15 October
Another busy day for the local WI because the craft group met in the afternoon and then our WI was the hostess for the Group meeting. The craft people held their final cross-stitch session before changing to crochet for a few weeks. There are quite a few ambitious tapestry projects started and we have gained a lot from our own member's excellent tuition.
The speaker at the Group meeting was Malcolm Singer who has enjoyed a long career with the BBC and still presents programmes for local radio.Luckily, in today's climate, he had few associations with television. He reminded us of the good old days when the classic comedy radio shows were going out on the air in the fifties and sixties and told us about the difficulties encountered with outside broadcasts of concerts from places like the Stables at Wavendon before its conversion to a state-of-the-arts theatre.We also enjoyed a good moan about the shutting down of much local radio and the growth of these pointless phone-in programmes.The reports from the other WIs were very interesting and it was noticeable how busy everyone had been in the village communities, doing their bit for the Queen's Jubilee and the Olympics.
10 October
Today the Bucks Federation arranged an Autumn event in High Wycombe Town Hall at which Lynda Bellingham was the guest speaker. It was a sell-out because Lynda is a local girl and she has appeared in the Calendar Girls productions.She is a very gifted public speaker, never refering to notes and perfectly at ease with questions which led her into interesting digressions. I wonder whether anyone thought to tell her that at least one of the teachers she mentioned from the Aylesbury High School could have been in the audience, as she used to be a very active WI member.Lynda talked about adoption and the attitude towards young girls in the theatre in her early years when verbal and physical abuse were thought of as an easy source of laughs. She probably did more for members' awareness of the WI campaign against Violence against Women than any article in WI Life. Lynda's autobiography was selling like hot cakes afterwards and I do recommend that you read it, if you or any member of your family was about Aylesbury while she was growing up in Aston Abbots.
In the evening the local WI Discussion Group met to talk about the set theme of Driving.Love it or hate it we all have to do quite a bit of driving in our everyday lives.So we heard of experiences on driving tests,road accidents, the idiosyncrases of Sat-Nav, comparisons with practices abroad: the state of the roads also came up for comment.We discussed schemes to cut down on traffic but no one could come up with a way of crossing through Aylesbury in less than 35 minutes.
3 October
I don't know how I missed writing about our local WI's meeting when we were entertained by a lovely young lady demonstrating hula-hoop dance. She was wonderfully supple and a living example of the benefits of this type of exercise.Hula-hoop dancing is a cross between gymnastics and the dance of the seven veils! It wasn't long before people were getting up and having a go with the hoops that Janine Haynes had brought to the hall.Apparently a few minutes a day of exercising with a hoop is relaxing and burns off the calories so perhaps we should take it up in earnest.Members were also encouraged to nominate others to the committee and consider standing themselves. Our entry for the Big Walk, Little Splash competition has gone up for judging in the Bucks Federation so we are waiting to hear whether it has been successful and chosen to progress into the NFWI competition.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Pens,jars and books
8th October
Ten apprehensive WI members met together this morning at Stuart Lodge, High Wycombe for a Writers' Workshop under the tutorship of Jan Moran Neil.We had been warned to expect writing exercises, group discussion and brainstorming as well as reading our own words so it wasn't really surprising that we were feeling nervous. The theme was to be our personal memory box and how to use it for writing not only our memoirs but also for background experience if any of us was contemplating writing a novel.With Jan's sympathetic approach to all our fears, we were soon scribbling away and listening to what others had written. It wasn't a time for in-depth literary criticism, more an opportunity to draw out thoughts that had been pushed to the back of our minds but needed organising. Where do I begin? Who am I writing for? Why do I want to write this anyway? The hours passed very quickly and although it was exceedingly tiring I think we all enjoyed the course.Jan runs courses and day schools at Missenden Abbey and in Beaconsfield so some of our October scribblers are thinking of joining in one of these.So you never know perhaps the next shades of grey bestseller might come from a Bucks WI member.
We did have time to express our indignation at the latest dictum from the EU banning the re-use of jamjars for home-made preserves for sale on stalls and Farmers' Markets.Come on National! We won on the silly ban on cakes so please make sure this is laughed out of court. Where does one buy small quantities of new jam jars? Preserving jars, yes but ordinary jars come in bulk and the average WI member doesn't deal in gross. Perhaps the EU is not aware that part of the production process for jams and marmalade is scalding the jars to sterilize them.
