Food and War - 16 June 2005

So what did you cook in the War Mummy? could have been a question from June’s W.I. meeting, when Sarah Lever stepped into the breach left by Andrea Falter who was unable to come due to a family death. Members learned how the seeds of food planning in the Second World War were actually laid during World War One when the health of the average conscript was a cause for major concern. It was during the inter war years that the Ministry of Food was set up and various government departments looked into improving nutrition, which eventually led to a much healthier nation. Several members added their reminiscences and talked about the barter that existed in country areas. Afterwards carrot cookies were made and eaten. The radio doctor would have been proud of us. We were pleased to welcome Chris Brabrook and Gemma Day who came to talk to members about their role as the villages’ Community Police Officers and how we can help both them and ourselves. Yorkshire Tea has kindly sent teabags which were raffled and samples of Dove soap were handed out.
Next meeting is again at Wallington and will be Eve Davies talking about Fashion from the 1900’s on Thursday 21st July.

Resolutions Meeting - 19 May 2005

Wallington and Rushden W.I. enjoyed a rather rowdy resolutions evening on Thursday 19th May when two resolutions from NFWI were put forward and two from the floor. The NFWI resolutions were that the WI should work at raising the public awareness of the discrepancy in price between retail and that offered to the farmer with which everyone agreed and secondly that we should do all in our power to reduce waste and conserve resources. Everyone felt that most supermarket goods were vastly overpackaged and that we should consider using reusable shopping bags. It was felt that local councils, both Parish and District should be approached to support more recycling especially in view of Tesco Royston’s intended removal of their plastic recycling centre. Our own resolutions were more village based; that anyone driving in the villages whilst using a mobile phone should be named and shamed and
that people should be encouraged by whatever means possible to observe the 30 mph restrictions in the villages.
Members enjoyed guessing who the committee members were in the days of their youth and also having a go on Ann Warner’s partner’s mobility scooter. The thought of an army of WI ers on these is probably enough to discourage most people from using the roads never mind driving too fast. Next meeting is again at Wallington on Thursday 16th June at 8pm and is open to all. Andrea Falter of Cambridge Slow Food will talk on Looking for Treasure in our local community’s food suppliers, rather than heading down to the local supermarket. 

Plants and Animals of Hertfordshire - 21 April 2005

Due to an unexpected stay in hospital, our original speaker for the WI meeting was unable to join us on Thursday 21st April but fortunately a colleague of his, Simon O'Dell stepped in to fill the breech at very short notice. Simon is a volunteer with the Council for National Parks of which there are twelve in England and Wales. The aim of the organisation is to conserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the area and to help us enjoy the natural environment, plus recreation, conservation and protection. The Lake District is the largest with the Peak District being the second most visited National Park in the world.

The Home Front - 15 April 2005

A full hall gathered to listen to Alan Payne talk (Friday 15 April) on the Home Front and show his wonderful collection of artifacts. Several of the audience had memories of the times and Alan was thrilled to be offered a stirrup pump afterwards to add to his collection. Afterwards everyone had a chance to look more closely (and if certain men looked rather too closely at Jane we'll keep quiet about it!) and enjoy wartime recipe biscuits with their tea and coffee. £97 was raised towards the forthcoming VE day celebrations.

Life of a Customs Officer - 17 March 2005

Want to learn how to smuggle ? Talk to a member of Wallington and Rushden WI. After listening to Malcolm Brewer, formerly of Customs and Excise at Stansted Airport we can now give most people tips. Fiona proved a wonderful mule, even fooling Malcolm at one point (but we did say that he should let her off!) We were amazed at the lengths people will go to to bring in illegal goods, particularly drugs and the tragic consequences that can follow. Next time we walk through the green exit, we will be very much more aware of the people behind the scenes.
Next month Graham Goodall will be talking about the Plants and Animals of Hertfordshire on Thursday 21st April at 8pm in Rushden Village Hall and on 28th April a National Trust shepherd will talk at the Group Meeting at Baldock on Caring for the Cotswolds.

The Andes to the Galapagos - 17 February 2005

Members were treated to a fascinating insight into the lives of the women of the Andes when Margaret Rogers came to talk on from The Andes to the Galapagos on Thursday 17th February at Rushden. The women themselves are very small compared to their menfolk and the richer people of the area due to their poor diet. In spite of this they enjoy their “girls’” outings to the local markets selling hand made goods at nominal costs.Next month sees Malcolm Brewer talking about his life as a Customs Officer at Stansted Airport. This is an open meeting and everyone in welcome. If you want to find out what life is like on the other side of the barrier now’s your chance. We are told by other W.I.s to whom he has spoken that this is a talk not to be missed. It is on Thursday 17th March at 8pm at Wallington Village Hall.

Another Sinister World - 20 January 2005

Wallington and Rushden WI met on Thursday 20th January to learn about another sinister world, that is the world of the left handed. Ann Warner managed to prove that for most of us, it is not a case of being left or right handed but a little of both. She also showed that for those of us who class ourselves as left handed, life can be very difficult in a right handed world, by asking members to use implements designed for the left hand.

Our new programme is now available, with plenty of interesting talks to suit all ages and enthusiasms from Customs and Excise at Stansted to medicinal and culinary herbs.

This year the WI celebrates its 90th anniversary and we would like to celebrate by encouraging new members to join us. Forget the blue rinse brigade. Wallington and Rushden WI is drawn from all ages and all interests. Why not give us a try?

We also intend to complete the ninety miles suggested by the organisation as a way to celebrate the year and hopefully become healthier individuals as a result.

The Spring Group Meeting is on Thursday 28th April at Baldock and will feature a National Trust shepherd.

Our next meeting is at Rushden on Thursday 17th February when Margaret Rogers will speak on From the Andes to the Galapagos.