Well we can claim that part of the month has certainly been 'Flaming June'.  So lovely to be outdoors enjoying our gardens and other open spaces.  We've waited long enough – though the gardens and farmers need the rain.

Unfortunately, our speaker, Nancy Freeman, was unwell and able to give her talk on Japanese Crafts this month.  Hopefully, she may be able to do a future meeting. 

However, we were combining this with a display from our Craft Group.  They have created lovely items – some very talented ladies!  Three of our 'Crafters' did a Fashion display of the Skye Wraps they had made.  They are beautiful – made with material donated by one of the members and lined with some very pretty Liberty prints.  Well done!  We then all took part in a Quiz – thank you to those who organised it at the last minute. 

Our President Caroline attended the national WI Annual Meeting in Cardiff at the end of May along with a few hundred other members from around the country.  The meeting was very interesting and included two motivational speakers who gave tips for success including:

     Confidence is overrated, courage matters and

     Treat others as you would like to be treated. 

There was time over the lunch break to ride on the carousel in Cardiff city centre!!

Having listened to the speakers for the "Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife" Resolution Caroline personally felt that funding would be better allocated to the less expensive option of cleaner water for wildlife rather than for the more specific wild swimming for people.  She voted, however, as she had been instructed by the WI groups she was representing.  It was generally felt that in future years it would be beneficial for all WI members to be able to listen to the expert speakers before passing on their voting options to their delegate.   A more detailed Report had been sent to all members.

Denman College has now closed and with the funds all WI members are now offered free on-line courses and there is also a possibility of Grants being offered to Federations for more local in-person courses.

The Speaker in July will be on "Driving for the over 60's".  It is also "Pride Month" and  it was suggested that to show our support locally we could all wear to this meeting a bright colour (single colour or rainbow).  We will take photos and possibly use to update our main Blog photo. 

Meanwhile there are plenty of other activities – including our monthly lunch at The Bell on Wednesday 21^st, Group Meeting at Buckland Dinham on 4 July, and the various sub-groups getting together.

If you are interested in finding out more or would like to come along to a meeting please contact Caroline on 01373 812889. 

 

NFWI Annual Meeting Report 2023 from Caroline

 

NFWI Annual Meeting 2023 – Delegate’s Report

I travelled independently and joined the Somerset WI group late evening at the hotel in Cardiff Bay.  After breakfast we travelled by coach into the centre of Cardiff for a short walk to St David’s Hall.  The venue was almost full; it was very moving to sing Jerusalem together.

Ann Jones, National Chair, during her address advised that the Non-Members Survey had been transformational for planning purposes.  She then announced the new model for education following the closure of Denman College (see e-mail from County on 26 May).  The Treasurer presented the accounts, which showed a healthy surplus, following the sale of Denman.  She encouraged WIs to claim Gift Aid for members, which then enabled Federations and National also to claim it.

The resolution discussion on Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife was very interesting.  The proposer and seconder spoke passionately about the need for cleaner rivers and more designated bathing areas.  A speaker from River Action, a UK-based environmental charity committed to addressing the severe problem of river pollution (particularly that caused by agricultural and food industry practices and sewage discharge by water companies) supported the resolution.  The speaker against the resolution raised good points:

§  there are 200,000 km of water courses and applying for designated bathing areas would divert investment from general improvement of river health and wider environmental protection.

§  it would cost £56 million to change rivers to swimming pools.

§  pathogens that would need to be removed from the water for human safety would not harm wildlife.

§  70% of people surveyed want rivers to be cleaner for wildlife, 12% want them cleaner for swimming.

Many of the questions/comments from the floor supported clean rivers generally but not specifically for bathing.  Someone commented that wild swimming was an exclusive activity and someone else that changes would make life very hard for farmers.  The resolution was passed by 84%.

Had I been given discretion on the vote I would have voted against the resolution having heard the speakers.  WIs need to remember that they have this option – to vote for or against or to give the delegate discretion.  It was agreed that it would be helpful for everyone to have the opportunity to hear the expert speakers before voting – National will think about this for future years.

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE, a former English cricketer who is now a commentator and Director of Women's Cricket at Surrey, the first black woman to play for England, spoke eloquently about her life and motivation giving the following keys to success:

§  confidence is overrated, courage matters.

§  environment is everything, good people and surroundings.

§  see challenges as growth opportunities.

§  having a purpose means it is easy to do better.

During the lunch break I joined Unofficial Women’s Institute Facebook page members (daisies) for a photograph and an enjoyable but uncomfortable ride on the carousel!

Nicky Amos (from Somerset) is leaving as a NFWI Trustee and was thanked.  She spoke of the success of WI campaigning, that decision makers take notice of 180,000 members.

The final speaker was Laura McAllister CBE, a Welsh academic, former international footballer and recently appointed as Vice-President of the UEFA Executive Committee.  Again, she was a very motivational speaker, emphasising the growth in women’s football and the opportunity for girls to become professional footballers.  Her suggestions for success were:

§  don’t be a dick, treat other as you would like to be treated.

§  don’t forget to help others.

§  don’t stop learning.

§  don’t forget your roots.

I thoroughly recommend the experience and urge you to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting to be held in the Royal Albert Hall on 5 June.

 

 

The Memorial hall was very busy on the evening of our May meeting with members and several visitors. After the usual business and notices, we discussed the WI National Resolution – Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife.  After a short quiz, more information and discussion, the majority voted in favour of the resolution.  This vote was taken by Caroline to the WI Annual Meeting in Cardiff at the end of the month.

Our own AGM then followed with reports of the last year’s activities, finances and voting in Caroline as our President for another year. The Line Dancing sub-group put on a show for us – 9 ladies and their instructor Rosita showed us 3 dances which were much enjoyed by all their audience. Finally, refreshments and a sales table of items donated by members, with various items from rhubarb to craft items and handbags. We raised £35 to be sent to Alzheimer’s Research. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and sociable evening was had by all.

The Annual Meeting in Cardiff was reported as a fun packed event with inspirational speakers Ebony Rainford-Brent and Laura McAllister talking about women's sport.  As well as this, there was a passionate debate on the Resolution which passed with an 84% majority. Below are ways that you can get involved:

1. Find out more information about how to apply for inland bathing water by using the Surfers Against Sewage's 'Wild Water' website.
The website contains a useful nine-step guide that provides guidance about applying for a designated bathing water. You can also access the Surfers Against Sewage community bathing waters toolkit here. 
2. Find out about sewage pollution in rivers in your area
You can find out about the location of combined sewage outflows (CSOs) in your area by looking at the Rivers Trust Sewage Map. 

Our Speaker in June will be Nancy Freeman on "Japanese Craft".  There will also be a display of work from our very own Craft Group.

If you are interested in finding out more about our WI, enjoy some good company and entertainment why not come along. We meet on the second Monday of each month at 7.30 in The Memorial Hall. We have either a speaker or an in-house social event followed by light refreshments and plenty of chat. A great way to catch up.  Contact Caroline on 01373 812889.