4th October
A lot of local endeavour this week has been spent on preparing a promotional WI display board and publicity stand to support the town players' production of Calendar Girls. This was staged for 3 nights and was a sell-out on all three. It was a really good production, very slick and well done.We were pleased to be asked to come along because it is still a wonderful advertisement for the WI even though we are often asked whether stripping is part of being a WI member. We were pleased to have also another opportunity to gather signatures for our community bid with the Town Council for an Outdoor Fitness Centre in the town.We have hundreds of signatures now and hope that we will be successful.
26th September
Another interesting meeting of the Book Group after reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Some members had seen the film too but nearly everyone had enjoyed reading the novel. The subject was distressing: the intense divide between black and white in the American South which featured in our newspapers in the 1960s but the author's treatment of it was sympathetic and witty. It is one of those books where one moment the reader is laughing out loud and the next close to tears.It was very effective to have 3 characters telling the story in their own accents which one could hear across the script.The cruelty and insensitivity exhibited so recently in that society is hard to believe but as one of the characters says "It was taught and passed down from parent to child." The lines were drawn and no one dared to cross them.
Ten apprehensive WI members met together this morning at Stuart Lodge, High Wycombe for a Writers' Workshop under the tutorship of Jan Moran Neil.We had been warned to expect writing exercises, group discussion and brainstorming as well as reading our own words so it wasn't really surprising that we were feeling nervous. The theme was to be our personal memory box and how to use it for writing not only our memoirs but also for background experience if any of us was contemplating writing a novel.With Jan's sympathetic approach to all our fears, we were soon scribbling away and listening to what others had written. It wasn't a time for in-depth literary criticism, more an opportunity to draw out thoughts that had been pushed to the back of our minds but needed organising. Where do I begin? Who am I writing for? Why do I want to write this anyway? The hours passed very quickly and although it was exceedingly tiring I think we all enjoyed the course.Jan runs courses and day schools at Missenden Abbey and in Beaconsfield so some of our October scribblers are thinking of joining in one of these.So you never know perhaps the next shades of grey bestseller might come from a Bucks WI member.
We did have time to express our indignation at the latest dictum from the EU banning the re-use of jamjars for home-made preserves for sale on stalls and Farmers' Markets.Come on National! We won on the silly ban on cakes so please make sure this is laughed out of court. Where does one buy small quantities of new jam jars? Preserving jars, yes but ordinary jars come in bulk and the average WI member doesn't deal in gross. Perhaps the EU is not aware that part of the production process for jams and marmalade is scalding the jars to sterilize them.
4th October
A lot of local endeavour this week has been spent on preparing a promotional WI display board and publicity stand to support the town players' production of Calendar Girls. This was staged for 3 nights and was a sell-out on all three. It was a really good production, very slick and well done.We were pleased to be asked to come along because it is still a wonderful advertisement for the WI even though we are often asked whether stripping is part of being a WI member. We were pleased to have also another opportunity to gather signatures for our community bid with the Town Council for an Outdoor Fitness Centre in the town.We have hundreds of signatures now and hope that we will be successful.
26th September
Another interesting meeting of the Book Group after reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Some members had seen the film too but nearly everyone had enjoyed reading the novel. The subject was distressing: the intense divide between black and white in the American South which featured in our newspapers in the 1960s but the author's treatment of it was sympathetic and witty. It is one of those books where one moment the reader is laughing out loud and the next close to tears.It was very effective to have 3 characters telling the story in their own accents which one could hear across the script.The cruelty and insensitivity exhibited so recently in that society is hard to believe but as one of the characters says "It was taught and passed down from parent to child." The lines were drawn and no one dared to cross them.
