WI members enjoying refreshments in the sun at The Chy Noweth Show.
Former CFWI Chairman and current Assistant Media Officer Sheila Goldsworthy writes a wonderful monthly WI column for The Cornishman. Here is Sheila’s September column:
The WI is poised ready and prepared in the starting blocks to start running again with events and meetings!
CFWI opened its doors recently for The Chy Noweth show which was a mini Royal Cornwall Show. Various stalls, including items made by members, as well as competitions revealing the ingenuity and talent of the WI. The winners were in receipt of very colourful and resplendent rosettes. Newly acquired environmentally-friendly items from the Trading Post made a colourful display to tempt the customers to open their purses. Tombola proved again very popular and no event can succeed without the delicious cakes and cups of tea and coffee, which were, as to be expected. well up to standard.
The Environment and Public Affairs Sub-committee organized a thought-provoking stall on climate change, displaying handmade household items which were environmentally-friendly and plenty of information including leaflets on “End Plastic Soup” for members to take home. We look forward to hearing more in the Great Big Green Week as well as emphasis on the huge effort made by Fairtrade highlighting the present difficult situation. From teas and coffees to pastas and pillowcases, there are over 1,000 Fairtrade and organic certified products out there and everyone wants a better deal for people and the planet. Supporting Fairtrade has been a constant WI theme which Cornish members have always championed. The Green Charter devised by the Environment Committee in April 2006 framed and hung in the entrance-hall is a reminder to everyone who is a member of the Cornwall Federation that it is mandatory to adhere to their aims and is even more important and relevant now in 2021
Members were able to sign up for all the events this autumn which include three venues under the title “Annual Meetings Made Easy” This has always been a very important aspect of the WI to ensure the meeting runs smoothly and efficiently thus creating a pattern in the WI that is enjoyable for everyone. With WI Advisers to help and explain, these workshops will be such a bonus for members. The first is at Millennium House Pensilva, on Wednesday 17 November. The second is on Friday 19 November at Chy Noweth an Conteth, and the third on the 23 November at the WI Hall at Connor Downs. All commencing at 10.30am until 12.30pm. The cost is £8.50 per WI which can be paid from WI funds.
Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Of course not! WI members can celebrate at any time especially when it means fraternising with friends once more and enjoying delicious food, and CFWI is making sure that we have plenty of notice to jot down all the important dates in our blue WI diaries. “Tea and Tinsel” is the very attractive title of an afternoon event taking place at Chy Noweth an Conteth on Friday 26 November from 2 to 4pm. The entertainment will be provided by Clive Blake, the Cornish poet. A scrumptious tea of course, will be provided by the Trustees and who could be the special guest attired in red? We shall have to attend this festive experience to find out. Cost £15.00.
Upcoming Christmas County lunches are on offer! Book your place today!
More convivial gatherings are on the calendar with the renowned Christmas lunches at two of Cornwall’s finest hotels. Wearing our best frocks and as much bling as we can muster, we again will relish the thought of meeting all our friends again. Thursday 2 December is the date of the lunch at the Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club. The second lunch is at the Budock Vean Hotel on 7 December. Members have enjoyed such memorable atmospheric three-course lunches in the past, and these are destined again to be enjoyable occasions.
Another significant date to pencil in the diary is the Christmas Carol Concert, this year being held at St Petroc’s Church in Bodmin on Friday 10 December at 3pm. Who can be failed to be moved by the spirited singing of carols and impelling readings in this noble building? This is always a very reflective event which members find most rewarding.