They say for March:-
"In like a Lion and out like a Lamb". Not so sure that is true – we did have snow near the beginning but have ended with torrential rain!!
Somewhere in the middle, though, we have had the chance to see the daffodils and primroses.
The Speaker this month was Dawn Denton who gave a very informative talk on “Growing Up in Apartheid Africa”. Dawn is now local – living in Frome but her family for several generations have lived in South Africa. She spoke about her early childhood, attending boarding school and then University (where she trained to be a teacher) in the 1970s and 80s. As a young person she had not been so aware of the politics and the impact of Apartheid – partly because of the information withheld and the way news was presented to them. She then spoke on the changes that have been made, starting with the release of Nelson Mandela, and the work that still needs to be done. She was a very interesting and engaging speaker and was happy to answer our questions.
We also heard from Sue Dunford about the "Million Women Rise" March in London. In her own words:-
"When I saw mention of the Million Woman Rise in the WI, ending violence against women and girls was something I felt very strongly about and decided this was something I was going to get involved with.
So on 4th March I made my way to the University of London in Regent Street for a pre-meet panel hosted by NFWI Chair Ann Jones. Anneliese Dodds (Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities) made a keynote speech about menopause and working women and our panel speakers were Lizzy Dobres from Women's Aid England and Dr Hannah Siddiqui of Southall Black Sisters. It was thought provoking to hear about some of the issues faced and a very spirited discussion ensued with Ann Jones very quickly jumping on us if questions became too political!
We then headed off for pictures in Cavendish Square Gardens where I got chatting to other members from Bridport, Hackney, Nottingham and Manchester, before arriving at Selfridges where the March was starting from.
We were lucky to be behind another women's group who all had drums, so it made a great rhythm to dance to whilst we were waiting to start and a great counterpoint to chanting and singing once we were on our way. Spectators were supportive and the only negative came from a woman who was getting frustrated that she couldn't get across the road.
We moved slowly down to Trafalgar Square where the rally was held. It started with poetry and rapping and was calling out strongly the misogyny of the police force. It was a safe place for women to express their pain and be supported by other women and if I had been able to stay longer I'm sure other aspects would have also been discussed. However, by then I was freezing and had a train to catch.
Would I get involved again – absolutely
What would I do differently - wear warmer clothes!"
At a recent meeting we had briefly discussed this year's Resolutions. All members are given a chance to vote on the Resolution they would like to see go forward. Results have been announced – Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife had the most National votes with 39%, and 30% of ours. We will talk more about this over the coming months. Voting is in May and Caroline will attend the AGM in Cardiff and vote on our behalf and also for other local WIs. Meanwhile do look on the MyWI website for a lot more information. If you haven't already done so it is very easy to join up. Just follow the link:
Thank you to those who made cakes and served refreshments. It was lovely to see people enjoying themselves in the Hall at the end. £15.80 was raised for Frome Foodbank.
We continue with our usual monthly events. 8 ladies attended the lunch at The Bell on Wednesday 15 March. Line Dancing is always popular on a Friday – we were joined by some other ladies from Buckland Dinham and Frome. Thank you to Rosita for being such an excellent and patient teacher! The Book Club have had a rather weighty book this month – 771 pages. Not a book to pack in your suitcase when going on holiday! It met with very mixed views – but it's great we can all feel free to express our views - and agree to disagree!! Craft Group meet on the first and third Monday afternoon of each month. Do come along and see if you are interested.
Note the changes to our April Meeting. It will be held on the THIRD Monday (17 April) due to the Easter weekend. We will also be in the Recreational Field Clubhouse. Same time 7.30pm. We are keenly looking forward to our speaker this month, one of our very own knowledgeable members Noelle Leigh. She is giving us a talk "Do Trees Talk?", very apt when the trees all around are showing signs of life and bursting into leaf.
With Spring just arriving the Bulb Order Catalogues for next year are available. Please see Mary if you wish to place an order. Also the WI Raffle Tickets are on sale at £1 each with some fabulous prizes to be won. Subs (£40) are due in April. Please pay by bank transfer, cheque or cash.
On Thursday 27 April there will be an outing to
Radstock Museum, leaving the village at 6pm.
Friends and family very welcome.
Please speak to Mary if you are interested.