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Stepping up to be counted
16th September
Now that the Jubilee is over, the Olympics and the Paralympics are finished and we have mastered the new system of rubbish bin disposal whatever shall we talk about? Could I suggest that we think about the coming year when in November most Bucks WIs bring their years to an end and start to choose a new committee? There will be local elections for that and the National Board of Trustees is accepting nominations for the next two years. WIs will be asked to vote soon and we have a local nomination in the Bucks Chairman, Jean Morris this year which is exciting. Also all National Trust members are asked to vote for Appointing Bodies to that organisation and the NFWI is up for election there.So remember to use your vote whenever you have the opportunity---after all only then have you the right to grumble at future decisions.
13th September
Current Affairs sub-committee met today and set about licking its wounds from having to cancel Caring Matters. It was disappointing to have to do this when we had such a good programme of speakers lined up. Anyway Bucks members obviously don't want to think about the fact that they may become carers or already have all the information they require to make their life a little easier.Nothing daunted we are planning events for 2013 another historical day, a day on scientific discoveries and inventions and a couple of really interesting outings. If no one wants to come to those events we shall retire hurt and sneak off to a dark corner and never bother you again.
5th September
The local WI met and enjoyed an interesting talk about medical detection dogs. We are pressing ahead with the application for a grant with the Town Council to set up an outdoor fitness centre like those in Germany and Austria.Equipment for physical exercises will be sited in a closed area for the use of members of the community either on their own or as groups of friends. We have also completed our Big Walk, Little Splash journal and I believe every member has taken part. The trip to Highgrove had been much enjoyed in spite of diabolical weather and there are reports of voices raised in song to sing and dance in the rain.
3rd September
Whenever the blood donors van arrives in the town members of our WI are volunteer drink makers. We have performed this function for many years now and it is much appreciated by the nurses and the donors. Another example of the continued work of volunteers not only at big events but in everyday normal life.
Now that the Jubilee is over, the Olympics and the Paralympics are finished and we have mastered the new system of rubbish bin disposal whatever shall we talk about? Could I suggest that we think about the coming year when in November most Bucks WIs bring their years to an end and start to choose a new committee? There will be local elections for that and the National Board of Trustees is accepting nominations for the next two years. WIs will be asked to vote soon and we have a local nomination in the Bucks Chairman, Jean Morris this year which is exciting. Also all National Trust members are asked to vote for Appointing Bodies to that organisation and the NFWI is up for election there.So remember to use your vote whenever you have the opportunity---after all only then have you the right to grumble at future decisions.
13th September
Current Affairs sub-committee met today and set about licking its wounds from having to cancel Caring Matters. It was disappointing to have to do this when we had such a good programme of speakers lined up. Anyway Bucks members obviously don't want to think about the fact that they may become carers or already have all the information they require to make their life a little easier.Nothing daunted we are planning events for 2013 another historical day, a day on scientific discoveries and inventions and a couple of really interesting outings. If no one wants to come to those events we shall retire hurt and sneak off to a dark corner and never bother you again.
5th September
The local WI met and enjoyed an interesting talk about medical detection dogs. We are pressing ahead with the application for a grant with the Town Council to set up an outdoor fitness centre like those in Germany and Austria.Equipment for physical exercises will be sited in a closed area for the use of members of the community either on their own or as groups of friends. We have also completed our Big Walk, Little Splash journal and I believe every member has taken part. The trip to Highgrove had been much enjoyed in spite of diabolical weather and there are reports of voices raised in song to sing and dance in the rain.
3rd September
Whenever the blood donors van arrives in the town members of our WI are volunteer drink makers. We have performed this function for many years now and it is much appreciated by the nurses and the donors. Another example of the continued work of volunteers not only at big events but in everyday normal life.
Sunday, 2 September 2012
August
30th August
Bucks County Show today.After all the rain the actual showground was already a sea of churned up mud but luckily because of the long spell of wet weather, it hadn't been possible to cut the fields set aside for car parking so the wheels stayed on top of a cushion of long grass.It is always pleasant to wander round and meet WI members either for a cup of tea or in the Home and Garden tent where the competitions are staged.I think there were 19 entries from WIs this year because the theme was very topical "Olympic Glory". It is amazing the different interpretations there are on any subject and this year was no exception. We all thanked the Heavens we were not called upon to be the judges as the standard was very high again. Bledlow WI, Longwick WI and Brill WI all deserved their medals.A lot of work goes into setting up these displays by the WIs but we must not forget the hours spent by the organisers planning the event and of course, the judges for doing their job early in the morning in uncomfortable surroundings whatever the weather.
