Report from the Humberside Federation of Women’s Institutes’
Annual Federation Day 10th April 2013
The House, Scunthorpe
The day began at 10.30am with Jerusalem, followed by a warm welcome from the Federation chair, Lesley Jacklin. There was also a welcome from the mayor of Scunthorpe, who had obviously done his homework regarding the recent growth of the WI as an organisation.
This was followed by the business part of the meeting, comprising minutes from the last meeting, the usual reports from treasurer, secretary, chairman and other officers. Points to note were as follows
Denman. If people share a car (3 or more in one car), £25 is given to them by Denman
At 11.40am Ruth Bond, the National Chairman, took the floor. She spoke for 50 minutes on a variety of topics including her love of shoes, her passion for the work of the WI in the ‘Care not Custody’ campaign for prisons and her meetings with royalty and politicians. Prince Charles apparently believes that ‘ if the WI is involved, it can’t help but be a success’.
Other points from her talk were:
places.
signed up at the first meeting. An overflow meeting of 52 members had to be formed
After a vote of thanks, we enjoyed a break for lunch, some enjoying the glorious sunshine (a rare sight so far this year!).
The afternoon session began with a brief presentation by ‘the Women’s Singstitute’ – the Federation choir. Two songs were performed – the Lass of Richmond Hill and ‘Our Favourite Things’, the latter being a WI version of the classic from the Sound of Music. An appeal was made for more members to join the choir – fun and friendship guaranteed.
Then, it was time for our historical guest speaker in the guise of Nell Gwynne. She was funny, poignant, informative and accurate to the point of using authentic make up of the time (despite this being potentially dangerous?).
We learnt that Nell was the daughter of Captain Thomas Gwynne. As a child she would clean out fire grates and sell the cinders in return for food and drink. Perhaps she was the original ‘Cinderella’….
At around 9 or 10, she was asked to sell oranges for 6d a time at the theatres, now flourishing in the restoration era after the solemnity enforced by Cromwell. She, and her sister, progressed to being allowed to sleep on the theatre costumes to keep the rats off. At the age of 14, she became only the 7th woman to work on the stage where she became very popular as a comic actress and singer.
After her meeting with Charles II, she was set up with a £5000 a year pension and a house in Pall Mall. She had 2 sons, but the younger one died aged 9. She managed to secure a title for the elder son, also named Charles.
When King Charles died, she lost her pension and returned to the stage.
At the age of 35, she suffered a stroke and died. 3000 people turned out for her funeral. It is estimated that there are 2000 of her descendants living today.
It was a fascinating talk, brilliantly presented and we can’t wait to see the next character to come our way.
The day’s events concluded with presentations of anniversary certificates and other trophies, bursaries and draws.
It was then announced that the new Federation Chair will be Sue Hawney, who has been Membership Communications Officer.
The National Anthem closed the meeting.
Annual Federation Day 10th April 2013
The House, Scunthorpe
The day began at 10.30am with Jerusalem, followed by a warm welcome from the Federation chair, Lesley Jacklin. There was also a welcome from the mayor of Scunthorpe, who had obviously done his homework regarding the recent growth of the WI as an organisation.
This was followed by the business part of the meeting, comprising minutes from the last meeting, the usual reports from treasurer, secretary, chairman and other officers. Points to note were as follows
- The rising costs of producing the newsletter mean that the email version is here to stay.
- · The Christmas Fair (in Kirton in Lindsey) was such a success that it will be repeated on 16th
- New examiners are needed for the Independent Financial Information Scheme. (Training will be given) .
- Life is full of surprises!
- · Suggestions for a new Federation name are requested – maybe to rename in the centenary year 2015.
- Suggestions are also sought for ways to celebrate the centenary within the Federation. Our branch’s
- Don’t underestimate ‘Girl Power’.
- · A visit to a chocolate museum is being planned!
- · The ‘Going for Gold’ competition was an excellent effort.
