Reports of meetings in 2023
20th December 2023
Our Christmas party was a great success and rounded off a very enjoyable year. Business was kept to a minimum; just a reminder to members that the Resolutions must be digested before our next meeting. Discussions and a vote on which will be taken forward as a potential campaign needs to be done in January.
The bring & share food was wonderful to behold and tasted delicious too. The meal was interspersed with poems and verse, including a rendition of the classic “Twas the Night before Christmas” but in the main the evening was spent in conversation together. The luxury of having no speaker does make way for simple, pleasant social time.
There was a competition, the criteria being a creative cracker; and Liza’s ingenious entry of one made from the pages of WI Life was picked as the winner. She was rightly awarded The Rose Bowl for her nifty effort.
At the end of the evening everyone took part in a version of “We wish you a merry Christmas” that included hand actions, before leaving with a present from Santa's Sack and a programme of events for 2024.
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
The bring & share food was wonderful to behold and tasted delicious too. The meal was interspersed with poems and verse, including a rendition of the classic “Twas the Night before Christmas” but in the main the evening was spent in conversation together. The luxury of having no speaker does make way for simple, pleasant social time.
There was a competition, the criteria being a creative cracker; and Liza’s ingenious entry of one made from the pages of WI Life was picked as the winner. She was rightly awarded The Rose Bowl for her nifty effort.
At the end of the evening everyone took part in a version of “We wish you a merry Christmas” that included hand actions, before leaving with a present from Santa's Sack and a programme of events for 2024.
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
15th November 2023
November is the month our AGM is held and we view the finances, as well as enjoying the Secretary’s report which is a resume of the year. Both were very positive and there was no hesitation in adopting them from the floor. Also, the President takes the opportunity of expressing her thanks to the committee and all those members who have actively supported the group, to make it great. Our WI is made up of lots of hands-on people and we have many, willing members who generously volunteer their time and skills, when needed.
After the official business we had some social time, which is such a good thing to do so we can get to know each other better. A good, traditional game of Beetle did the trick and amid the friendly rivalry was lots of laughter. Speakers are a treat to have at our meetings, but sometimes time slips away and we don’t get to talk to each other as much as we would like. This evening we put that to rights.
Before going home everyone was reminded of our tombola stall that would be set up on the forthcoming Saturday afternoon for Stonehouse Goodwill. This is an important fundraiser for us and also gives us a chance to raise our profile in the community.
Postscript: Despite the blustery, damp conditions on the day of Stonehouse Goodwill, our tombola was very successful and we took a whopping £224. Grateful thanks to everyone – the folk in Stonehouse are amazing!
After the official business we had some social time, which is such a good thing to do so we can get to know each other better. A good, traditional game of Beetle did the trick and amid the friendly rivalry was lots of laughter. Speakers are a treat to have at our meetings, but sometimes time slips away and we don’t get to talk to each other as much as we would like. This evening we put that to rights.
Before going home everyone was reminded of our tombola stall that would be set up on the forthcoming Saturday afternoon for Stonehouse Goodwill. This is an important fundraiser for us and also gives us a chance to raise our profile in the community.
Postscript: Despite the blustery, damp conditions on the day of Stonehouse Goodwill, our tombola was very successful and we took a whopping £224. Grateful thanks to everyone – the folk in Stonehouse are amazing!
18th October 2023
The evening’s talk was given by our WI Adviser, Marion Cramp, who was a mine of information on all things WI. Initially she had asked to visit and introduce herself to us, but to have her as a speaker was a bonus.
Marion filled in a lot of gaps in our knowledge and was willing to answer any questions from members who were either new to the organisation, or who had been coming for years.
Marion had a lovely, gentle style of delivery and she soon had everyone’s interest. The origins and milestone dates of how/where/when of the WI were covered and highlighted the importance of campaigns and pointed out that even resolutions that did not get adopted were relevant simply for highlighting people’s concerns. She reminded us that if one person worried about certain aspects of daily life, there was every chance that many more people felt the same and we could bring it to the attention of authority with a resolution.