28th August
The WI book group met in spite of it being a holiday month and nearly everyone was present. We had read "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett which was an extremely long book to tackle. Most of our readers thought it a very good story full of interesting details about medieval stone-masons building cathedrals and wicked barons riding amok among the local peasantry.The book was filled with powerful women and the hero was a celibate monk but it was a man's book---lots of gore, rape and pillage---but I suppose that is what the Middle Ages were like really. We are going for something more recent next time with a bit of humour thrown in too.
27th August
Bank Holiday Monday so it is the day for local shows and events. We never learn that it is also the day when the weather throws whatever it can down on us---if it isn't rain, it is a high wind to test the tents or blazing sun to make the animals' and small children's lives a misery.This time it was rain in fierce bursts and sudden gusts of wind.The local WI didn't have a display tent again but most members were present either in the crowd or helping on other stalls for different local organisations. I am sure quite a lot of WI business was conducted on the field in an informal manner because it is an event of importance in the life of the community
9th August
This evening the Great and the Good of BFWI met for supper in Buckland Village Hall. This supper is an annual event hosted by different WIs across Bucks and it affords the committee members who serve the federation a chance to get together socially. It is not a freeby but everyone feels it is worth the outlay just to be away from committee work and meet as people again. As you will imagine some business always creeps in and there is a lot of passing of papers and parcels but it is predominately social. It also brings some funds to the hostess WI. This year it was Buckland, Drayton Beauchamp& Aston Clinton WI who provided a wonderful meal for us.
8th August
The local discussion group met to talk about "Water". Well, we had done "Alcohol" the time before and two members had attended the Current Affairs day event on "Water,water everywhere" last month and wanted to share some of the information they had gathered there.The conversation flowed tonight and ideas were swapped for saving water and sins owned of particular ways in which we waste water.Actually it is a huge topic when you cover droughts, floods,sport and recreation. One realises how much we take for granted in this country and how lucky we are living when and where we do.The WI has always campaigned to help countries where water is scarce and recently has led a campaign to stop people buying bottled water in a land with excellent water services;by doing so,road traffic is increased and yet more plastic is produced to pollute the atmosphere.
Bucks County Show today.After all the rain the actual showground was already a sea of churned up mud but luckily because of the long spell of wet weather, it hadn't been possible to cut the fields set aside for car parking so the wheels stayed on top of a cushion of long grass.It is always pleasant to wander round and meet WI members either for a cup of tea or in the Home and Garden tent where the competitions are staged.I think there were 19 entries from WIs this year because the theme was very topical "Olympic Glory". It is amazing the different interpretations there are on any subject and this year was no exception. We all thanked the Heavens we were not called upon to be the judges as the standard was very high again. Bledlow WI, Longwick WI and Brill WI all deserved their medals.A lot of work goes into setting up these displays by the WIs but we must not forget the hours spent by the organisers planning the event and of course, the judges for doing their job early in the morning in uncomfortable surroundings whatever the weather.
28th August
The WI book group met in spite of it being a holiday month and nearly everyone was present. We had read "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett which was an extremely long book to tackle. Most of our readers thought it a very good story full of interesting details about medieval stone-masons building cathedrals and wicked barons riding amok among the local peasantry.The book was filled with powerful women and the hero was a celibate monk but it was a man's book---lots of gore, rape and pillage---but I suppose that is what the Middle Ages were like really. We are going for something more recent next time with a bit of humour thrown in too.
27th August
Bank Holiday Monday so it is the day for local shows and events. We never learn that it is also the day when the weather throws whatever it can down on us---if it isn't rain, it is a high wind to test the tents or blazing sun to make the animals' and small children's lives a misery.This time it was rain in fierce bursts and sudden gusts of wind.The local WI didn't have a display tent again but most members were present either in the crowd or helping on other stalls for different local organisations. I am sure quite a lot of WI business was conducted on the field in an informal manner because it is an event of importance in the life of the community
9th August
This evening the Great and the Good of BFWI met for supper in Buckland Village Hall. This supper is an annual event hosted by different WIs across Bucks and it affords the committee members who serve the federation a chance to get together socially. It is not a freeby but everyone feels it is worth the outlay just to be away from committee work and meet as people again. As you will imagine some business always creeps in and there is a lot of passing of papers and parcels but it is predominately social. It also brings some funds to the hostess WI. This year it was Buckland, Drayton Beauchamp& Aston Clinton WI who provided a wonderful meal for us.
