“If you find a path with no obstacles it probably doesn’t lead anywhere” This maxim is very suitable to everyone who is trying to grapple with our current COVID situation in trying to get back to normal, following a very disruptive period particularly in WI circles.
MONEY
In the January edition of the County News our County Chairman and County Treasurer are pleading for help with as they describe “the parlous state of our financial affairs”. The past year has taken toll on the CFWI bank account, without being able to hold events the Federation is struggling financially. So, if any member or WI is in a position to make a donation please contact the office. There have been obstacles in the past which have been resolved and with this very resilient and talented membership this problem can be solved and overcome the challenges we face. We can all help the Federation by supporting all the fund-raising as much as possible.
We have a plethora of events in which to take part both educational and social, starting off with a “Drop –in morning” at County house on Friday 4th February 10am-1pm, when members can meet sub-committee members for a chat and information on being part of that sub-committee. No-one can equal the quality and taste of WI food and there are a couple of succulent events to relish.
SOUP
The first is Soup’n’ Sweet on Friday 11th February at County House from11.30am-1.30pm. The reputation of these tasty lunches has spread throughout the County. The Board of Trustees will prepare a wonderful array of hot soups, and the usual delectable assortment of sweets just the right recipe to boost the morale and most importantly have an imperative chatter with friends. It’s been quite a long time now since we’ve done any serious chatting. Cost £12.
For further information contact Wendy Fiander 01752823590.
The second is for all those who like to celebrate in the Cornish style. St. Pirans Day afternoon tea, on Friday 4th March from 2-4pm.
Who will not be tempted by pasties, fairings and saffron cake, and again the opportunity to meet with friends and do what we do best; chat? The afternoon will be topped off with a flying tour around Lands End and the Lizard with Roy McBryde. Cost of the afternoon £15.00. For further details of this enticing event contact Helen Kestle 07971356338.
Even more tasty days to come in the Spring. Thoughts of the Royal Cornwall Show step a gear in the coming months and the Barbara Reed Trophy is always a renowned and popular feature in the WI Marquee. Organised by the Home Economics sub-committee, they are asking members to make a Keepsake Box, using any medium and any technique. There is only one entry per member and all items must be new and fit for purpose as well as being relevant to the theme. All exhibits must be made by the entrant. All entries must be packed in a suitable container and marked with the entrants name, WI and entry number with label attached.
For further information contact Alison Gribble 01566786947. Closing date 31st March.
Members are reminded to be sure to fill in their choice of resolution to be debated at the Annual Meeting in Liverpool on June 11th. The 7 resolutions and selection form can be found on page 24 in the November/December edition of WI Life. This year the selection is very varied, tackling very modern and gritty issues as befits our contemporary organization. It is important that every member takes advantage of this opportunity to express what is of concern to them. After reading all the information members must select one resolution and give to either the WI Secretary or send it to the Federation Office by 14th February.
If there is more space available in your list of New Year Resolutions it might be a good idea to think on the topic of Fair Trade, for example to put an extra Fairtrade item in your shopping bag, when on your weekly shopping trip. We have all been shocked by pictures of devastation where farmers have lost their crops, such as tea coffee, cocoa and bananas and even the houses they live in, by extreme weather conditions from tsunamis, typhoons or earthquakes. Life is often a struggle for them and now, in the present day even more so, which was emphasised at the Cop 26 Climate summit in Glasgow. We all enjoy a bar of chocolate, so by buying an extra bar is good for us and the poor cocoa.
Is soup & sweet still going ahead?
No Pam, it has since been cancelled.