Although we do not have a formal meeting with a speaker in August, we all enjoyed celebrating our President’s Evening on the Rec Field.  The weather had been very wet in the morning but brightened up enough for us all to sit outside for most of the evening. Thank you to all those who helped with the buying, preparation and serving of the food and drink. 

We were entertained by The Ladies of our Tai Chi Group performing part of ‘The Form’ guided by their instructor Gill.  The rest of us were then encouraged to join in this gentle form of exercise and moving meditation.  A lot of fun was had by all those watching, as well as participating.  It was lovely to welcome a few new faces. 

 

Other sub groups continue their meetings with The Monday crafters enjoying a trip to Frome Weavers on 17th August. We look forward to hearing more about it at our next meeting.  Line Dancing continues throughout the summer – Rosita keeping us nimble on our feet and also keeping our brains working.  We sometimes have several variations on a "theme" – which all adds to the fun!!  Our monthly lunch at The Bell was enjoyed by those who came.

 

Caroline had great fun attending a WI stained glass craft day.  See her beautiful creation with lovely colours of nature.  Do look out for these courses – so much to choose from to suit all tastes, interests and abilities.

 

We look forward to the meeting on Monday 11 September with the speaker Ursula Franklin presenting “Mission Penguin”. It sounds interesting. 

 

In September and October we will be collecting items for Christmas Shoe Boxes to go to the YMCA residents and others, male themed items needed.

Empty shoe boxes (preferably wrapped in Christmas paper) welcomed as well please. 

 

There is the opportunity to attend The Somerset County Annual Meeting held (very locally this year) at The Bath and West Show Ground, on 15th October. 

 

We are a friendly bunch of ladies and welcome visitors so please do come along and join us. We meet the second Monday evening of every month, in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.   Contact Caroline on 01373 812889 for further information. 

 

July has certainly been a wet month!!  But that hasn't stopped us from enjoying ourselves.  We continue with our various sub-groups – Craft, Book Club, Tai-Chi, Line Dancing and  Lunch Club – as well as our regular Monthly meeting.  Instead of the usual business session we started with the speakers - Steven and Andy from Somerset Road Safety with a talk on “Driving for the Over 60s”. 

Both had worked in the Police Traffic division for many years so had lots of experience to offer. They talked and showed slides/video clips of the changes to driving over the few last decades and the hazards/concerns for the older driver. In particular the 2022 update of the Highway Code shows 8 main changes to take note of whether a driver or other road user. Lots of questions were asked and the meeting was well enjoyed.

Jan gave a brief report from The Book Club.  She covered a few topics they have read with varied opinions from the readers, but all are enjoying taking part.  The most recent book was "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd. 

A resounding score of 9 out of 10.  Not only was it set in a turbulent time in history dealing with the last years of slavery in the US it was based on the true story of two exceptional women, the Grimke sisters.  They also became active writers and speakers for women's right.  Quite apt for the WI!  

Caroline gave a brief outline of the normal Business matters – which had already been covered in her regular communications to members.  In September & October we will be collecting items for Christmas Shoe Boxes to go to YMCA residents and others.  All members also have the chance to attend the Somerset Annual Meeting, for the first time being held at the Bath & West Showground on Sunday 15th October. 

During July some members enjoyed running the “Human Fruit Machine” at the Recreations Field’s Centenary celebrations.  Despite the rain those who came had fun and we donated the money raised to the Rec Field.  A couple of members attended a social event at Buckland Dinham WI and a small group went to the Summer Supper at Kilmersdon WI with fabulous food and entertainment.

We also entered a team in the County Summer Quiz at the local Shepton Mallet venue.  18 teams in total.  A great turn out. 

And congratulations to Eddie, Jan, Jo, June, Karen and Sue A for coming first.  Well done "Ladies of Leigh"!

We are looking forward to our President’s Evening on the Recreation Field on Monday 14th August from 6-8pm. A demonstration by our Tai Chi Group, followed by the chance to have a go and a supper including some Chinese snacks. A good chance to catch up.

Please contact Caroline on 01373 812889 if you would like to know more about us!  No obligation to join!!

 

 

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.

 

 

April Showers!!  Well we have certainly had a wet month, including rain on the last day.  Here's hoping for a drier and warmer May.

Fortunately for us Saturday 29^th was a bright and sunny afternoon.  At 2pm a group of ladies set off from the Village Hall to do two different walks in aid of ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World).  Each year on or around 29 April, women worldwide celebrate ACWW's international network by joining together to Walk the World.  It is the largest international organisation for both rural and urban women, with a membership of nine million in over 70 countries.  

Of course, it would not be the WI without tea and cake being served at the end!  It was lovely to see so many chatting and enjoying each other's company.  We raised £88.50.  Thank you so much for those who made cakes, served teas and joined us on the walk.

Our speaker in April was Noelle Leigh, one of our own Villagers and WI member, who spoke on "Do Trees Talk?".  The meeting was in the Clubhouse on the Rec field (due to change of normal date because of the Easter holiday).  It was entirely appropriate given the subject and members spent a cosy evening together.  Noelle shared with us her long and extensive knowledge of trees and helped us to see their splendour, to feel their strength and to respect them. 

We learnt that trees can help us experience real calm and peace whilst navigating our busy and complex lives.  She spoke of our Key Native Species and how these have adapted and evolved with other Non-Native ones.  She brought along some examples of acorns and seeds to help us understand these differences.  She also gave an informative precis of how she developed her keen interest and long time passion.  A very charming and engaging talk.

Some of our members and husbands went to Radstock Museum on 27 April.  A first visit for some and for others an opportunity after many years to take a look again at the different historical aspects of Radstock life.  Afterwards a very tasty meal at the local Italian restaurant.  Thank you to the organisers.

Our meeting on 8 May will be back in the Memorial Hall and it will be our annual AGM.  This is when we'll discuss the new WI Resolution, "Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife", and take a vote.  Caroline is attending the AGM in Cardiff in May and will take our vote forward.  At our meeting we will also be choosing our new Committee members and President.  There will also be a short display from our band of Line Dancers (one of our growing number of sub-groups).

Don't forget that Denman offers lots of very interesting and varied on-line courses.  Why not sign up to their newsletter?  Just follow this link:

https://www.denman.org.uk/newsletter/

Each month we enjoy either a pre-arranged speaker or an in-house social event, followed by light refreshment and chat.  It's a lovely way to catch-up and make new friends.  So if you feel like joining us and would like to see if it's for you, why not come along.  We are always delighted to welcome new members, either from Leigh on Mendip or the surrounding villages.

If you are interested please contact Caroline on 01373 812889.

 

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.

It felt awesome to be marching with other women, to fight against the issue with all ages represented.

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:

https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/ 

The Litter Pick was well supported by other people living in Leigh on Mendip.  34 people came during the afternoon.  Rubbish was collected from the lanes, footpaths and open areas in and around the village.  

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.