8th August
The local discussion group met to talk about "Water". Well, we had done "Alcohol" the time before and two members had attended the Current Affairs day event on "Water,water everywhere" last month and wanted to share some of the information they had gathered there.The conversation flowed tonight and ideas were swapped for saving water and sins owned of particular ways in which we waste water.Actually it is a huge topic when you cover droughts, floods,sport and recreation. One realises how much we take for granted in this country and how lucky we are living when and where we do.The WI has always campaigned to help countries where water is scarce and recently has led a campaign to stop people buying bottled water in a land with excellent water services;by doing so,road traffic is increased and yet more plastic is produced to pollute the atmosphere.
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Al fresco
4th August
The President of our local WI held a garden party today to which everyone was welcome.The weather did not look promising as we set up marquees and stalls in the morning but the rain held off until we came to dismantle them in the late afternoon. Then it made up for lost time as we cowered beneath the remaining two gazebos and clutched bags of assorted sale items and display materials.The event was a great success: we raised some funds, drank many cups of tea, ate lots of cake and enjoyed an exchange of news and gossip.That's what garden parties are about, isn't it? However, there was a serious element to this social gathering because we were collecting signatures in support of our combined bid with the Town Council for a grant to establish a fitness area in the town. Several members were not aware of this project and the display, held over from when the Olympic Torch passed through, put them in the picture with lots of information.We need some letters to be written now and yet more forms to be filled in and then we will see what happens. It will do us good to extend our sporting activities beyond the sofa in the wave of enthusiasm engendered by the Olympics.
24-25th July
With a WI friend I have been spending the best part of two days at Denman College. Although we were booked in for a day course we decided to treat ourselves to dinner,bed and breakfast the night before. This was a very good idea because we were able to travel in a leisurely way to Abingdon, meet up with others already resident for 3 or 4 day courses.The food is excellent, the accommodation first class and the house as lovely as ever. I cannot say I like the new reception desk in the foyer because being vertically challenged, I would have liked a periscope to see the faces of the people behind the facia. Anyway, why were they behind the thing instead of stepping forward to greet us on arrival as they used to do? We had time to explore the gardens in the sunshine and had the opportunity to meet two members of the NFWI Board of Trustees.
Our course was about symbolism in art which was very interesting; the tutor was good and we were accommodated in the new lecture hall which was comfortable. After dinner, we asked permission to gate-crash two sessions of other courses: one on gardening and the other on rambling three fairly local rivers. I think the latter might be good for our Bucks Federation weekend as it can be done at any time of the year. The tutors take in flora and fauna as well as churches and village architecture along the way---not too far to walk either. I must remember to suggest it to our Denman Representative.
The Denman College experience is something I am sure all WI members should enjoy. Have a look at the latest brochure because we must keep the reservations coming in to enable our college to continue to function. After all, we are one of the federations nearest to Marcham in Oxfordshire.
The President of our local WI held a garden party today to which everyone was welcome.The weather did not look promising as we set up marquees and stalls in the morning but the rain held off until we came to dismantle them in the late afternoon. Then it made up for lost time as we cowered beneath the remaining two gazebos and clutched bags of assorted sale items and display materials.The event was a great success: we raised some funds, drank many cups of tea, ate lots of cake and enjoyed an exchange of news and gossip.That's what garden parties are about, isn't it? However, there was a serious element to this social gathering because we were collecting signatures in support of our combined bid with the Town Council for a grant to establish a fitness area in the town. Several members were not aware of this project and the display, held over from when the Olympic Torch passed through, put them in the picture with lots of information.We need some letters to be written now and yet more forms to be filled in and then we will see what happens. It will do us good to extend our sporting activities beyond the sofa in the wave of enthusiasm engendered by the Olympics.