- · Craft workshops planned include 2 on patchwork, a repeat of the rag rugs day and our very own Carol
- · 4 WIs will be 95 this year; 3 new WIs were started up in 2012; Waltham, after being in existence for 10
- Suggested Cluster groups for WIs are listed. WIs are asked to offer their thoughts/suggestions by the
- · 8 huge carrier bags of bras were gratefully accepted by Oxfam. The International Women’s Day walk
- · Visits to RAF Scampton and Owsworth Farm were great days out. More of the same (or similar) is
- A Great Food Day is planned for October.
- · An appeal is made for suggestions for other speakers/events for the future.
- ‘Pennies for Friendship’ collects money throughout the year and a big donation is made to ACWW. If WIs
- An appeal is made for jams, chutneys and pickles to sell at the Christmas Fair.
- · Visitor numbers at Denman are still decreasing while the costs are rising. Only 3% of members have
Denman. If people share a car (3 or more in one car), £25 is given to them by Denman
- IT training workshops will be given throughout the summer by Sue Bolton, our ‘digital champion.
- There will be laptops available at WI house (eventually!)
At 11.40am Ruth Bond, the National Chairman, took the floor. She spoke for 50 minutes on a variety of topics including her love of shoes, her passion for the work of the WI in the ‘Care not Custody’ campaign for prisons and her meetings with royalty and politicians. Prince Charles apparently believes that ‘ if the WI is involved, it can’t help but be a success’.
Other points from her talk were:
- · The WI is more important than the person heading it up.
- · The ‘One Voice’ WI in Manchester comprises 11 nationalities of women.
- · The 2nd Tuesday is the most popular night for WI meetings(!)
- · WIs exist in prisons, universities, supermarkets and workplaces, in addition to more conventional
places.
- · The WI has a voice – use it! Write letters! In ink! Put forward resolutions (to MPs etc)
- · A new meeting was to start in Cambridge. A message was put out on Facebook and 140 members
signed up at the first meeting. An overflow meeting of 52 members had to be formed
- · A member had posted on Facebook ‘only 2 more sleeps to WI – can’t wait!’
- · Ruth and David Cameron were at a Dementia awareness training event. The question was posed
- · Prince Charles is involved in food producing in schools as part of the ‘grow it, eat it’ project.
- · If you want a job done, come to the WI. We are the guardians of craft and cookery talents.
After a vote of thanks, we enjoyed a break for lunch, some enjoying the glorious sunshine (a rare sight so far this year!).
The afternoon session began with a brief presentation by ‘the Women’s Singstitute’ – the Federation choir. Two songs were performed – the Lass of Richmond Hill and ‘Our Favourite Things’, the latter being a WI version of the classic from the Sound of Music. An appeal was made for more members to join the choir – fun and friendship guaranteed.
Then, it was time for our historical guest speaker in the guise of Nell Gwynne. She was funny, poignant, informative and accurate to the point of using authentic make up of the time (despite this being potentially dangerous?).
We learnt that Nell was the daughter of Captain Thomas Gwynne. As a child she would clean out fire grates and sell the cinders in return for food and drink. Perhaps she was the original ‘Cinderella’….
At around 9 or 10, she was asked to sell oranges for 6d a time at the theatres, now flourishing in the restoration era after the solemnity enforced by Cromwell. She, and her sister, progressed to being allowed to sleep on the theatre costumes to keep the rats off. At the age of 14, she became only the 7th woman to work on the stage where she became very popular as a comic actress and singer.
After her meeting with Charles II, she was set up with a £5000 a year pension and a house in Pall Mall. She had 2 sons, but the younger one died aged 9. She managed to secure a title for the elder son, also named Charles.
When King Charles died, she lost her pension and returned to the stage.
At the age of 35, she suffered a stroke and died. 3000 people turned out for her funeral. It is estimated that there are 2000 of her descendants living today.
It was a fascinating talk, brilliantly presented and we can’t wait to see the next character to come our way.
The day’s events concluded with presentations of anniversary certificates and other trophies, bursaries and draws.
It was then announced that the new Federation Chair will be Sue Hawney, who has been Membership Communications Officer.
The National Anthem closed the meeting.