Luckily for us, this year’s National Federation Annual Meeting was held in Liverpool, on 11th June, so Elaine, Pauline, Emma and I were able to hop onto the train for a jolly day out. It was a powerful start to the meeting, the M&S Arena filled with the sound of hundreds of women singing Jerusalem together. The total attendance was 3,000, though asthis was the first ‘hybrid’ meeting, some ladies took the opportunity to attend virtually.

Ann Jones, the NFWI Chair, welcomed us all with a warm and engaging address, telling us that there are currently 26,000 more WI members than there were this time last year, though with several WIs having closed since the pandemic, we need to encourage more ladies to join. Then it was on to WI business: appointment of returning officers and treasurer’s statement, followed by updates from Margaret Broom, chair of Northern Ireland federation, and Ann Kerr, president of Scottish WI.

The first guest speaker was Kate Garbers, author of Unseen Lives and founder of the UK-based modern anti-slavery charity Unseen, which she was inspired to set up after working in an orphanage in Ukraine. In her pre-recorded talkshe spoke movingly of the plight of the victims ‘hidden in plain sight’ and about the ways to recognise when this is happening.

After lunch and an opportunity to visit the variety of stalls in the venue, there was the prizegiving followed by the resolution vote, which involved an interesting debate about this year’s nominee: the diagnosis of ASD and ADHD in girls and women. The first speaker on the subject was the proposer Alison Long, who spoke from the heart about her own experience of autism. Next up was Rebecca Chauhan, who also put forward an impassioned argument as she seconded the proposal, but not until she had overcome her obvious nerves with the help of a supportive round of applause from the audience and some kind words of encouragement from the president. Professor Francesca Happé provided her expert opinion in favour of the resolution via video link, and then, for the sake of balance, Professor Ginny Russell gallantly took to the stage to reason against it, or at least its wording, her argument being that it is more beneficial to focus on support rather than diagnosis. After that, it was over to the audience, with several members gathering at the microphones dotted around the auditorium to give their views on the subject. Votes were then cast by the delegates.

While the votes were being counted, we were treated to an excellent talk by Sarah Clarke, former championships director of Wimbledon and now Parliament’s Black Rod; the first woman in either post. We heard that she rarely gives interviews or speeches but, for her Mum’s sake, this was one she couldn’t turn down. And we were so lucky. For the next hour Sarah entertained us with the lessons she had learnt during her fascinating career, giving out helpful tips along the way. My favourite was to make sure you have a good laugh every day (and pay attention to those that aren’t able to join in).

The day rounded off with the results of the vote – theresolution was passed by 96.5% – and along with a (slightly less confident) rendition of Land of My Fathers, the meeting was brought to a close with a challenge from the Chair: go to every woman you know, and if she isn’t in the WI, ask her why. After a day spent immersed in the support, friendship, humour and stimulation that is the WI at its best, it’s hard to understand why not.

Karen Marland

Along with WI’s up and down country Southport Scarlets held a indoor party for their June meeting, and had a brilliant night celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee – can you spot our right royal guest among the members?
Scarlets were encouraged to come along for a night of quizzing and crown crafting wearing anything red, white and blue.
After the Pimms on arrival Tina kicked the evening off with a Royal Family Tree Quiz – well done Scarlets, you do seem to know your royals. Chris Laverty was awarded the best crown, you can see her hiding on the back row! It was like a back to school night with sticking and glueing ……. Then it was time for Josie M’s Platinum pudding, strawberries, scones, cream and jam and more royal knowledge revelations from Pauline.

In behalf of all members I want to pass on huge thanks to our committee for putting the evening together. Ladies you pulled it out the bag.

Tucked away down a quiet country lane, Bluebell Cottage Gardens and Nursery is one of Cheshire’s best kept secrets.

Nancy arranged a lovely morning out to visit Bluebell Cottage Gardens and what a perfect break from the whirlwind of modern life. It was bluebell season so we had to take a stroll through their natural bluebell woods, and then onto the walled garden which was amazing. Truly a beautiful rural setting.

We then moved onto Cholmondeley Castle for the afternoon, it’s designed by English Heritage and built at the start of the 19th Century, for George Cholmondeley, 1st Marquess of Cholmoneley. There were gorgeous grounds to stroll around, beautiful lily lakes and flower gardens. A brief walk to the chapel and round the outskirts of the castle with some lovely views. We decided to take a picnic but there was a great little coffee shop serving food, drinks and ice cream.
Great day out with good company!

