News

Another busy time for the members of Guarlford Women's Institute! On Thursday March 27th our delegate and six other members of the W I attended the Worcestershire Federation's Annual Council Meeting in the Malvern Forum. The meeting was well-attended and began, as usual, with the singing of "Jerusalem", followed by a welcome from the Chairman, Mrs Chris Marriott.

The first of our distinguished guests was Mrs Fay Mansell, NFWI Chairman, who spoke among other things of the important part that our Resolutions play in Public Affairs and how influential the WI can be in many ways. Next we heard from Mr Nick Vincent, Manager of the Three Counties Showground, who described his work and told us about improvements and developments at the Showgound. We had our usual visitor from Taylor's Tea, who, as well as telling us that each W I in the Federation should again be receiving their parcel of 'goodies' from Taylors, also reported on Taylor's latest tree conservation programme, an ambitious one to restore the Equatorial Rain Forests. The final speaker before the lunch interval was a member of the U S Embassy, Mr Oliver Moss. He told us of times spent in Britain and of his work, proving himself a true diplomat when answering questions from the floor.

When we reassembled for the afternoon session, after visiting the various 'stalls' in the Foyer, the main Speaker of the day took to the platform: Mrs Babs Powell, ex-Pan's People dancer and wife of actor Robert Powell. She is now an adventurer & charity worker, and she described how she had joined a party of non-sailors under the leadership of an experienced captain, to learn skills and how to work as a member of a team to go round the world under sail in a yacht. Babs's next adventure was a journey to the North Pole (and she has now done two such). At this point, a rail of clothing worn on her adventures was brought forward. Babs helped one of the Executive members to dress in the very cumbersome garments worn on board ship and sent her off to tramp around the Forum, so that we could all have a close-up view! A hugely entertaining talk.

On April 8th Paul McGuire made a return visit to Guarlford Village Hall and made us laugh once more, as he told us of his "Life as a T V warm-up man", letting us into many secrets. The Bring & Buy stall raised over £40, thanks to members donating so many useful and decorative items. We also had two enjoyable Bluebell Walks in April, led by our President. On May 13th we discussed the National Resolutions, see the NFWI website for more details, following which there was an opportunity to view the many delightful Craft Items from the W I County Archives. There was a Social Skittles Evening on May 29th and on June 10th we celebrated our Birthday Party at The Bear & Ragged Staff in Bransford.

On July 8th Mrs Prosser will give us a talk on "From Criminal Records to Farm Records & Beyond", followed on August 12th by Mrs Farmer - "101 Children". Visitors are always welcome at our meetings.