August

The original concept behind this blog (as some of you may remember) was that under a cloak of anonymity I could write as an “ordinary” Bucks WI member about what was happening in Bucks WIs and comment on whatever was appearing in the national media of interest and relevant to our campaigns. The reason why I used the photos of gates and doors as my profile picture was because I consider that the WI opens doors to all manner of interests and activities for WI members. This intention still remains good but what does one do when the summer recess is upon us? Many WIs in Bucks do not hold meetings in August but have social gatherings such as outings or cream teas. This is the case with mine: we have had garden events but nearly always we have been rained off or blown away so have become discouraged with that game.
At the end of July, the Book Group met to discuss “Tall Oaks” by Chris Whitaker and last week we had read “Fingers in the Sparkle Jar” by Chris Packham of Spring Watch fame. This tied in with the recent National Federation’s presence at Blenheim Palace with Countryfile. We found Packham’s book fascinating---an insight into understanding the man we see on TV---and it helped us to appreciate the problems of a child suffering from autism. The observation of nature was very detailed and the writing lyrical. We will never look at snails or tadpoles in the same way again.
I attended an exhibition in Milton Keynes on Landscape in Quilts which featured work by local artists some of whom are WI members. It reminded me that Bucks members have been asked to produce squares to represent their village/town /WI for another wall-hanging, comparable to the one which features in the committee room in Stuart Lodge. This comes out on display and will probably be on view at the Bucks County Show this week. If you haven’t seen it or have never been down to visit Stuart Lodge why not pop down on a Tuesday to the shop and explore your Bucks HQ.
I saw in the national press that the first case against someone allowing FGM (female genital mutilation) is coming up in the autumn. This subject has been of concern to the WI for years but so far no cases have been brought to court: perhaps now the campaign to raise awareness will bear fruit. I read in the Bucks WI newsletter that Bucks members are being asked to fill in a questionnaire about their use of the Bucks website. I hope you will do this ---perhaps in social time at your next meeting. I hope those people who read the blog will not condemn it to the bin. You never know, it might get some more readers. Everyone who contributes to the website will welcome your comments because the editors will then know what you want from the site. After all, it is for your information and enjoyment.
September and October are going to be busy months for WI members so we look forward to getting out and about to meetings again after the summer holidays.
​