Avon Federation of Women’s Institutes
Avon Federation of Women’s Institutes (AFWI) had its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, 23 September, at which we celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Federation is the middle tier of the three tier Women’s Institute organisation for England, Wales and the Islands (Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man). Beneath Federations are the individual WIs and above is National. Readers may recall that between the years 1974 and 1996 there was Avon county, which comprised Bristol and local surrounding areas. So, when in 1975 the WI at National level decided to form a new Federation in our area, Avon Federation would have been an obvious name. However, we are unique within the WI, as the names of all the other Federations indicate their location, eg Somerset, Buckinghamshire. AFWI covers Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
The Federation gives guidance and support to the WIs in our area, and also organises a wide variety of events that are open to all WI members (some to friends also). Recent and forthcoming include coach trips (to Blenheim Palace and to Bletchley Park), talks (The life of WW2 Spitfire Pilot Jackie Mogridge, The Newport Medieval Ship, ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’), holidays (as I write this, members are in Malta, and a holiday in April to the isle of Man is fully booked), an annual quiz, a skittles tournament, a summer lunch, a carol concert and the Annual Meeting mentioned above.
This year’s Annual Meeting took place at BAWA Conference Centre, Southmead. After the official business, we welcomed two guest speakers for the morning session. The first was Becky Barnes – a Sustainable Stylist and Activist on reducing the supply and purchase of new clothing (protecting the planet), and buying second hand and re-using clothing (protecting the pocket). So much new clothing uses man-made fabrics, containing plastics and synthetics, which do not decompose, and releases plastic into the waterways when washed. A very thought-provoking message.
The second guest was Ann Widdecombe, who knew (from experience) that while she could touch on her political career, what we really wanted to hear about was her time on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. There was a great deal of laughter, hearing about her partnership with Anton Du Beke and his plan to “keep her feet off the floor as much as possible”. Following the TV programme, Ann was part of the ‘Strictly’ live tour, where she was partnered with Craig Revel Horwood – again much hilarity. As Ann is also an author, she talked about that and brought copies of her books for sale at a signing session during the lunch break.
For the afternoon session, we heard from two guest dignitaries – Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority, and Henry Michallat, the Lord Mayor of Bristol. Both gave a short talk on their duties and responsibilities, thanking the Chair for their invitations, and advising that the WI was now very much on their radar. The final guest speaker for the day was Jeryl Stone, Chair of National Federation of Women’s Institutes. Jeryl spoke of the future of WI, retaining its relevance to members, and interest to women considering joining the organisation. There are now virtual WIs – technology gives women the chance to be a WI member, whatever their personal circumstances.
If you want further information on WIs in your area, or joining AFWI’s virtual WI (Skylarks), then call our office on 0117 9864782.
Mary Berryman, Avon Federation of Woman’s Institutes
Stoke Gifford WI
President Sue Grimsted welcomed members and visitors to our WI meeting on Wednesday 1 October.
Our speaker this evening was Jane Duffus who has been a journalist for more than 25 years and is the author of seven books. Jane has previously written two books on some of the amazing ‘Women Who Built Bristol’ and has recently published her third book in this series. She came to tell us about the research she has done to find even more enterprising and inspirational women who helped shape Bristol and tell us the reasons why they should be applauded for the differences they have made to women’s lives and careers today.
Our next meeting on Wednesday 5 November will be our 59th Annual General Meeting and nomination meeting for a new President and other Committee Members.
We will also be joined by the ‘Bee Lady’ who, hopefully, will be bringing some honey for us to taste and/or buy.
Visitors will always find a warm welcome at our WI group which is held on the first Wednesday of the month in the Trust Hall, Stoke Gifford, so please come along and join us.