Water for Zimbabwe - 17 June 2010

We will never be able to turn on a tap without being aware of what water means to our world again. Such was the feeling of WI members who watched Daphne Brown’s moving film on 17th June on Stones to Water about bringing water to the people of Zimbabwe. We take this precious commodity so much for granted. In Zimbabwe school without a water supply are summarily closed down. The government refuses to supply water and cholera is rife. In Harari the drainage system has broken down. It is thanks to people like Daphne, who has now caused 36 boreholes to be sunk that many people have schools, clinics and a link to life. If you would like to donate to her worthy cause visit stones to water on the net.

Next month Eva Whitton is speaking on the Embroidery of India at Rushden Village Hall on Thursday 15th July at 8pm. Eva is a wonderful embroiderer whose Christmas tree hanging was chosen for the Queen’s Christmas tree so do take this chance to come and hear her speak. Visitors are welcome.

The NFWI is encouraging members to take part in a group triathlon. This can be done in sections. We are hoping all members will take part. Ann Warner has suggested that an orwell walk around Wallington could be used to make up our mileage followed of course by a WI tea!

On September the 30th at Baldock Community Centre at 7.30pm, Rushden are hosts to the group meeting when Tom Doig will speak on Witchcraft in Hertfordshire. We will need to provide the tea so if you are able to help out would you please let our President know what you will be making.

WI Resolutions - 20 May 2010

At May’s WI Resolutions meeting, members were asked to vote on the Resolution “The meeting urges HM Government to introduce clear and mandatory labeling on all meat, poultry and fish products sold in this country.” 7 members voted for the resolution; 2 were against and there were 2 abstentions.

Next month, on Thursday 17th June, Daphne Brown comes to talk on Water for Zimbabwe and her work in that country.

On 30th September we are hostesses at the group meeting. Volunteers are needed to help with catering. The competition is for an item made from recycled materials.

Once again we will be decorating a tree for the Sandon Christmas Festival. The theme is a Christmas Carol.

My Time at the BBC - 15 April 2010

On Thursday 15^th April Anna Styles former BBC Wardrobe Mistress will be talking about her time with the BBC at Wallington Village hall at 8pm.

A Butcher's Life - 18 March 2010

Steve Wilde, a family butcher from Standon, gave a very interesting and informative talk to our members in March. He is both proprietor and oversees the buying of all the animals which are sent out to various farms before being taken to the local abattoir so that his meat can be followed right through the system. He discussed various cuts of meat and was asked many questions by members. He was also able to give advice on which cuts of meat were suitable for different recipes.

The Wartime History of Letchworth - 18 February 2010

If Josh Tidy’s talk is anything to go by, Letchworth must be one of the most generous towns in Britain. During the Second World war they raised well over £200,000 equivalent to over £30,000,000 in today’s terms. They also enjoyed themselves whilst raising the money with special events including putting the Squanderbug on trial before his ritual execution. Letchworth firms contributed a great deal to the war effort by producing munitions and parachutes and of course the bombes for the Enigma code breaker. If you want to find out more about this side of the War why not visit Letchworth Garden Museum from March 2010 to February 2011? The WI New Year lunch was enjoyed by everyone. Once again Neil and Anita at the Moon and Stars ensured everyone left feeling well fed and happy.
Our next meeting will be at Rushden Village Hall (please note error in programme) on Thursday 18th March at 8pm when Steve White will speak on A Butcher’s Life

"Women in the 1800s" - 21 January 2010

January’s speaker held members spellbound as they learned about the lives of country women of the early 1800s. From laundress to leech gatherers, their jobs were all back breaking and generally poorly rewarded. Fortunately they had the comfort of the lysergic acid present in the gleaned corn. It gives a whole new meaning to happy country folk. The WI lunch will now be held on Friday 12th February at 12.30 for 1pm at the Moon and Stars. The previous lunch was cancelled due to the snow.
The next meeting is an open meeting, so all may come including men! If you are interested in the wartime history of Letchworth which of course includes the making of the enigma machine come and listen to Josh Tidy of Letchworth Garden City Museum talk on Silks, Sirens and Spitfires at Wallington Village Hall on Thursday18th February at 8pm. Entry for non members is £3.