What better way could there have been to celebrate International Womens Day on 8^th March 2022, than attending the Lancashire AGM in Bolton. I was asked to help represent the Editorial Team with some other amazing ladies and the atmosphere was fantastic. I saw friends I had made at previous events and even from other Federations as well as speaking to some lovely and committed ladies I had never seen before but hope of bump into in the future. 

The first keynote speakers gave us a hysterical look into the History of Wardrobe, I mean who even knew you could knit a wedding dress? It must weigh a ton and I can only hope it was a winter wedding or the bride and her similarly attired bridesmaids may had expired quite quickly!

For the second half I had been given the immense and terrifying honour of joining Nisha Katona on the stage for a live question and answer session. All I can say is that she is a superwoman. Passionate and dedicated to what she does, even if she had no respect at all for the questions I had prepped and sent weeks worrying about and we were off script within about 30 seconds but she is so friendly and down to earth and absolutely knows her stuff. She was also very interested in what we did as a WI and the campaigns and other work we do as a collective all female group.

I have said it before, but I will say it again, the WI can offer you so much if you reach out and take it. There is also lots of scope to make contributions of your own and they will always be welcomed.  Please have a look at the Lancashire website you just never know what you will find.

Emma G

We, when I say we I actually mean Nancy, Elaine and Anne, from our WI allotment group have added their Jubilee Red William Pear Tree to The Queen’s Green Canopy map. Her Majesty and The Prince of Wales planted the first Jubilee tree in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Towns, villages and community groups up and down the country were invited and encouraged to get involved in Planting a Tree for the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of The Queen’s 70 years of Service to the Nation.

A big thank you to all of those who took part in the knit Shropshire Way challenge. Throughout the year ladies across the country have been busy knitting, sewing and crocheting scraves to try and match the length of the Shropshire Way, no less than 202 miles, and the results were to be donated to charities to give to those in need. 

A total of 247 miles of yarn has so far been used to make over 2000 scarves and the challenge runs until January, so there will probably be more miles to come. 

Lancashire donations have been handed out all over the county with a big bag going to Shoreline Church to be distributed to those they feel will appreciate them, and another following at the beginning of next month. Some of the scarves have been sewn into blankets for homeless shelters and Age Concern by some very enterprising ladies.

To those of you who haven’t had time to contribute yet you have until 31^st December, just get in touch with emmagillinder@googlemail.com if you want to make some necks warm in a totally tasteful way this winter. 

So, in the same way as we are seeing 2021 come to an end, so has my tenure as President at Southport Scarlets run out and I am sure they have been equally exciting. 

Who would have thought that the me who started out making the tea and who wasn’t even allowed to take the biscuit tin home would end up as being President for 5 years, only after I had worked my way through bring treasurer and secretary, and I have to say I made a dreadful treasurer. 

Those 5 years were filled with challenges and excitement, trying new things and occasionally pushing myself outside my comfort zone, and you all came with me. We visited the Euro zone with Eurovision and India with a fantastic session on how to wear Saris, we defended ourselves and tried out tai chi, we went back in time with Lucy the Tudor and the infamous knicker lady. I can only imagine the look on my face when she began pulling out all her farming implements, until she explained that her talk was not about underwear, and we ate chocolate and tried Karens far too nice gin. 

And then Covid-19 came and we were curtailed but not stopped when our talks moved onto zoom and further away, with a talk on witches and ancient monuments, upcycling and eco products and finishing off with hats. These were topped up with meetings in a bag and extra competitions to keep everything going. 

There has also been fun outside our own group with workshops and talks from Lancashire and then Denman and Lancashire at home and the WI Wanderers, more than enough to keep everyone going. 

So, an eventful 5 years during which I have learned much and I hope I keep on learning. 

Congratulations to our new President, Elaine Foster, and I wish her and the new committee luck with taking Southport Scarlets on into the future. 

Emma x

Emma – has been beating the boredom during this new lockdown by stash busting my yarns and crocheting blankets in different colours to keep all my nieces and nephews snuggly and warm for Christmas presents. There is nothing more relaxing than crocheting when its cold and dark outside. I finished the presents off with ribbons made from Christmas fabric so they could be tied into rolls.

Deb – As taken up painting with watercolours. It’s something I have always wanted to learn but for some reason never had the courage. Now I love it, it’s so relaxing. I followed an online tutorial and boom – I am hooked. I have even managed to get the rest of the family painting. Expect hand painted Birthday and Christmas cards. I have also done a little furniture up-cycling. I purchased 2 farmhouse kitchen chairs in dire need of stripping. Voila- 2 extra chairs for the Christmas table but sadly no extra guests!

