A warm welcome to Rachel and Lucy who have just joined our group. Thanks to Roxy for setting up a new Leigh WI Facebook page and we also keep in contact via our WI WhatsApp and Blog account.

Instead of a speaker for this month’s meeting we were treated to an entertaining powerpoint show ‘Wish You Were Here’ cleverly put together by Caroline using animation and sound effects. Members had been asked to provide photos of their favourite holiday destinations both at home and abroad. We were transported to the Channel Islands, Majorca, Italy, Crete, Egypt, India, Bhutan, Vietnam, Canada, Devon, Norfolk and East Sussex with an interesting story about each destination. 

 

Final donations towards Christmas Shoe Boxes for local YMCAs or other groups were collected and a total of 14 full boxes were added to the County total and were delivered to the Annual Meeting at the Bath & West Showground which a record 8 LOM members attended.

It was decided to support the Frome Food Bank with Christmas food items instead of a Secret Santa this year. Carrying on with the Christmas theme our annual Christmas meal has been booked at The Bell in Leigh and we will be entering the Christmas Tree festival in St. Giles Church over the weekend of 9th and 10th December.  

Our speaker in our November meeting will be explaining to us about ‘School in a Bag’ and the work this charity undertakes.

We are a friendly bunch of ladies of all ages 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.

 

Just turn up or contact Caroline on 01373 812889 for further information.

 

Caroline welcomed all our existing members and especially our new ladies Kate Drinkwater and Mary Witts to our September meeting.  It was lovely also to see visitors – including some mums from Leigh on Mendip School.

Some of our members had attended the Kilmersdon Summer Party.  A superb buffet was provided with lots of choice and yummy desserts.  We watched a demonstration of baskets made from weaving card strips and were able to purchase some of the lovely items.  It was also a chance to talk to other Institutes and compare notes.  Would certainly recommend for next year!

A small group went on an outing to Frome to visit the Guild of Weavers.  They have both large and smaller table looms – a very friendly group who help each other and give advice.

It was decided to suspend our Walking group for the time being and review again in the Spring.  Our other clubs are proving very popular and enjoyed by those who go.  Six ladies came to the monthly lunch at The Bell.

The Sales table proved popular.  Lots of lovely donations and £22 was raised to support Dorothy House.

Our speaker was Ursula Franklin with her unique story of ‘Mission Penguin’.  Ursula has combined her love of nature – particularly penguins with her passion for photography. Following the death of her husband in 2012, Ursula decided she needed a healing journey and so the idea of ‘Mission Penguin’ was born. 

She found out that there are 18 species of penguins in the world living in the southern hemisphere. So, she set herself a goal of seeing and photographing all 18 in their natural habitat. This meant researching and organising ways of travelling to the Antarctic and Antarctica Islands, the Galapagos Islands, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and South America. Ursula had a lot of journeys by different planes, ships and boats and even though she suffers badly from sea sickness, this did not put her off. 

She achieved her goal and now has published two books about the penguins she saw, and she told us that her healing journey is now complete, a most fascinating story.  She was enjoyed by all and many bought her book and cards.

At our October Meeting on Monday 9^th we are organising a "Wish You Were Here" event with photos from members' holidays or local outings.

The Rec Field are holding a Quiz on Friday 3 November.  Teams of 4.  So far 6 members are interested.  Please let one of the Committee know if you would like to take part.  A lot of fun – and after the success of our team at the County Quiz maybe even a winning team!

Looking even further ahead our Christmas meal will be at The Bell on Monday 4 December in the evening.  Menus will be available shortly.  We would like to take part in The Christmas Tree Festival again which is being held on 9/10 December.  Members were asked for suggestions for the theme.  More discussion at our October meeting.  This meeting will also be your last opportunity to donate small gifts for the Shoebox Appeal – otherwise please take your donations to Mary's house.  She will be packaging them up to be taken to the County AGM being held this year at the Bath & West Showground (very local!) on Sunday 15 October.  A lovely opportunity to meet with WI ladies from around Somerset and listen to some interesting speakers.

If you would like to know more about us contact Caroline on 01373 812889.  It would be great to see you at one of our meetings.  Come a few times before making any decision about joining.

 

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.