Former CFWI Chairman and current Assistant Media Officer Sheila Goldsworthy writes a wonderful monthly WI column for The Cornishman. Here is Sheila’s August column:
No, it’s not too early to talk about Christmas! The WI is a very practical and methodical organisation, so in their navy blue WI diaries they will already have written the dates of notable Christmas events such as the Christmas lunches and Christmas carol service. For members living in the west of the county, the Christmas lunch is at the Penmorvah Manor Hotel at Budock Water, on Monday 2 December. On Friday 6 December the lunch is at the Bowood Park Hotel in Camelford which is a more convenient venue for members living in the east of the county. This is always a wonderful opportunity for members to take their posh frocks off the hangers and meet up and chat with WI friends while enjoying some delicious food. Both lunches are priced at £36.
Several areas of WIs have re-ignited the former Group system. Following a notification from CFWI where each WI was allocated a group, members have met socially for events that have proved very successful. Rather than following the former system that involved a great deal of work, cost and organisation, the new format promotes a more relaxed and leisurely stance. Porthleven WI recently hosted a coffee morning for members of Perranuthnoe and District WI, Godolphin WI and Helston WI, with Cury WI sending apologies as they were already holding their own WI coffee morning. The warm and welcoming atmosphere was much appreciated by all who attended evoking memories of Group Meetings of the past. Another date will follow for this Group on Thursday 9 September, with a coffee morning at St Piran’s Hall in Goldsithney, hosted by Perranuthnoe and District WI. Everyone is welcome.
CFWI is appealing to all those members who are interested in the flora of our county. CFWI is keen to reinstate the former Floral Art and Gardening Sub-Committee, giving it a new name and a fresh start. The former sub-committee enjoyed many years of great success giving members the opportunity to take pleasure in flower arranging, gardening, workshops and memorable visits to local well known gardens. There is a meeting on Monday 7 October at Chy Noweth an Conteth from 10am-12 noon, for all those interested in being part of this new venture.
Who doesn’t like a good book? Following the success of the inaugural literary event last year, members have been invited to join author Liz Fenwick at the Carlyon Bay Hotel for a Literary Afternoon Tea on Thursday 3 October. Liz is an American writer who lives in Cornwall and has enjoyed much success taking Cornwall’s history and landscape as her inspiration. This is sure to be a spellbinding afternoon. The cost is £35.
Fairtrade Fortnight this year runs from Monday 9 September to Sunday 22 September, launching the “Be the change” challenge. Everyone in the UK is urged to get behind our global farmer-led movement for a fairer future to spread the word and encourage people to choose Fairtrade products. The aim is to convince one single person to pick up an extra Fairtrade item in their weekly shop. What could be more healthy and delicious than a Fairtrade banana? Alternately, if you really feel like spoiling yourself, you can always choose a gratifying bar of Fairtrade chocolate. We all know living in an agricultural county how difficult life can be for our farming community, let alone the hardships faced by the poorer countries striving to acquire a fair price for their goods, so we can all support this challenge and buy an extra Fairtrade product.
WI members do love a shopping trip, combined with a fair amount of chatter to make for a very pleasant day. Where could be better than Clarks Village for an outing? There are now over 90 outlets, so much more choice than when we first started venturing to Somerset years ago. The date is Thursday 7 November, with two pick-points – Chy Noweth an Conteth and Cornwall Services. The cost is £28.
For further details of any of these events, contact the CFWI office on reception@cornwallwi.org.uk or 01872 272843.