Our local WI fields a regular team to help serve drinks to the blood donors when the unit comes to the town.There is always a steady stream of donors so the three hours of talk and tea-making passes quickly. We now wear our WI badges because people ask why we are there and it does prompt enquiries about membership of the WI. It is also part of our contribution to the local community.
Three of us from our WI got together this afternoon to plan our exhibit for the Bucks County Show. Gone are the days when the BFWI used to have its own tent at this event but we are promised an area for promotion and for displaying a craft competition. We hope to improve on last year and on the result from the Mums Matter competition in which our WI did very well.Several other members are contributing items but the person arranging the floral part always has to be able to set the display up on the day previous to the Show as flower arrangements don't travel well.
10th August
The WI Discussion Group met tonight and although the set topic was Dentistry, I'm afraid we were straight into the city riots of the weekend. In fact more than half the allotted time was spent on discussing what had gone wrong over those few days and what was the real cause of such a breakdown of the rules of behaviour.We came up with a selection of suggestions on how to repair the situation.The general feeling is that it will take about 20 years to re-build the public attitudes to society and that the lack of respect for anything at all, lies at the heart of the problem.The importance of communication between parents and children was stressed, the relationship of teachers and pupils and the importance of example from public representatives whether government or sporting personalities. Solutions ranged from the re-instatement of parent-facing pushchairs, some sort of National Service and the teaching of basic principles eg that rights come with responsibilities.
Dentistry had improved technically and was something positive to think about, although it was still very difficult to sign on with NHS dentists and the alternatives were expensive. We considered ourselves lucky to have escaped the false teeth at an early age with which our parents' generation battled.Were jokes about false teeth still made or had they become outdated?
9th August
The Book Group members had been reading Africa House by Christine Lamb which was the biography of a man who spent most of his life in Northern Rhodesia. He built an English style mansion and a complete village for the native community based on the production of fruit and herbs. He played a major role in the setting up of Zambia and fought against apartheid although he treated his staff quite brutally at times. The book was very well written and caused a lot of discussion because Gore-Browne was a man with such conflicting characteristics and he lived such a hard life.I think we all felt that we were glad not to have had to live with or work for such a man! The book was enjoyed by everyone.
8th August
Our local WI fields a regular team to help serve drinks to the blood donors when the unit comes to the town.There is always a steady stream of donors so the three hours of talk and tea-making passes quickly. We now wear our WI badges because people ask why we are there and it does prompt enquiries about membership of the WI. It is also part of our contribution to the local community.
Friday, 5 August 2011
Vague ramblings
3rd August
Today dawned bright and fresh after the storms of the night so another couple and ourselves set off for a walk in the Vale and decided to have lunch together at a village pub. Once more it wasn't long before I recognised other WI members enjoying eating together in three different parties from WIs within the county. The WI really is a network stretched all over the country so it would never do to try and fix an illicit rendezvous because someone would be sure to turn up and recognise you!
This evening the local WI held its summer al fresco meeting with a buffet supper and sporty games on the grass around the hall where it meets. There was a little time for consultations on events coming up but no real business done. It was enjoyable just to be frivolous and compete in garden party type activities.
2nd August
There was a big turn-out of WI members at the funeral of one of the Bucks County stalwarts from the past Catering Committee.Of course her local WI provided the refreshments for the buffet after the ceremony and another member played the organ.Mary Bowden died at the age of 87 but it is only within the last five years that she declared herself unable to lift the huge pans necessary for bulk catering.We are all so grateful to have known her and will always remember her cheerfulness.
1st August
I forgot to mention that several of our local WI are learning to crochet so we meet on Monday afternoons.Some people are starting from scratch, others are remembering what they learned before and others are learning to read and make sense of written instructions. I am trying to remember how to tat and discovering that my fingers are far too stiff to take it up again easily.We use the sessions to plan future activities and to catch up on holidays already taken.
July
I don't usually comment on private holidays but thought I should share some of the things that occurred this year. My husband and I set off to walk the middle stretch of Hadrian's Wall, a length of about 65 miles which is the interesting bit in the middle. I knew that 3 couples from our town were going to be doing the whole lot around the same time---one being our WI President.So I wasn't all that surprised to hear her shout across the moor where there is the site of the Temple of Mithras but what was amazing was that three out of five of our hostesses at the B&Bs where we stayed were WI members. The first one recognised my Denman College sweatshirt and she phoned along ahead to the next hostess. As a result we enjoyed long talks about common WI problems and campaigns. What came out very forcibly was their delight at the stay of execution for bank cheques. The cheque is vital for their businesses and for them living out in the country, often with poor internet connections and no reliable mobile reception. You can imagine my husband's opinion of these conversations: he was heard to mutter that he had walked miles to get away from the WI. I am afraid that it can be compared to the hidden Mafia sometimes!
Today dawned bright and fresh after the storms of the night so another couple and ourselves set off for a walk in the Vale and decided to have lunch together at a village pub. Once more it wasn't long before I recognised other WI members enjoying eating together in three different parties from WIs within the county. The WI really is a network stretched all over the country so it would never do to try and fix an illicit rendezvous because someone would be sure to turn up and recognise you!
This evening the local WI held its summer al fresco meeting with a buffet supper and sporty games on the grass around the hall where it meets. There was a little time for consultations on events coming up but no real business done. It was enjoyable just to be frivolous and compete in garden party type activities.
2nd August
There was a big turn-out of WI members at the funeral of one of the Bucks County stalwarts from the past Catering Committee.Of course her local WI provided the refreshments for the buffet after the ceremony and another member played the organ.Mary Bowden died at the age of 87 but it is only within the last five years that she declared herself unable to lift the huge pans necessary for bulk catering.We are all so grateful to have known her and will always remember her cheerfulness.
1st August
I forgot to mention that several of our local WI are learning to crochet so we meet on Monday afternoons.Some people are starting from scratch, others are remembering what they learned before and others are learning to read and make sense of written instructions. I am trying to remember how to tat and discovering that my fingers are far too stiff to take it up again easily.We use the sessions to plan future activities and to catch up on holidays already taken.
July
I don't usually comment on private holidays but thought I should share some of the things that occurred this year. My husband and I set off to walk the middle stretch of Hadrian's Wall, a length of about 65 miles which is the interesting bit in the middle. I knew that 3 couples from our town were going to be doing the whole lot around the same time---one being our WI President.So I wasn't all that surprised to hear her shout across the moor where there is the site of the Temple of Mithras but what was amazing was that three out of five of our hostesses at the B&Bs where we stayed were WI members. The first one recognised my Denman College sweatshirt and she phoned along ahead to the next hostess. As a result we enjoyed long talks about common WI problems and campaigns. What came out very forcibly was their delight at the stay of execution for bank cheques. The cheque is vital for their businesses and for them living out in the country, often with poor internet connections and no reliable mobile reception. You can imagine my husband's opinion of these conversations: he was heard to mutter that he had walked miles to get away from the WI. I am afraid that it can be compared to the hidden Mafia sometimes!
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