28th May
Fifty four Bucks WI members and friends enjoyed a really interesting visit to the British Museum today to see the exhibition on the Vikings.The coach driver did some excellent fast thinking when we came up behind 10 miles of traffic jam on the planned route in to London: we had to be taken rather a long way round but arrived in time for our viewing slots. The exhibition was beautifully staged in the new Sainsbury Wing and although it was quite crowded we were able to see everything at our own pace.I must admit that I was surprised by the beautiful craftwork and its delicasy of workmanship on show. I had no idea how far the Vikings spread across the world i.e. from the Canadian coasts to Islamic settlements as far distant as the Caspian Sea. One of the footnotes about a highly decorated battle axe said that it was thought to enhance the warrior's reputation when seen on the batlefield but I couldn't imagine the victim having the time to appreciate its beauty as it descended on to his head.We are always told about the blood-thirsty forays of the raiders but not about their lovely gold and silver filigree work.There was a lovely quote from a bard about the gods, Hoder, the god of Thought and Mimir, the god of Memory---"Every day Hoder and Mimir fly across the empty ground; I am anxious about Hoder returning but most of all I worry for Mimir". So obviously the fear of Alzheimers is over 1000years old!
After viewing the Vikings we had time for lunch or to view another room of exhibits. A lovely day so all thanks to the Art and Craft sub-committee for making the arrangements.

27th May
The local WI Book Group has been reading a Philippa Gregory novel, "the Lady of the Rivers" which was a popular choice. Some readers criticised the use of the first person narrative and perhaps its length but it is a very gripping story and it gives a real feel of the life of the times. It is a different picture of Richard III too but what dreadful times to live in: one never knew whose side to be on as the court was riven by different factions all trying to manage with a king who was away with the fairies for long periods of time. Philippa Gregory does a lot of research and most of the time seems to be historically accurate. Actually a true account of that period is dramatic enough anyway but she makes the characters interesting and believable.The conflict between religion and witchcraft was fascinating as too the differing opinions on medicine and witchcraft.

21st May
We went off on our sponsored walk for ACWW this morning. It was very pleasant walking 3 miles along beside the river Ouse through Stony Stratford. We were joined by some members from a neighbouring WI. I know we were about 3 weeks late for the actual day for Women to Walk the World but we will have raised some funds for the cause and that is the object of the exercise.

20th May
Two of us from the local WI attended the Croquet event at Stony Stratford this evening. There were people of different abilities present, about 30 in all and we were able to have instruction or just enjoy a couple of games. The weather looked very threatening but we managed to escape the rain and thunder and even sit about enjoying the delicious refreshments prepared by the non--playing members of one of the town's WIs.A very pleasant way to use a break in the clouds.

18th February
The story of horsemeat mixed in with or even being completely substituted for beef in prepared meat products is obviously going to run and run. Thank Goodness that eating horse is not a danger to our health but only to our sensibilities. I imagine there are droves of little girls instantly becoming vegetarian.As WI members we ought to be up in arms at this commercial dishonesty.The WI passed a mandate about the need for correct labelling of food way back in 1995 and we have suffered from EU legislation for many years which demanded a full account of the ingredients in jams and cakes sold on market stalls.So this becomes an issue with Europe where the rules are disregarded but it is the British farmers who are feeling the brunt when the shoppers turn away from buying beef.This mood will not last but even a short dip in sales will affect the livelihood of the farmers who are already struggling with the crisis in dairy farming and the recent weather disasters.The WI has always supported the rural community so it needs our help at present more than ever.

13th February
The local WI held a discussion evening tonight. We meet in a member's house, settle down with a glass of wine and talk about some topic set at the previous gathering. The subject can be anything at all except party politics or religion. The topic tonight was China so it did touch on politics and beliefs a little bit. I am ashamed to admit that I realised that I knew very little about China. However there were people present who had visited and had been fascinated by the different way of life and its culture.It was a pleasant evening: we learned a lot and only wandered off the subject once or twice which is pretty good for us!

12th February
We attended the By George...that's style! day at Princes Risborough. This was a new venue to us and in spite of the snowy conditions outside it was a capacity audience.The speakers covered the costume, social life and gossip of the period. In the afternoon there was the opportunity to learn how to dance a minuet and how to promenade with grace and style in order to impress in Georgian society.There was a lot of laughter and audience participation.Some are planning to visit Handel House in London following the talk from Antonia Grant who works in the museum and it would be great to see Fran Saltmarsh from Cambridge return to describe another slice of historical costume.We had to take our own refreshments or go out into the town for these but if the BFWI wants to keep the entrance prices down this is the only way it can be done: halls and good speakers are expensive for a full day's programme.