APRIL

With the gentle month of April upon us, gardens, greenhouses, allotments, fields and woods, are all starting to look more green and hopeful.  It is also wonderful to have the extra daylight hour and be able to turn to more outdoor activities and recreations.

At our meeting this month we enjoyed an evening of learning to Line Dance.  A good number of us donned our Cowboy Boots and Check Shirts and took to the floor, accompanied by Dolly Parton. Great fun!  Huge thanks to Rosita, for her patience, encouragement and wonderful choice of music!

Each year The NFWI will vote on a Resolution. The aim being to get behind and fully support a cause for Women. This year, the vote was for Girls and Women who struggle with undiagnosed ASD & ADHD. Apparently, this is a very common occurrence, with long term, devastating results. We had the opportunity recently, to be part of a live discussion. Chaired by Nicky Amos (Somerset and National Trustee). The opportunity to understand and gain knowledge is very rewarding, especially for a very worthwhile cause. 

As an organization, we are affiliated with and support many charities.  One is the ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) - https://acww.org.uk/.  We organised a local walk on Saturday 23 April.  Six members met up at the hall to walk in solidarity with other women world-wide. The weather was dull but dry and many had to remove a layer as the day suddenly brightened. It was agreed to split into 2 groups, those doing the Quarry bund and those doing a flatter walk in the village.  

Despite several stops to chat with villagers the flat group were back first to pop the kettle on and prepare the array of delicious homemade cakes on offer. Another lady joined us at the hall and we all enjoyed a lovely long chat remembering villagers from decades back and discovering connections between people.  All in all a lovely afternoon of fresh air, exercise and friendship and £29 was collected for ACWW projects.

A key aim and principle for us, is being part of a community. Promoting and organising events in order to enjoy time together. Finding educational and interesting pastimes that stretch us in many ways.  We will soon be starting a Book Club.  A great way to learn about each other's tastes and opinions.  Our twice monthly Craft Group is growing. So much so that we’re perhaps looking at hiring the Hall on a regular basis. We work on our own projects, everything from knitting, sewing, drawing, quilt making and embroidery. We can learn from each other and it’s been great to have some expert help and advice on hand!  There is too, our weekly Tai Chi class.  A wonderful way to pass an hour, losing oneself in slow, meditative breathing and movement.

The WI will be participating in the Village Celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.  A special project was launched for members to knit a "Winnie" corgi to hide in our local community for others to find, keep or donate.  Caroline (after a certain amount of unpicking and starting again!) has made this great little chap.

Now that Covid restrictions are all but lifted, we are resuming our Monthly Lunches in the Bell Inn. Open to all members. A chance to catch up and enjoy good food and company.

On 9 May we will hold our AGM and go through the final outcome of the chosen Resolution (Women and Girls with ASD & ADHD).  For levity, we are also holding a quiz with photos of us all as small children, to see who can spot who!

Denman Courses are still available on-line and are now offering some pre-recorded sessions for those who can’t attend at the time. They are open to all at just £5 per session and offer a huge variety of creative and educational subjects. Well worth taking a look.

https://www.denman.org.uk/whats-on