24-25th July
With a WI friend I have been spending the best part of two days at Denman College. Although we were booked in for a day course we decided to treat ourselves to dinner,bed and breakfast the night before. This was a very good idea because we were able to travel in a leisurely way to Abingdon, meet up with others already resident for 3 or 4 day courses.The food is excellent, the accommodation first class and the house as lovely as ever. I cannot say I like the new reception desk in the foyer because being vertically challenged, I would have liked a periscope to see the faces of the people behind the facia. Anyway, why were they behind the thing instead of stepping forward to greet us on arrival as they used to do? We had time to explore the gardens in the sunshine and had the opportunity to meet two members of the NFWI Board of Trustees.
Our course was about symbolism in art which was very interesting; the tutor was good and we were accommodated in the new lecture hall which was comfortable. After dinner, we asked permission to gate-crash two sessions of other courses: one on gardening and the other on rambling three fairly local rivers. I think the latter might be good for our Bucks Federation weekend as it can be done at any time of the year. The tutors take in flora and fauna as well as churches and village architecture along the way---not too far to walk either. I must remember to suggest it to our Denman Representative.
The Denman College experience is something I am sure all WI members should enjoy. Have a look at the latest brochure because we must keep the reservations coming in to enable our college to continue to function. After all, we are one of the federations nearest to Marcham in Oxfordshire.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Is this the time for banner-waving?
19th July
I hope every WI member is keeping tabs on the debate about milk prices and the dairy industry. The WI has always supported the farmers in their campaign to end the injustices of the difference between the cost of producing a pint of milk and the price offered to the farmers by the supermarkets. In Buckinghamshire the number of dairy farms which have gone out of business over the past decade is alarming. If the state of affairs is not altered all our milk soon will be imported. The housewife can make a point here by refusing to buy milk from the supermarket even if the price is lower than what is supplied by the local roundsman. The big supermarket chains have to listen to the WI buyer. We did it with plastic bags and food labelling so let's get together to save the dairy farmers! Forget about border control people and airport personel: they have got jobs and can afford the time to negotiate but the dairy farmer is losing his livelihood right now. Look out for the new WI posters for this campaign and if you know of a good site for display, order some or (don't say who suggested this!), casually leave them close to the relevant shelves in your local supermarket.
17th July
Local WI book group today and we were discussing "Half a Yellow Sun" by Adichie which is all about the civil war in Nigeria and the fall of Biafra. This took place at the end of the 1960s when many of us were either at college or rearing children. I think we all remembered the photos of starving babies which were used to publicise appeals for aid posted in banks and on public hoardings but this novel really brought all the suffering home to us.The writing is very powerful and the book has an interesting structure. It had us searching atlases and recent history books for places and names: one member even unearthed a road map from a parent who had been working in Nigeria in the years before the conflict.What a lot of wars are really about the mining of oil and the machinations of the West to keep it flowing out of the Third World and into their fuel tanks.This novel was about the effects of the war on pairs of lovers,families and communities and the waste of all the advantages gained from the growth of education and healthcare during the years before independence which brought old tribal jealousies to the fore again.
12th July
The old sub-committee which used to be called Education and Current Affairs is now to be called just Current Affairs.Perhaps we could have called it Just Current Affairs! Apparently everyone thought the former title too dull and that it put the WI members off getting involved with its work: they don't want to be educated any more. Pity really, as the WI is an educational charity and education is a part of the movement's history and aims.The committee has had many successful events where the educational element has been dressed up and these have been popular with members. At present we are planning a day on Caring Matters in September which we hope will help people who find themselves caring for someone either now or will do in the future, to feel not so alone and to realise what a lot there is on offer for those caught up in this situation. Unfortunately we have to charge for an entrance ticket because we must cover the price of hiring a hall. Perhaps we should have tried for sponsorship but can a charity apply for charity from another? Anyway come along and learn how to work the system. There are a lot of carers in the WI and they save the national economy masses of money so deserve to benefit from the services out there.We are also planning some fun events but beware, they may be masking an educational element or even be tied in with one of the NFWI's current campaigns such as milk, water or care of the environment.
