‘WI Talk’ by Sheila Goldsworthy

Rough Tor

For those of you who don’t know, Sheila Goldsworthy writes a wonderful monthly WI column for The Cornishman. We will now be reproducing her column every month here for all to read:

WI members love walking. Down through the years members have enthusiastically traversed the highways and byways of our scenic county. Both the Tinner’s Way in April 1993, was very popular, and the Saints Way, in the mid ’80s, especially, was a particular favourite when the then Sports and Leisure sub-committee walked this historic route from Padstow to Fowey, in sections with either a cream tea or lunch, after each walk. A very typical method of WI sociability and enjoyment.

This summer there are two walks scheduled to take place; the first on Thursday 15 July when we explore The Minions, meeting in the car park at 11am. Cost £6.00. The second walk is scheduled for Friday 9 July and is organised by the newly amalgamated Arts and Leisure sub- committee, and will allow members to discover Rough Tor. This event starts at the Rough Tor car park and lasts from 11am-2pm. Cost £5.50.

The Arts and Leisure sub-committee is also asking us to make a document of our lives in 2020. This has been an unprecedented time that has never been experienced before, which some have found unbelievably difficult. Written pieces can be in any form from one-liners to a maximum of 1000 words, with poetry, letters diary notes, short stories or even photos.. Entry is open to all WI members . No prizes, just a very compelling account of Cornish history in 2020.

Former County Chairman Eunice Pearce

Many of the older generation of WI members will remember Eunice Pearce, a member of Lanreath WI who was County Chairman from 1968-71, who has died recently just before her 101st birthday. She held many posts in the WI but was exemplary in crafts and taught Needlework and Home-Management at StA ustell Further Education College. She was also Chairman of the Governors at Fowey School when it was rated in the top 10 schools in England, and served on that Board for 52 years. She had an abiding devotion to Lansallos Church and also served on the CCC Ratings Committee for the Valuation Board. Eunice loved the Royal Cornwall Show, and was very proud when Prince Charles visited the Marquee in 1970, when she was Chairman. This of course was the era when all ladies wore hats when meeting royalty and Eunice was naturally resplendent in her very stylish navy checked outfit with hat to match. She thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the WI members in her capacity as a VCO (now WI Advisor). A woman with very strong views, she thoroughly disapproved of all the tons of metal from rockets, etc. flying around our beloved planet. She joined the RAF early in life and became an aircraft mechanic servicing spitfires and Lancaster bombers. A very remarkable WI member with an enduring support for the WI and a staunch ambassador for the Cornish members

Bodmin Gaolbirds WI recently invited WI members to take part in a Zoom session with Charlotte Somers, Head of Marketing and Communication for the Hall for Cornwall, who gave us a detailed insight to our magnificent refurbished theatre and what the WI can expect when we use this modern newly renovated building on our first date in this venue for our Annual Council meeting on 20 October. We were told there will be a great emphasis on creative work, with young people holding various events that will encourage youngsters to become involved. Cornwall Playhouse is the name of the new auditorium. Details were announced of how we can all become involved in fund raising by for instance “naming a seat” in this greatly extended multi purpose venue. Exciting times ahead!