‘WI Talk’ by Sheila Goldsworthy

Former CFWI Chairman and current Assistant Media Officer Sheila Goldsworthy writes a wonderful monthly WI column for The Cornishman. Here is Sheila’s April column:

Cornwall is certainly hitting the headlines this month, with the Climate Ambassadors gracing the front page of the April edition of WI Life magazine and several mentions inside of Cornish WI members advocating greater awareness of climate change and how we can make small changes in our day to day living to help save the planet. Historically, WI members in Cornwall have been supportive of treating the environment with respect and care. There is a comprehensive paragraph in this month’s County News on the role of the Climate Ambassador, and the Federation is asking for more interested people to contact them on cfwiclimate@gmail.com.

There have been huge campaigns in the past, especially remembering when the Federation’s Environment Sub-committee organised the planting of 234 native broad-leafed trees – one for each of the WIs at the time, in 14 sites throughout Cornwall. The trees were donated by the County Council, with the WI working with the Cornwall Trust for Nature Conservation (now the Cornwall Wildlife Trust). It was a terrific feat of organisation, with all the planting taking place on 20 November 1993, part of the celebratory year commemorating 75 years of the Cornwall Federation.

We all like something to celebrate and there is plenty on the agenda this year. We are all  aware of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer, so the CFWI Trustees held a competition with members designing and making a card which the Federation will send to her Majesty on behalf of all the WIs in Cornwall on this unparalleled achievement.

Camilla Duchess Of Cornwall age and when did she marry Prince Charles? |  Metro NewsCFWI is asking if members have any photographs taken at any events with Prince Charles who is also celebrating his Platinum Anniversary as Duke of Cornwall. He has been extremely supportive of myriad projects and charities in Cornwall. CFWI would like to create a display in the WI marquee at the Royal Cornwall Show to mark Prince Charles’s 70 years as Duke Of Cornwall. The photographs can be of any Cornish event not necessarily a WI function. There must be so many showing his great interest and love of Cornwall over 70 years. He probably does know quite a bit about the WI with both his mum, wife, and sister-in-law being WI members, and his sister an Associate Member! Members are asked to e-mail the photos to cfwi@btconnect.com or post them to Chy Noweth an Conteth. If you are sending original photos, there is an assurance that they will be given great care and returned safely.

NFWI is launching a new WI recruitment award this year, which will commence in April, the beginning of the new subscription year, and will run until March 2023. WIs will be split into categories by size and the WI which has increased its membership by the highest percentage based on the data in MCS (the Membership Communication System), will win £200 for the benefit of all its members. All the WI has to do is maintain their MCS listing and spread the word how very special and enjoyable the WI is, by recruiting as many new members as possible. Is there any other organisation that can give such a huge variety of education and interest, but most important of all, friendship?

One of the greatest advertising features is of course your WI programme, and the CFWI Programme Competition is running again this year, after its enforced absence. These programmes have proven to be such an asset to their WIs, advertising events, naming officers and other special facets that a newcomer needs to know. Each WI has its own character, which is portrayed in its programme. There are four awards to be won, again according to the size of the WI. They will be awarded at the Annual Council Meeting in October. The closing date is 30 June and programmes should be submitted to Sheila Goldsworthy, Truthwall Farm, Leedstown, Hayle TR27 5EU.

 

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