Federation News April 2014
Chairmans Letter April 2014
It has been another full month taking part in WI meetings and doing the work of the Federation. I always look upon visits with WI's as a reward for the office work!
I joined Shobdon WI for a talk given by the daughter of one of the members, who is a teacher, on the partnership between her school and a school in Sri Lanka. The school raises money to help with rebuilding the school and the children's lives that were affected by the tsunami. It was a super talk with slides and although her school had raised thousands of pounds it showed how even small amounts of money can make a huge difference in these disaster areas. As usual a lovely tea followed.
This is probably a good opportunity to talk about giving to charity, as you are probably aware as WI members we are known for our charity work and cake making in particular but as a charity there are very clear guidelines about what we are able to do under the 'WI banner' We are able to raise money that we know will help local members in Herefordshire but beyond that as the WI we can do very little. That does not stop us as individuals supporting a charity or getting together with friends who happen to be WI members but you cannot call yourselves the 'WI'
At the end of February Janice Durkin, Assistant Treasurer and I went to Denman, I went on a Chairman's Workshop and Janice on a Treasurers Workshop. These were arranged by NFWI and there were 22 Chairmen and 13 treasurers. It was a very valuable learning experience and good to share ideas with people from all over the England and Wales.
I spent an evening with Ashperton & Canon Frome WI who had a talk on engraved glass, Jan Studerus talked about the history of engraved glass and showed some wonderful examples on film and brought some of her own work. The WI had invited members from other WI's who supported them very well as did some men! We finished with a delicious supper.
It was Wye Women's 1st Birthday and I was invited to their party. What a lovely evening, we started with business and as a new WI they are doing so well, it is very organised and they are so enthusiastic and enjoying it. Then we were entertained by the Hereford Police Choir which was a real privilege, they sang some beautiful songs, some very moving and as a treat for us they sang Jerusalem and we joined in. Their members range from 18 to 80+ and they put on concerts, I would recommend going but I believe the tickets sell out quickly. The evening ended with the WI serving tea and cake for everyone, a truly lovely evening.
Kathryn Bandfield, Federation Chairman, Tel: 07805 584878, Email: kathrynbandfield@gmail.com
2015 BATON MEETING
We had our first meeting with WI's and Group representatives to discuss events in the county when we have the baton. It was an excellent meeting with 35 members taking part in lively discussion and coming up with some fantastic ideas.
I now have to meet with Hampton Court, Clive Richards and Lady Darnley to make firmer arrangements and to come up with a route.
When I have done this we will have another meeting to finalise timings which will enable groups to make their arrangements.
An overwhelming idea was to dress in costume of the period which of course we will be able to use next year for the centenary, but some of you might want to think about that now.
It was agreed that for the whole federation there would be a county picnic at Hampton Court and this would enable any member whose group or WI wasn't holding their own function to join with us.
Please don't forget the Centenary Baton Cushion Competition – details in March Newsletter.
If you weren't at the meeting and want to be involved please contact me as a matter of urgency.
Kathryn Bandfield, Federation Chairman, Tel: 07805 584878, Email: kathrynbandfield@gmail.com
FEDERATION SECRETARY NEWS
I am sorry to inform you that I will be leaving the Federation at the end of March, having worked as Federation Secretary for the last six years. My job and in particular, editing the newsletter and attending the Annual Council Meetings and AGM's, has provided me with the opportunity to get to know many of the members for which I am very grateful. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those members who have supported me during this time and to wish you all every success with your WI events and functions.
Lynda Griffiths, Federation Secretary
MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT COMMITTEE
Resolution Briefing Meeting Hampton Bishop Village Hall Wednesday 30th April
This year 77,071 votes were sent into NFWI. They were divided into 29,977 for Increasing organ donation, 22,239 for the Campaign against female genital mutilation, 17,159 for the Provision of non-acute hospital beds and 7,696 for Women's centres specifically for vulnerable women at risk of offending.