11th July
We enjoyed a really interesting discussion evening today. We had all been asked to bring along an item which meant something to us and talk about it. It need not be financially valuable but should be of special value to the owner. Actually, this might be a good idea for one of those occasions when the speaker cancels at the last minute.The items brought varied from a large piece of boating equipment to a small everyday fork, from a framed embroidered picture treasured after its maker had died to a picture of a jukebox which someone had bought and was her pride and joy, bringing back memories of the swinging sixties and all that jazz! I think everyone really enjoyed themselves and had to take part and of course, we all learned a little more about each other which is an important aspect of being a WI member---the friendship bit.
I hope every WI member is keeping tabs on the debate about milk prices and the dairy industry. The WI has always supported the farmers in their campaign to end the injustices of the difference between the cost of producing a pint of milk and the price offered to the farmers by the supermarkets. In Buckinghamshire the number of dairy farms which have gone out of business over the past decade is alarming. If the state of affairs is not altered all our milk soon will be imported. The housewife can make a point here by refusing to buy milk from the supermarket even if the price is lower than what is supplied by the local roundsman. The big supermarket chains have to listen to the WI buyer. We did it with plastic bags and food labelling so let's get together to save the dairy farmers! Forget about border control people and airport personel: they have got jobs and can afford the time to negotiate but the dairy farmer is losing his livelihood right now. Look out for the new WI posters for this campaign and if you know of a good site for display, order some or (don't say who suggested this!), casually leave them close to the relevant shelves in your local supermarket.
17th July
Local WI book group today and we were discussing "Half a Yellow Sun" by Adichie which is all about the civil war in Nigeria and the fall of Biafra. This took place at the end of the 1960s when many of us were either at college or rearing children. I think we all remembered the photos of starving babies which were used to publicise appeals for aid posted in banks and on public hoardings but this novel really brought all the suffering home to us.The writing is very powerful and the book has an interesting structure. It had us searching atlases and recent history books for places and names: one member even unearthed a road map from a parent who had been working in Nigeria in the years before the conflict.What a lot of wars are really about the mining of oil and the machinations of the West to keep it flowing out of the Third World and into their fuel tanks.This novel was about the effects of the war on pairs of lovers,families and communities and the waste of all the advantages gained from the growth of education and healthcare during the years before independence which brought old tribal jealousies to the fore again.
12th July
The old sub-committee which used to be called Education and Current Affairs is now to be called just Current Affairs.Perhaps we could have called it Just Current Affairs! Apparently everyone thought the former title too dull and that it put the WI members off getting involved with its work: they don't want to be educated any more. Pity really, as the WI is an educational charity and education is a part of the movement's history and aims.The committee has had many successful events where the educational element has been dressed up and these have been popular with members. At present we are planning a day on Caring Matters in September which we hope will help people who find themselves caring for someone either now or will do in the future, to feel not so alone and to realise what a lot there is on offer for those caught up in this situation. Unfortunately we have to charge for an entrance ticket because we must cover the price of hiring a hall. Perhaps we should have tried for sponsorship but can a charity apply for charity from another? Anyway come along and learn how to work the system. There are a lot of carers in the WI and they save the national economy masses of money so deserve to benefit from the services out there.We are also planning some fun events but beware, they may be masking an educational element or even be tied in with one of the NFWI's current campaigns such as milk, water or care of the environment.
11th July
We enjoyed a really interesting discussion evening today. We had all been asked to bring along an item which meant something to us and talk about it. It need not be financially valuable but should be of special value to the owner. Actually, this might be a good idea for one of those occasions when the speaker cancels at the last minute.The items brought varied from a large piece of boating equipment to a small everyday fork, from a framed embroidered picture treasured after its maker had died to a picture of a jukebox which someone had bought and was her pride and joy, bringing back memories of the swinging sixties and all that jazz! I think everyone really enjoyed themselves and had to take part and of course, we all learned a little more about each other which is an important aspect of being a WI member---the friendship bit.