We were told of the beginnings of WI House, situated in Brunswick Square, Gloucester and its back story was very interesting. Marion said how we, as members, should make the most of the building and facilities and that the staff were there to support in any way needed.
Marion finished by outlining the work of the charity that has a long association and strong relationship with the WI, the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). Although they are two separate and independent charities with separate governance, missions, and charitable objects, the fundamental values are like the WI, so members are encouraged to support it financially with their loose change at meetings, or by donating their old mobile phones, jewellery & more.
It was a great talk overall and to know the county of Gloucestershire had so many links to the WI was very satisfying. ‘Jerusalem’ was composed by Hubert Parry, who lived in Highnam Court, Gloucester, in 1916 a as an anthem ‘to brace the spirit of the nation’ in WWI, but he then allowed the women’s suffrage movement to appropriate it. It was first sung by massed women at the Royal Albert Hall at a suffrage rally in 1918.
Grace Hadow, one of the founders of the WI was also a suffragist and a keen musician and hit upon the idea of transferring ‘Jerusalem’ to the WI because both organisations were about empowering women. This is the reason why since 1924, ‘Jerusalem’ and the WI have been inextricably linked.
That’s not all the WI inherited from the women’s suffrage movement either. Historically they share the same signature colours of green, white and violet.
So many, interesting facts came out of Marion's talk- we were very pleased she came!
Marion filled in a lot of gaps in our knowledge and was willing to answer any questions from members who were either new to the organisation, or who had been coming for years.
Marion had a lovely, gentle style of delivery and she soon had everyone’s interest. The origins and milestone dates of how/where/when of the WI were covered and highlighted the importance of campaigns and pointed out that even resolutions that did not get adopted were relevant simply for highlighting people’s concerns. She reminded us that if one person worried about certain aspects of daily life, there was every chance that many more people felt the same and we could bring it to the attention of authority with a resolution.
We were told of the beginnings of WI House, situated in Brunswick Square, Gloucester and its back story was very interesting. Marion said how we, as members, should make the most of the building and facilities and that the staff were there to support in any way needed.
Marion finished by outlining the work of the charity that has a long association and strong relationship with the WI, the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). Although they are two separate and independent charities with separate governance, missions, and charitable objects, the fundamental values are like the WI, so members are encouraged to support it financially with their loose change at meetings, or by donating their old mobile phones, jewellery & more.
It was a great talk overall and to know the county of Gloucestershire had so many links to the WI was very satisfying. ‘Jerusalem’ was composed by Hubert Parry, who lived in Highnam Court, Gloucester, in 1916 a as an anthem ‘to brace the spirit of the nation’ in WWI, but he then allowed the women’s suffrage movement to appropriate it. It was first sung by massed women at the Royal Albert Hall at a suffrage rally in 1918.
Grace Hadow, one of the founders of the WI was also a suffragist and a keen musician and hit upon the idea of transferring ‘Jerusalem’ to the WI because both organisations were about empowering women. This is the reason why since 1924, ‘Jerusalem’ and the WI have been inextricably linked.
That’s not all the WI inherited from the women’s suffrage movement either. Historically they share the same signature colours of green, white and violet.
So many, interesting facts came out of Marion's talk- we were very pleased she came!
20th September 2023
Our speakers for September gave us a talk about the work of Longfield Hospice in Minchinhampton. The Hospice supports adults living with a range of life-limiting illnesses, their carers, families and those recently bereaved, by offering services to help them achieve a better quality of life, whilst living with their illness. One of the assumptions made is that Longfield is an inpatient unit but this is not the case, it offers ‘hospice at home’ services, giving this support three times a day for the last few weeks of someone’s life, including during the night. Most will prefer to be at home during this time, rather than in hospital or in a hospice. All services provided by Longfield can be accessed for free by adults registered with a GP in Gloucestershire or living in Gloucestershire. Anyone with a life-limiting illness can refer themselves to the Hospice and it welcomes visits from people who are just interested to find out more about their services.
