Countdown to AGM

31st May

Media coverage of the WI is increasing by the day.It tends to concentrate on the new younger members but there are a few "oldies" usually mentioned in the also rans! I have never seen the comment made, which I think is relevant, that there are more twenty year olds and women in their early thirties nowadays who are not yet lumbered with children who are still able to go out and spend time with the WI. In the decades before, this freedom was not possible at that age and many in this age group had to wait until their children were older.This modern life plan of delayed parenthood has an unexpected consequence.

 

20th May

The local WI went walking along the red routes in Milton Keynes in aid of ACWW. Three members from a neighbouring WI joined us and we enjoyed a dry and attractive walk along the canal and through wooded areas which are now in new fresh leaf. It was a very pleasant way to raise money for the Women Walk the World scheme. I don't know how much we actually were sponsored to make but we will hear at the next WI meeting.

 

19th May

We have been informed that there is to be an amendment on the Failure to Care resolution at the Annual General Meeting in the Albert Hall on 4th June.It seems to be a bit of a clarification but it still doesn't make it any easier for our WI members to support as our main concerns are not really answered by this "tweak" in the wording. It is altered from "remove the distinction between NURSING care and PERSONAL care in the assessment..." to "remove the distinction between HEALTH care and SOCIAL care in the assessment..." Still nothing about integrating the two systems used by the NHS and the Local Authorities. It will be interesting to see how the delegates deal with the amendment and whether some will have been given the freedom to change the decision of the WIs which they are representing.I know of several delegates who were not. It just shows how carefully these resolutions have to be worded and considered even before they reach the selection stage.