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Making scenes
5th July
I realise that I may have been feeling rather tired but I am in the midst of a blazing row with the NFWI Moodle which is the members' training section of the NFWI website. As members we are all encouraged to acquire a password so that we may enjoy the benefits of this modern site. Ha! I have been going in and out for about 2 years now using my password but today it tells me that it is invalid and I must have forgotten my password. So I went through the usual period of self-doubt---perhaps I used capital letters? Perhaps I used a password for something else eg the house alarm? Finally I decided to appear to confess to having lost/forgotten my password, though I knew I hadn't, in order to get another to gain access to the site. The administrator then delivers another utterly unmemorable password by e-mail. OK. I'll go in with this new one. A little grid comes up with "add new password" and "add old password" which, of course is now established as "forgotten and invalid" so the whole charade starts again.Catch 22. Spit! So I have risked excommunication by sending an acerbic e-mail to NFWI.
Me, one of the members who has been fighting tooth and nail to get the WI to embrace the web locally in Bucks!
4th July
We enjoyed another really different type of monthly meeting tonight. It involved role play under the direction of two magistrates from the local Bench. Not only was it informative but also great fun to do.We were delighted to learn that the efforts of the craft group producing items for the 90th Anniversary display in the Market Square on Sunday had resulted in over £300 worth of sales. The raffle for a friendship quilt made by the members, a patchwork cushion and a coffee cosy had raised a further £143. The display looked good and had been of interest to visitors and who knows might have attracted some new members too.The County Chairman visited and the press had taken photos and some interviews were conducted.
1st July
Besides taking a stall at the Farmers Market to promote our WI's 90th anniversary until 2pm, the Bucks Education & Current Affairs Committee held an afternoon event in the Public Hall. A Dickens of a Good Tea. The speaker talked about the links between the life of Charles Dickens and the characters in his novels. This was interspersed with readings and it was all very enjoyable. The tea was home-produced and voted excellent.Bertie Pearce ended with a magic trick which resulted in the amazement of not only the audience but also those working in the kitchen: where on earth had that raw egg come from? This event was a bit of an experiment to see whether WI members would like sometimes to come with their families to meetings on a Sunday. There were over 70 people present so perhaps they did but it would be nice to know what they thought of the idea.
I realise that I may have been feeling rather tired but I am in the midst of a blazing row with the NFWI Moodle which is the members' training section of the NFWI website. As members we are all encouraged to acquire a password so that we may enjoy the benefits of this modern site. Ha! I have been going in and out for about 2 years now using my password but today it tells me that it is invalid and I must have forgotten my password. So I went through the usual period of self-doubt---perhaps I used capital letters? Perhaps I used a password for something else eg the house alarm? Finally I decided to appear to confess to having lost/forgotten my password, though I knew I hadn't, in order to get another to gain access to the site. The administrator then delivers another utterly unmemorable password by e-mail. OK. I'll go in with this new one. A little grid comes up with "add new password" and "add old password" which, of course is now established as "forgotten and invalid" so the whole charade starts again.Catch 22. Spit! So I have risked excommunication by sending an acerbic e-mail to NFWI.
Me, one of the members who has been fighting tooth and nail to get the WI to embrace the web locally in Bucks!
4th July
We enjoyed another really different type of monthly meeting tonight. It involved role play under the direction of two magistrates from the local Bench. Not only was it informative but also great fun to do.We were delighted to learn that the efforts of the craft group producing items for the 90th Anniversary display in the Market Square on Sunday had resulted in over £300 worth of sales. The raffle for a friendship quilt made by the members, a patchwork cushion and a coffee cosy had raised a further £143. The display looked good and had been of interest to visitors and who knows might have attracted some new members too.The County Chairman visited and the press had taken photos and some interviews were conducted.
1st July
Besides taking a stall at the Farmers Market to promote our WI's 90th anniversary until 2pm, the Bucks Education & Current Affairs Committee held an afternoon event in the Public Hall. A Dickens of a Good Tea. The speaker talked about the links between the life of Charles Dickens and the characters in his novels. This was interspersed with readings and it was all very enjoyable. The tea was home-produced and voted excellent.Bertie Pearce ended with a magic trick which resulted in the amazement of not only the audience but also those working in the kitchen: where on earth had that raw egg come from? This event was a bit of an experiment to see whether WI members would like sometimes to come with their families to meetings on a Sunday. There were over 70 people present so perhaps they did but it would be nice to know what they thought of the idea.
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