Whilst living with their illnesses and before the need to access Hospice at Home services Longfield aims to help users maintain their physical and emotional well-being, helping them to adapt to their condition and manage day to day for a better quality of life. The services offered include art therapy, gardening, Nordic walking, tai chi, as well as counselling (including bereavement counselling), physiotherapy, relaxation and complementary therapies such as aromatherapy. These services are also available to carers.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Hospice is fundraising as they receive very little help from the NHS and none from the government, relying on donations from members of the public, corporate donations, wills as well as fundraising efforts such as coffee mornings, charity runs, a raffle and the Summer Meadow Appeal at Gloucester Cathedral. Donations are always welcome at any of their charity shops in Gloucestershire and also at their sorting base and furniture shop in Thrupp, near Stroud. This is especially useful if people have a quantity of items to donate. They have online sales through eBay and a team dedicated to selecting items of value to sell in this way. Gift Aid is also a useful way to boost income.
Our members found the talk very informative and took the opportunity at the end of the talk to ask questions, as most had not known about the range of services offered. Raffle tickets were on sale and information leaflets were available to take away.
Whilst living with their illnesses and before the need to access Hospice at Home services Longfield aims to help users maintain their physical and emotional well-being, helping them to adapt to their condition and manage day to day for a better quality of life. The services offered include art therapy, gardening, Nordic walking, tai chi, as well as counselling (including bereavement counselling), physiotherapy, relaxation and complementary therapies such as aromatherapy. These services are also available to carers.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Hospice is fundraising as they receive very little help from the NHS and none from the government, relying on donations from members of the public, corporate donations, wills as well as fundraising efforts such as coffee mornings, charity runs, a raffle and the Summer Meadow Appeal at Gloucester Cathedral. Donations are always welcome at any of their charity shops in Gloucestershire and also at their sorting base and furniture shop in Thrupp, near Stroud. This is especially useful if people have a quantity of items to donate. They have online sales through eBay and a team dedicated to selecting items of value to sell in this way. Gift Aid is also a useful way to boost income.
Our members found the talk very informative and took the opportunity at the end of the talk to ask questions, as most had not known about the range of services offered. Raffle tickets were on sale and information leaflets were available to take away.
19th July 2023
For our July meeting, we had booked a speaker who unfortunately was unable to come due to illness. Our programme organiser contacted Fiona Warin who, thankfully, could come at short notice. Fiona gave us a lively, amusing and informative talk on the ‘Dig for Victory Campaign’ set up during the second World War. As most of our food was imported, the government at the time realised this campaign was needed as they wanted to avoid a repeat of the food shortages of WW1.
Fiona was accompanied by her daughter, who had her own part to play and we became, for the evening, members of the ‘WW2 Stonehouse Garden Club’. We were urged to sign up for an allotment if we didn’t have one, or if space allowed, dig up our lawns and grow, grow, grow.
We were given advice on when to plant, how to save seeds and what to do with any surplus produce. The Women's Institute were busy bottling, canning and making jam at this time. Everyone were particularly urged to grow potatoes as a staple food as most wheat for bread had to be imported. We could even grow crops on our Andersen Shelters!
Fiona’s daughter helped by showing the posters published at the time, reciting nursery rhymes changed to encourage children to join in the campaign. She also read an amusing description of the ‘beige’ food offered by one of the British Restaurants, which set up to make use of the surplus produce. Apparently, there was a British Restaurant on Laburnum playing field during the time.
As well as fruit and vegetable growing, people kept rabbits, but parents were urged not to allow the rabbits to be named otherwise the children wouldn’t eat them! Pig and hen keeping was popular too as meat and eggs were rationed.
Fiona’s talk was divided into meetings of the ‘club’, as the Ministry of Food sent out more information, this worked very well and kept the talk interesting and lively. During our last ‘meeting’, we were urged to keep growing our fruit & veg.
The talk was much appreciated by members on the night and plenty of positive feedback messages were posted on our WhatsApp group the following day.
Fiona was accompanied by her daughter, who had her own part to play and we became, for the evening, members of the ‘WW2 Stonehouse Garden Club’. We were urged to sign up for an allotment if we didn’t have one, or if space allowed, dig up our lawns and grow, grow, grow.