Pauline – has been busy making umpteen Linus Project Quilts. Then there was an afternoons effort for friend who enjoyed safaris before lockdown so here is a patchwork bag for her.
1970 Tank tops are back in fashion, apparently – request from my Grandson, aged 8, stripey, of course.

Nuala – started this ‘free-motion’ piece some time ago but needs the inspiration to finish it now😳I have also been making bunting in crochet stars and flowers. I had bit of trouble finding just the right material to stiffen the wool but eventually used watered down wood glue!!

Tina – Due to joining the hamster wheel (aka work demands) my free time to get creative has somewhat reduced! However, on a positive I have created a new role play area in our nursery. The theme was “The Garden” , and although furniture was moved and given a new role and resources added I didn’t have a bird to watch over the children as they played. So, I created a handmade felt coaltit which could sit in the tree as the children played. In addition to this I wanted to show my students show sewing skills can come in handy when developing learning environments for children, so I also made a. Umber of garden aprons for our little visitors. We just need Corona restrictions to be eased and our little visitors to return.

Fran – Before lockdown I’d started weaving classes at Arthouse. We’d been given a homemade tapestry loom at the last one and some extra wools which have come in handy. I’ve finished these three works and done some trials of different techniques.

It’s been a while … … the more observant of you may have noticed a web site glitch in June. We are now happy to be back up and running. Whilst off line a couple of our members have become grandma’s – welcome to the world Sienna and Mila ! Huge congratulations to Chris and Yvonne.

9th July saw us hold Recipe Swop Zoom meeting with contributions from Carol, Elaine F, Karen, Tricia and also a recipe from ex-member Susan.

31st July The Gardening Group and friends went to Abbeywood Gardens in Cheshire

on the 13th August we had a lovely Social distanced walk around the Marine Lake followed by a drink at the Guilder Rose.

Well hello to the month of May so let’s make it meaningful.

I think it’s fair to say the coronavirus safety measures have affected all of us. In addition to the very real worry of someone you love being badly affected, every single one of us has had to adapt at speed to restrictions on our every day lives. Big changes at short notice are challenging, and these are difficult days while we try to modify our expectations and accept our new normal. 

Life as we know it has changed beyond anything I could ever have imagined. Just a few weeks ago I wouldn’t have believed you if you had told me we would be living in a country where the pubs, cinemas, hairdressers, gyms, and all those things we unconsciously took for granted were closed: that we would only be allowed out to make essential journeys, and for one hour of exercise a day.

It’s been about eight weeks since we Scarlets last met. I am therefore very excited to announce that Emma will be launching a Scarlets Web Podcast on Spotify and Appleplay so please watch out for this announcement. It will be a first for her so good luck Emma – we will have guest appearances from Elaine and Nancy too! We, like many others institutions are keeping in contact on a host of different WhatsApp groups to accommodate these new restrictions. We have created an “Isolation Madness” one for daily quizzes and general chatter, a pre-existing “Gardening” one which includes a sunflower growing competition and more videos, a craft “Cast Offs” group where we can display our new creations and seek advice. There is a weekly “House Party” group – wine in hand is suggested but not mandatory. We always have it in mind to maintain contact with members who live alone and may go for days without hearing from a friend. As a WI we have been making Scrubs Bags for our local NHS staff. The idea is after their shift they can remove their scrubs, pop them into a bag and wash they whole lot without contaminating anything else. Two of these bags went straight to my daughter’s friends as both were seconded from training straight onto the front line (so to speak). We are super proud of these efforts and so far must have made 100 plus and are still sewing. Thank you to all our scrub bag sewers, to Elaine for providing all the fabric and to Nancy H for passing the finished bags onto the distribution coordinator. Andrea, our previous president has volunteered as a street champion for her neighbourhood – she provides information and supports the vulnerable.

I have been determined from day one to use this lockdown time wisely. I, like many of my fellow WI friends have access to a garden and an allotment which I feel is vital to my health and wellbeing. I have also taken up yoga – something I have wanted to do for a long time. Check out our Facebook page to see what my fellow WI friends have been up to.

For sure the last few weeks have made me realise more than ever how lucky I am to live in the lovely town of Southport – the marine lake, the parks, the open spaces and most of all the sunshine have been a blessing during lockdown.

Bye for now xx