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.