We were given advice on when to plant, how to save seeds and what to do with any surplus produce. The Women's Institute were busy bottling, canning and making jam at this time. Everyone were particularly urged to grow potatoes as a staple food as most wheat for bread had to be imported. We could even grow crops on our Andersen Shelters!
Fiona’s daughter helped by showing the posters published at the time, reciting nursery rhymes changed to encourage children to join in the campaign. She also read an amusing description of the ‘beige’ food offered by one of the British Restaurants, which set up to make use of the surplus produce. Apparently, there was a British Restaurant on Laburnum playing field during the time.
As well as fruit and vegetable growing, people kept rabbits, but parents were urged not to allow the rabbits to be named otherwise the children wouldn’t eat them! Pig and hen keeping was popular too as meat and eggs were rationed.
Fiona’s talk was divided into meetings of the ‘club’, as the Ministry of Food sent out more information, this worked very well and kept the talk interesting and lively. During our last ‘meeting’, we were urged to keep growing our fruit & veg.
The talk was much appreciated by members on the night and plenty of positive feedback messages were posted on our WhatsApp group the following day.
21st June 2023
In June 2022 we held our meeting outside and made use of the static sporting facilities & gym equipment and it went so well we felt it just had to be repeated in the programme. Also, because the date of this year’s meeting coincided with the summer solstice, it seemed appropriate to buck the trend and indulge in a bit of midsummer madness.
The weather was just right with the heat of the day cooling down perfectly for the evening’s activities so, after everyone had arrived and we had dealt with the necessary bit of WI business inside, we all headed out to make use of everything available in Laburnam Park situated just yards away. How lovely to be able to step into a beautiful green space without having to travel in a car – we are very lucky to have such a wonderful public park next to the community centre where we meet – so close in fact that we were still able to have our usual cuppa before home time.
During the evening there were all sorts of antics. Table tennis, badminton & boules proved very popular and some of the more determined members even attempted using the gym equipment, but everything was ad hoc and if anyone just wanted to be a spectator and simply sit & chat, well that was perfectly acceptable too. This was once again a super, social evening and a source of much amusement.
The weather was just right with the heat of the day cooling down perfectly for the evening’s activities so, after everyone had arrived and we had dealt with the necessary bit of WI business inside, we all headed out to make use of everything available in Laburnam Park situated just yards away. How lovely to be able to step into a beautiful green space without having to travel in a car – we are very lucky to have such a wonderful public park next to the community centre where we meet – so close in fact that we were still able to have our usual cuppa before home time.
During the evening there were all sorts of antics. Table tennis, badminton & boules proved very popular and some of the more determined members even attempted using the gym equipment, but everything was ad hoc and if anyone just wanted to be a spectator and simply sit & chat, well that was perfectly acceptable too. This was once again a super, social evening and a source of much amusement.
17th May 2023
This month we were treated to a presentation on the Newport Medieval Ship. Jeff Grosvenor, a friend of the project, gave us an excellent, comprehensive talk alongside showing us images of this prodigious venture, which started in 2002 as a result of the new theatre/art gallery being built in Newport. The orchestra pit was in the process of being dug when the hull and ribs of this fifteenth century shipwreck was revealed, lying beneath 25 feet of mud.
It was immediately apparent to all involved in the discovery that there would be a huge cost attached to salvaging the remains and initially there was a lot of resistance in taking it further, but the historical importance of the discovery and the fervour of public interest meant the scheme finally went ahead. The Welsh parliament, which had been created a few years before gave their backing and some financial support to the project, but the funding ran into several millions, including the payment of a penalty clauses as a result of the theatre build being put on hold.
There are not many of us who are unfamiliar with Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose, which sank in the Solent and was raised in a cradle using hydraulics, but the Newport ship predated that vessel by 100 years and because it was part of a building site and on the edge of a tidal river (River Usk), it had to be excavated; dismantled in sections by hand before each piece was taken off site separately.
The final stages of preservation were finished in January 2023, but there is still work to be done on the project – the aim is to find, or build a suitable maritime museum hall to re-assemble the ship for display. The cost will run into many millions, but the enthusiasm is buoyant (no pun intended).
