Former CFWI Chairman and current Assistant Media Officer Sheila Goldsworthy writes a wonderful monthly WI column for The Cornishman. Here is Sheila’s February column.
Our Federation Chair, Helen Kestle, has some good news for us – CFWI will have a regular spot on CHAOS Radio. Many WI members are avid radio listeners so this will be a great advantage to hear the latest information of WI events in Cornwall. Some of us with long memories will remember the regular monthly interview with Chris Blount of Radio Cornwall. In one particular special week to publicise our well informed and industrious sub-committees, we had a member of each sub-committee telling the Cornish nation exactly what the purpose of that sub-committee was, and the events planned, which was very well received. We look forward to hearing more about CHAOS. Next stop Top of the Pops!
We are also heading into the latest technological adventure with the CFWI podcast, ‘Inspiring Voices’. Again exciting times ahead.
Publicity was the byword again for one of our sub-committee events. The editor of the Western Morning News very graciously gave us a magnificent rose bowl for our then newest committee which was the Sport and Leisure Sub-Committee, now our Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee. The rose bowl was to be competed for annually with alternating sport and leisure events, highlighting the diverse and enthusiastic nature of Cornish WI members. Over the years most sports and leisure activities have been included (perhaps not wrestling!) Such was the esteem in which this competition was held the editor of the newspaper from Devon attended in person to present the trophy to the victorious WI. Flash bulbs all around! This iconic trophy is still being competed for annually, now for the Rosebowl Quiz, so little grey cells are still required. This year’s Rosebowl Quiz will be held at Ladock Community Hall on Friday 15 March.
A further well known CFWI annual competition has been announced, the Blaikley Salver Poetry Competition, with this year’s title being River Voices, a popular and topical subject. There is a fitting paragraph in the February issue of County News under Campaigns Corner, a new regular column compiled by CFWI’s Resolutions Co-ordinator Carol Matta. Members have shown they have strong views on the subject of our rivers, so this competition should attract a contrasting set of entries. The poem can be of any length up to 32 lines hand written or typed with double spacing. The entry fee is £5 and the closing date for submission is 31 July. We have had very moving and thought-provoking poems in the past, which are usually read out at the Annual Council Meeting.
Members interest in the WI competitions for the Royal Cornwall Show has accelerated with the closing date of 31 March looming. As well as the main competition for Royal Cornwall Show Cup there is always much passion and appeal in the cups to be won for the floral art competitions. Firstly, the Wadebridge Cup is asking for a 56cm x 56cm exhibit entitled Treasures of the Sea. The competition for the Smale Cup is for a 10cm x 10cm miniature exhibit entitled Sea Mist. The Penponds Cup is also asking for a 56cm x 56cm exhibit entitled Ocean Waves, and lastly the Pat Ward Novice Cup is also a 56 cm x 56cm exhibit entitled A Seaside Garden (a novice is a member who has not won a first prize in the WI section of the Royal Cornwall Show). There is also a Best Floral Art Award (perpetual) for these classes. What a stunning display the floral art competitions will make to greet the visitors to our marquee.
The Barbara Reed Trophy is another competition which always stimulates much interest in the marquee. This year, members are invited to make a bag from recycled material, which may be any shape or size, in any medium/technique but must be constructed from recycled material – not necessarily fabric. All items must be in good clean condition and must be fit for purpose, but must also be made by the entrant. WI members excel at this competition where the visitor can always find unusual ideas coupled with ingenuity.
However, visitors also flock to our marquee for the WI Marketplace, formerly known as the Federation Stall, to snap up the exemplary craft items made by our talented members. This year the sales team, Margaret Johnson and Penny Picton, are appealing for not only knitted and stitched items but would also welcome some of the more unusual crafts such as macramé, marquetry, pokerwork, little boxes, decorative crafts, glass engraving, mosaics, virtually anything … and that is not all. This enterprising pair is asking for our jewellery, all those sparkly bits that we haven’t used for ages. Once these relics have had a bit of polish they will all look as good as new to attract a new owner. A woman can never have enough bling!
The WI’s presence at the Royal Cornwall Show is very important and this appeal will help fund this magnificent event. There is also a plea for help with stewarding – a wonderful chance to be in on the action and see the show. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact the CFWI office on enquiries@cornwallwi.org.uk or 01872 272843.