Only the first resolution will taken forward for discussion and consideration and then on to the AGM where depending on how we all vote it may become the Campaign for 2014.
NFWI tell us that three people die every day whilst waiting for an organ transplant. They ask us as WI members to make our wishes regarding organ donation known and to encourage our families and friends and members of the local community to do likewise.
In order for us to be able to make an informed personal decision and help us to carry accurate information back to our WI's we are inviting speakers to join us at our Resolution Briefing meeting.
Please join us at 9.30 for coffee and biscuits and to hear our speakers at 10.00am.
Avril Killick, Chairman, Membership Support Committee, Tel: 01544 327844
Education and International Affairs Sub Committee
The International Evening is always a popular annual event, usually selling out. This year we plan to have as our theme 'Southern Africa' and we are hoping to have it on Monday 17 November 2014 at Hampton Bishop Hall, so put the date in your diary and watch this space for further details.
Alison Lord, Tel: 01544 340256 Email: alisonrlord@btinternet.com
CALLING ALL BUDDING THESPIANS.
The Herefordshire Drama festival is a yearly event and held during March at The Courtyard in Hereford. There is a special award that is only for WI'S to win. This is an opportunity to try out your acting or directing ability and enjoy yourself at the same time.
The play can be a drama, a comedy or both!! There can be as few as two actors or as many as you like. The festival was held in March, but now is the time to start thinking about next years entry For more details contact me and I will try and point you in the right direction.
Good luck or should I say "Break a Leg"
Val Lewis, Tel: 01544 327700 Email: valjlewis1@aol.com
DENMAN NEWS
On Friday 2nd May 2014 Come to Denman and meet Lady Fiona Carnarvon the eighth Countess of Carnarvon. She will speak about her home Highclere Castle, an exquisite Victorian residence which was used as the setting for Julian Fellows drama Downtown Abbey.She will discuss her book Lady Catherine and the real Downton Abbey and sign her book.
The day includes Morning coffee and Pastries, Discussion and Book Signing with Lady Carnarvon followed by a three course lunch with wine Price for this is WI members £45 and non members 50.
There is an overnight option available, The price for dinner, en suite accommodation breakfast and attendance at the event is £99 for members and £109 for non members. Search course code 134.9510 to book the overnight option.
The new Denman brochure is now available and contains lots of new courses. To all of you who applied for the Denman bursaries, you will have heard by now if you have been successful, I will let you know as more bursaries become available.
FREE DAY AT DENMAN
The Pleasure Of Sound And The Importance Of Good Hearing. Monday 30th June At Denman.
This is an educational day hosted by Dr Hilary Jones health advisor on ITV's morning show and Hidden Hearing. A speaker will also be Dr Paul Whittaker OBE, a choir master and music graduate from Oxford University who has been deaf all his life. There will also be a surprise performance from a deaf choir.
Places will be allocated by ballot on 9th May and you will be notified by 16th May.
For more details and an application form please e mail valjlewis1@aol.com or Phone 01544 327700
WEBSITE PAGES AND FACEBOOK PAGE
Our pages on the NFWI website are regularly updated between newsletters so you can keep abreast of urgent information. Please go to www.thewi.org.uk/Herefordshire; you can always find this address on the front page of our newsletter.
You can also read about any County WI news on our new Facebook page; www.facebook.com/herefordshirefederationofwomensinstitutes which also contains links to the relevant pages on the WI website.
Has your WI got a website or is thinking about one? Contact me and I can put you in touch with members who have already made one for their WI. What about a Facebook page too? If you use Facebook it is very easy to make one for your WI.
COMPUTER/TABLET SESSIONS
I have 2 more dates booked in WI House for anyone who would like to come along (pre-booking essential!). Give me a ring or send me an email to discuss what you would like some help with. I have spaces on April 3 and May 15 am and pm.
Alison Lord, Digital Champion, Email: digitalchampion.hfwi@gmail.com