To find out more follow this link: www.newportship.org/discover-the-ship/what-is-the-newport-ship
It was immediately apparent to all involved in the discovery that there would be a huge cost attached to salvaging the remains and initially there was a lot of resistance in taking it further, but the historical importance of the discovery and the fervour of public interest meant the scheme finally went ahead. The Welsh parliament, which had been created a few years before gave their backing and some financial support to the project, but the funding ran into several millions, including the payment of a penalty clauses as a result of the theatre build being put on hold.
There are not many of us who are unfamiliar with Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose, which sank in the Solent and was raised in a cradle using hydraulics, but the Newport ship predated that vessel by 100 years and because it was part of a building site and on the edge of a tidal river (River Usk), it had to be excavated; dismantled in sections by hand before each piece was taken off site separately.
The final stages of preservation were finished in January 2023, but there is still work to be done on the project – the aim is to find, or build a suitable maritime museum hall to re-assemble the ship for display. The cost will run into many millions, but the enthusiasm is buoyant (no pun intended).
To find out more follow this link: www.newportship.org/discover-the-ship/what-is-the-newport-ship
19th April 2023
The talk this month was not as originally planned because our advised speaker had to cancel due to illness. We wish him well but we are also glad that Danielle Sharples, Fraud Protect officer for Gloucestershire Constabulary could step in at short notice to cover.
Danielle’s presentation was astonishing. She told us that one third of all crime reported in the UK was fraud related and a total of £17 million had been lost to fraud in Gloucestershire alone in 2022.
There are several methods a fraudster can adopt to manipulate their victims and attempt to swindle them out of their hard-earned cash but the most common at present is Investment Fraud, which can be carried out over the phone, by text or email, or even using a social media platform such as Facebook Market place.
Other ways and means used by imposters come under the headings of Courier Fraud; Romance Fraud; On line shopping and computer software scams and Ticketing Fraud.
Danielle advised that we make our passwords as secure as possible and not use the same one for every occasion. Three random words is the suggestion and to try avoid including personal info such as pets’ names. Visit https://www.getsafeonline.org to learn more.
Reporting fraud is very important as it helps to build intelligence for the authorities to shut down criminal activity. The telephone number of Action Fraud (the National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre) is 0300 123 2040 and the line is open Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm. They also have a website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk There is a huge amount of information on how to take steps to protect yourself and you can also sign up for fraud alerts there too.
Danielle impressed on us to take time out to think things over if approached by a stranger offering to help make money, or even save you from losing money. A big part of their scams is to create a sense of urgency. Her tip to help protect yourself was to speak to someone you trust before taking steps to part with money.
Danielle’s presentation was astonishing. She told us that one third of all crime reported in the UK was fraud related and a total of £17 million had been lost to fraud in Gloucestershire alone in 2022.
There are several methods a fraudster can adopt to manipulate their victims and attempt to swindle them out of their hard-earned cash but the most common at present is Investment Fraud, which can be carried out over the phone, by text or email, or even using a social media platform such as Facebook Market place.
Other ways and means used by imposters come under the headings of Courier Fraud; Romance Fraud; On line shopping and computer software scams and Ticketing Fraud.
Danielle advised that we make our passwords as secure as possible and not use the same one for every occasion. Three random words is the suggestion and to try avoid including personal info such as pets’ names. Visit https://www.getsafeonline.org to learn more.
Reporting fraud is very important as it helps to build intelligence for the authorities to shut down criminal activity. The telephone number of Action Fraud (the National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre) is 0300 123 2040 and the line is open Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm. They also have a website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk There is a huge amount of information on how to take steps to protect yourself and you can also sign up for fraud alerts there too.
Danielle impressed on us to take time out to think things over if approached by a stranger offering to help make money, or even save you from losing money. A big part of their scams is to create a sense of urgency. Her tip to help protect yourself was to speak to someone you trust before taking steps to part with money.
