North Bovey Belles WI January Meeting

Pineapple bottle for pina coladas, a vase for winter flowers, table lamp containing miniature lights, salt cellar and a container for cat’s Dreamy Treats were just some of the ideas the ladies brought to the WI meeting on Zoom for their contribution to the upcycling competition.  Because of the innovative variety presented it was decided that everybody was a winner.  Well done ladies.

In 1954 the British Women’s Institute started a national anti-litter campaign called “Keep Britain Tidy”.  67 years later we are still reminded to do the same.  This is the kind of influence the WI has had and still has in our modern world.

Every year each WI member has a vote on which issues they wish the National Federation of Women’s Institutes to tackle this time round. At the meeting on Thursday 14^th January Sarah Shorthouse talked the ladies through the five resolutions chosen for this year. A vote using the poll facility on Zoom then gave the following results:

1 – A call to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer – 5 votes

2 – Stop women dying prematurely from coronary heart disease  – 3 votes

3 – Racism and discrimination – 4 votes

4 – Protect your nature space to create wildlife-friendly communities – 2 votes

5 – Stop the destruction of peat bogs – no votes

The secretary Avis was then tasked with the job to report the results back to the National Federation.

Following the business session, Handbag Bingo was played by the members.  Points were scored by having items in your handbag, for example, 5 points for a driving licence, 10 points for a pair of sunglasses, 15 points for a child’s toy or 20 points for a business card with a possible total of 204 points.  It ended the meeting with a little bit of fun.

Next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on February 11^th when Doctor Rebecca Alegbo is going to give a talk on Zoom on “Coping in Challenging Times”.  New members are always welcome with reduced fees for ladies joining late in the year.  For further info please contact us on northboveybelles@devonwi.org.uk or Sue on 07919 623559.