Former CFWI Chairman and current Assistant Media Officer Sheila Goldsworthy writes a wonderful monthly WI column for The Cornishman. Here is Sheila’s June column:
Talent is certainly prolific in the WIs in Cornwall with the stellar entries in the WI marquee at the Royal Cornwall Show this year. Visitors to the show could only stare in admiration at the expertise of the members’ skills. The main competition for the Royal Cornwall Show Cup was entitled “Our Green and Pleasant Land” with Ladock WI the winner of this prestigious trophy. Second was Pendeen WI, and third was Mevagissey WI.
The Rosemary Slee Trophy for the best cookery item was won by Sharon Clemens of Duloe WI. The Yvonne Toms Trophy for the best craft item was won by Ann Tyzzer of Perranuthnoe and District WI. The Nan Collier Trophy for the best floral arrangement was won by Sue Hocking of Pendeen WI.
The winner of the Barbara Reed Trophy for an item of jewellery was Jackie Buckingham of Trevone WI. Second was Joy Hadley of Bodmin Gaolbirds WI, and third was Ann Tyzzer of Perranuthnoe and District WI.
Mandy Nicholson’s winning Penponds Cup entry
Prizes given in the floral art competitions were the Wadebridge Cup, with a theme of “Clouded Hills”, won by Mandy Nicholson of St Dominick WI; the Smale Cup, with a theme of “Burning Gold”, won by Mary Symons of Duloe WI; the Penponds Cup, with a theme of “God save the King”, won by Mandy Nicholson of St Dominick WI; and the Pat Ward Novice Cup, with a theme of “Green and Pleasant Land”, won by Lorna Curtis of Luxulyan and Lanlivery WI.
What a marvellous experience it was to view all this flair and aptitude from our own very special members at the Royal Cornwall Show. However, a vital aspect of the WI marquee is that everyone is made very welcome and many visitors are just gasping for a friendly cup of tea, a sit down and chat which the WI offers in abundance. This was very evident this year with the tea volunteers being kept on their toes all day while old friendships and familiar faces were acknowledged.
The CFWI is launching a virtual WI. This modern approach is based in Cornwall as part of the Cornwall Federation, and members can join from anywhere in the world. This new form of WI will appeal to women who are unable to attend the usual WI meeting for a variety of reasons but still want all the advantages being a WI member has to offer. There is a very comprehensive column in the June edition of County News, which lists the benefits of the WI to be had through your computer. For those of us who love a good chatter and companionship with our WI friends this will be a new experience.
Members are able to take advantage of this glorious weather enjoying the flora and fauna of our stunning countryside, and who better to guide and inform us about the variety of birds, butterflies, flowers and dragonflies in the area of the Bissoe Valley than our expert and Adviser to the Arts and Leisure sub-committee, (who are organising this event) than David Chapman. This is the WI at its best, meeting with other members and learning more about the unique area in which we live. There is a reminder that in all walking events it is advisable to wear suitable clothing, especially shoes! The meeting place is in the car park beside the café, (TR48QZ) were we can meet early for lunch. What could be better? The date is 19 July at 1.30 pm for a two mile walk. Cost £6.
Further outdoor activity is another fabulous walk in one of our premier National Trust properties, Lanhydrock, again to learn about the trees and flora and fauna from the rangers who will guide us on a two mile walk and will tell us about the estate’s history, maintenance and future plans. The walk on Tuesday 12 September will commence at 10.30 am, meeting outside the café next to the car park. There will be some walking across pastureland and therefore not suitable for dogs. It will take about 1 ½ hours with several stops, and will finish at Lanhydrock House. Cost £10. Car parking for non-NT members will be £6 for the day.
The Environment and Public Affairs sub committee who is organising this event is also responsible for the renowned Blaikley Salver poetry competition. The title this year is “Celebrating Difference”. The poem can be of any length up to 32 lines, hand written or typed with double spacing. Two copies need to be submitted with your name and WI on one copy only, with a payment of £5 and an SAE to CFWI. Closing date is 3 July. We have all enjoyed this competition in the past and reading out the winning poem at our WI meetings especially when a particular subject resonates with our thoughts, for example Christine Woolf’s reflective poem in 2016, “A hundred years of Cornwall’s changing landscape”, which was very thought-provoking.