15th March 2023
Our talk this evening was given by Millie Barnes who talked about her lifestyle turnaround after becoming anxious of developing type 2 diabetes. She gave us an insight into how she changed her diet and attitude to food so that she could future proof her health against the risk of strokes, heart disease, vision loss and all the other problems the diagnosis can bring with it.
Millie claimed she was on a mission to spread the word of how to improve people’s health and welfare and stressed the importance of nutrition. She gave us an insight into the regime she follows, which concentrates on the two vital components the body cannot make itself and must ingest – protein and fat – and how she avoided eating carbohydrates as much as possible.
Millie was of the opinion type 2 diabetes should not be linked with the word “diabetes” at all and people with the condition should view themselves as having carbohydrate intolerant syndrome. She was passionate that a type 2 diagnosis could be reversed by curbing, or reducing carbohydrates in a patient’s diet and gave us lots of information on what to look out for on food labels, which snacks to try and side-step and how to substitute them with healthier options, along with information on how it’s possible to check on health counts by using apps on smart phone.
Her underlining message was to eat real food, i.e., nothing processed in a factory, but anything that comes straight “from the farm” and to teach our bodies to feel replete, rather that too full. Maybe we should think back to our grandparent’s generation and learn from them?
Millie claimed she was on a mission to spread the word of how to improve people’s health and welfare and stressed the importance of nutrition. She gave us an insight into the regime she follows, which concentrates on the two vital components the body cannot make itself and must ingest – protein and fat – and how she avoided eating carbohydrates as much as possible.
Millie was of the opinion type 2 diabetes should not be linked with the word “diabetes” at all and people with the condition should view themselves as having carbohydrate intolerant syndrome. She was passionate that a type 2 diagnosis could be reversed by curbing, or reducing carbohydrates in a patient’s diet and gave us lots of information on what to look out for on food labels, which snacks to try and side-step and how to substitute them with healthier options, along with information on how it’s possible to check on health counts by using apps on smart phone.
Her underlining message was to eat real food, i.e., nothing processed in a factory, but anything that comes straight “from the farm” and to teach our bodies to feel replete, rather that too full. Maybe we should think back to our grandparent’s generation and learn from them?
15th February 2023
John Parker is CEO of the Arboriculture and it was an honour and a pleasure to have him talk to us (although he said it was his honour and pleasure to talk to us) on the subject of the trees in our locality. He had prepared a presentation which was a visual delight – who doesn’t love a tree – and he treated us to some brilliant images along with the stories relating to each one.
Some of those trees were already very familiar to us, in fact there were a few of our members who actually lived opposite a huge oak, reputed to be the oldest in the town and a magnificent specimen and example of what good tree management can achieve.
John referred to the event that celebrated the 100th birthday of the willow outside The Globe Inn which brought back memories of our own stall that we set up on that date marking the occasion in 2021. This tree features on the front cover of the booklet called “The Stonehouse Community Arboretum Management Plan” a strategy that John founded and is continuing to champion, with the support of Stonehouse Town Council.
Stonehouse is the first ever community arboretum and has since become the model for many other authorities, featuring in high profile executive documents and John is rightly proud of his achievement and encouraged us to be proud of the project too. Some of the local images produced to illustrate the scheme have gone global – imagine that!
If you want more information on the Community Arboretum visit the following webpage, where you can also download an electronic copy of the brochure. It comes with our recommendation:
www.trees.org.uk/News-Blog/Latest-News/Stonehouse-Community-Arboretum-Management-Plan-Launched
Some of those trees were already very familiar to us, in fact there were a few of our members who actually lived opposite a huge oak, reputed to be the oldest in the town and a magnificent specimen and example of what good tree management can achieve.
John referred to the event that celebrated the 100th birthday of the willow outside The Globe Inn which brought back memories of our own stall that we set up on that date marking the occasion in 2021. This tree features on the front cover of the booklet called “The Stonehouse Community Arboretum Management Plan” a strategy that John founded and is continuing to champion, with the support of Stonehouse Town Council.
Stonehouse is the first ever community arboretum and has since become the model for many other authorities, featuring in high profile executive documents and John is rightly proud of his achievement and encouraged us to be proud of the project too. Some of the local images produced to illustrate the scheme have gone global – imagine that!
