There may have been fewer members present at this evening’s discussion group but it was a very productive couple of hours of talk. The subject set was to cover the resolutions of 2017 being presented at the NFWI AGM in June at Liverpool. We discussed the topic of loneliness, what it is and what the WI members could actually do about this growing problem that is affecting both sexes and people of all ages. We concluded that in Winslow we were very lucky to have so many active groups aware of the situation and taking action to combat it. Then we tackled the microfibres leaking into the oceans from the washing of synthetic clothes. It was thought that the producers of washing machines must improve the filters, there must be some stabilising agent in materials used for clothing and we need clearer labelling on the cleaning products we are all using at present. Research needs to be encouraged quickly before more damage is done and on the home front, it would help if we didn’t wash our clothes so frequently.
We then got on to discussing how the WI could get involved in the Food Waste Campaign called by NFWI at the end of May. Plans were made and will be passed on to our WI committee for its approval. In the meantime, we are sending for action packs from NFWI.
10th April
The Bucks Federation sub-committee had organised an outing to the Royal Academy to see the exhibition of Russian Revolutionary Art. Two coaches had trouble free journeys to London and home again as the traffic was very light during the school holidays. The exhibition was huge and very interesting because it contained paintings, propaganda posters, photography and ceramics. The period covered was so harrowing for the Russian population that it wasn’t really surprising that the items on show were dark and sombre, full of anger and aggression. The works of Kandinsky and Malevich were conspicuous for their bright colours and the industrial photographs of Shalket were artistic compositions but everything was so sad and full of disillusionment following the high hopes of the birth of the revolution: it had brought only hardship to the people.
5th April
A change of programme for the monthly WI meeting meant that we enjoyed a talk from one of our own members. Daphne illustrated her walk along the North Bucks Way with some excellent photos. These photos had then inspired her to represent her journey in a wall quilt which showed the flora and buildings spotted along the route. The whole presentation was lovely and very interesting. This was our WI’s 95th birthday so there was a cake to cut and eat, wine to drink and complicated quizzes to answer---a very pleasant evening. Our membership is down by about 20 members since the opening of the Early Birds WI which meets in the daytime. However, the Bucks Federation has not lost these people because they have transferred to the new WI which has itself attracted some women new to WI which is a good result for everyone.