If you want more information on the Community Arboretum visit the following webpage, where you can also download an electronic copy of the brochure. It comes with our recommendation:
www.trees.org.uk/News-Blog/Latest-News/Stonehouse-Community-Arboretum-Management-Plan-Launched
18th JANUARY 2023
This evening meeting started with the vote on the shortlisted resolutions for 2022-23. The Women’s Institute is a member-led organisation and every year there is a chance for anyone with a particular passion or concern about current issues, to put forward a “Resolution” which is a proposal calling for change.
Last year there were 43 resolutions submitted in total, which have since been “shortlisted” (whittled down) to just four. These have been the subject of previous discussions and now our members were asked to vote on the one that they would like to go forward to the National WI annual meeting for possible adoption as a Campaign. (As a campaign, the issue is petitioned, promoted and backed by the whole of the WI. Probably the most recognised campaign was the one that led to the formation of the Keep Britain Tidy group).
For more information on the 2022-23 shortlisted resolutions, the following link will allow you discover more:
https://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/news-and-events/resolution-shortlist-2022-23
After this bit of business, our attention then turned towards our speaker for the evening, Dr Brian Witcombe, a Consultant Radiologist for the NHS, Gloucester and, as a result of viewing an x-ray of a sword swallower, began to research the subject more fully, resulting in a preoccupation on the subject both medically and beyond. His studies triggered an unlikely relationship with the President of the Sword Swallowing Association International, Dan Meyer, in the USA and with his help and further information from his contacts, Brian published a medical report in 2006 exploring the occupational hazards of the art. No prizes for guessing what these might be, but one of the official answers was that there was “a higher risk of injury when distracted”.
Brian’s report acquired quite a bit of a bizarre reputation and resulted in Brian & Meyer receiving a Ig Nobel prize for Medicine in 2006. Ig Nobel awards are satirical prizes awarded annually since 1991 to celebrate the unusual or trivial achievements in scientific research.
Some of the images shown during the presentation were not for the squeamish, but on the whole Brian gave a talk that was very amusing and informative. For the record, incredibly, deaths of performers are rare, but the high risks involved is one of the reasons why there are so few participating in the profession today. However, there have been sword swallowers around for a thousand years and should be considered an art - definitely not a party trick.
Talk about living life on the edge!
Last year there were 43 resolutions submitted in total, which have since been “shortlisted” (whittled down) to just four. These have been the subject of previous discussions and now our members were asked to vote on the one that they would like to go forward to the National WI annual meeting for possible adoption as a Campaign. (As a campaign, the issue is petitioned, promoted and backed by the whole of the WI. Probably the most recognised campaign was the one that led to the formation of the Keep Britain Tidy group).
For more information on the 2022-23 shortlisted resolutions, the following link will allow you discover more:
https://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/news-and-events/resolution-shortlist-2022-23
After this bit of business, our attention then turned towards our speaker for the evening, Dr Brian Witcombe, a Consultant Radiologist for the NHS, Gloucester and, as a result of viewing an x-ray of a sword swallower, began to research the subject more fully, resulting in a preoccupation on the subject both medically and beyond. His studies triggered an unlikely relationship with the President of the Sword Swallowing Association International, Dan Meyer, in the USA and with his help and further information from his contacts, Brian published a medical report in 2006 exploring the occupational hazards of the art. No prizes for guessing what these might be, but one of the official answers was that there was “a higher risk of injury when distracted”.
Brian’s report acquired quite a bit of a bizarre reputation and resulted in Brian & Meyer receiving a Ig Nobel prize for Medicine in 2006. Ig Nobel awards are satirical prizes awarded annually since 1991 to celebrate the unusual or trivial achievements in scientific research.
Some of the images shown during the presentation were not for the squeamish, but on the whole Brian gave a talk that was very amusing and informative. For the record, incredibly, deaths of performers are rare, but the high risks involved is one of the reasons why there are so few participating in the profession today. However, there have been sword swallowers around for a thousand years and should be considered an art - definitely not a party trick.
Talk about living life on the edge!