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WMWI The National Federation of WIs campaign to improve women’s and family’s lives Monthly Newsletter: December 2014: No112 www.womens- institute.org.uk/oxfordshire www.freewebs.com/wmwi every Month at 8pm President Lynn Coleman - Tel: 557226 Secretary Sue Field - Tel: 557843 Next meeting December 9 th : 8pm Bring and share supper This evening will be an opportunity to share your favourite dish with other members, and to enjoy getting to know each other. Please bring a savoury or dessert, and something to drink, and prepare for a relaxed social evening before the Christmas festivities start in earnest. Homeless Collection As is usual for our December meeting, we will be collecting items for the homeless. Their need and appreciation is great. If you would like donate items, it is suggested that Primark and Poundland are a great source of gloves, underwear, hats, socks, shampoo, toothpaste and brushes, and shower gel. All will be taken to the Night Shelter. Thank you. Sue Mannifield has updated and re-organised our website. Do take a look. The Website address is at the top of this Walton Manor WI Registered charity 1119651 1

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WMWI The National Federation of WIs campaign to improve women’s and family’s lives

Monthly Newsletter: December 2014: No112 www.womens-institute.org.uk/oxfordshire www.freewebs.com/wmwi

every Month at 8pmPresident Lynn Coleman - Tel: 557226

Secretary Sue Field - Tel: 557843

Next meetingDecember 9th: 8pm

Bring and share supperThis evening will be an

opportunity to share your favourite dish with other members, and to enjoy

getting to know each other. Please bring a savoury or dessert, and something to drink, and prepare for a relaxed social evening before the Christmas

festivities start in earnest.

Homeless Collection

As is usual for our December meeting, we will be collecting items for the homeless. Their need and appreciation is great. If you would like donate items, it is suggested that Primark and Poundland are a great source of gloves, underwear, hats, socks, shampoo, toothpaste and brushes, and shower gel. All will be taken to the Night Shelter. Thank you.Sue Mannifield has updated and re-organised our website. Do take a look. The Website address is at the top of this page; just hold your ‘Control’ button and click on the address.

subscriptionsIt is nearly subscription time again; how quickly a year passes! Please have a read of the information on page 3, and make life easier for our treasurer.Last Meeting: November 11th

Our speaker for this meeting was Liz Woolley. Liz lives in Oxford, holds academic qualifications in English

Walton Manor WI Registered charity 1119651

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Local History, and is particularly interested in the lives of ordinary people in the 19th and early 20th centuries. She has been helping the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust in establishing a new museum in Woodstock. This talk addressed the experiences of children in WW2. On Sunday, September 3rd 1939, WW2 began. Oxfordshire escaped bombing early in the war, so was used for agriculture, manufacturing, storage of munitions, and rest and recuperation for troops. The clinical trials of penicillin were taking place at the RI. 45 million gas masks were issued and 3500 bombs fell on Oxfordshire, but there was little damage so evacuees from cities were sent here.

There were 27 airfields in the county, and stockpiles of bombs everywhere. Any metal deemed inessential was collected, road signs were removed and 100 acres of Morris Motors land was used for metal recycling from fallen aircraft. Ration books were issued for food, clothes and petrol but ingredients from overseas, including sugar, were almost non-existent.

In WW1, the children were left without fathers, in WW2 the men were in reserved occupations and in the Home Guard, or they were away fighting, many returning traumatised. Women were put to work in steelworks, munitions factories, on the land, as bus drivers and in many formerly male occupations, or

working in crèches for workers’ babies. Children were also encouraged to work on the land or allotments, growing and picking vegetables. Children were also trained as messengers. There were other occupations for women, such as entertainment, sewing, knitting and preserving food. Boy Scouts and the WI recycled in earnest; bottles, tins, bones for glue etc. The motto was ‘Save Money not Squander’.

3 million children were affected by evacuation, in 3 waves in 1939, 1940 and 1944. Oxfordshire was the reception area in September 1939, so 20,000+ arrived, increasing the population by 10-20%. Some children had a terrible time and were damaged by this experience, but most had improved lives. There were evacuation hostels for the difficult to place or for the difficult or delinquent. 13,000 children were sent to commonwealth countries in 1940. Oxfordshire saw many other new residents. Troops were billeted with families, including those from overseas, workers came to work on the land or in industry, and prisoners of war were accommodated. There was experience of new cultures, both by soldiers fighting in Europe or Africa, and through the military of other countries finding their way to Oxfordshire.

WW2 ended on May 8-9th 1945; schools were closed and street parties abounded. It was a time of relief and great happiness, but also sadness for those who had been lost. Some families were reunited and evacuees were sent home, some finding this very hard. Rationing continued for some years.

This presentation followed by the sharing of memories and anecdotes from the members, which were very moving. This was a most skilled and

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engaging presentation. Thanks you, Liz

KNITting group

Walton Manor Knitting Group continues to thrive. Knitting may befor charity, for family, or for self. Above are children in South Africa showing off knitted teddies provided through Cocos Charity; some of these may be knitted by us. Everyone is very welcome, including new members; just turn up. Other needlework crafts are also acceptable. If you want to learn to knit, then we can help you.

There will be no knitting in December; it will be resumed in [email protected]

Book group

This group has been transformed into a book and/or film group. The date of the next meeting, and its topic and, indeed, its venue are all yet to be established. However, if this group sounds interesting to you, and you are not on the list, do please email Hilary Godfrey. [email protected] occasionsWhen we have been made aware of members’ special birthdays, anniversaries or achievements, or of less than happy events such as illness, we have marked these with

cards, flowers or whatever seems appropriate. If you know of any such occasion, please let us know but, of course, we need to be sure that marking the event would be welcome.

subscriptionsThe end of the year is fast approaching, which means that it will soon be time to pay subscriptions. Please complete a subscription form and provide a cheque, for the sum of £36, made out to Walton Manor WI, and dated January 1st 2015. These should be given to Liz Jennings. If you pay by standing order, please amend the amount. Bank transfer is also possible. If you pay income tax, completion of a GiftAid form will enable us to recover tax on the amount of your subscription. Thank you.

Wi centenary

THE BATON!April 16-17th 2015As Chair of the Cherwell Group Committee, Lyn has been heavily involved in arrangements for the day that this travelling baton reaches Oxfordshire. Details can be found on pages 8-9.

Albert hall

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The centenary Annual Meeting of NFWI will be held at the Albert Hall on Thursday, June 4th. WIs who may send a delegate, have already been identified. There will also be space for a number of observers. Any of you interested in applying for one of these places should let Lyn know by the December meeting.

ResolutionsThe November/December edition of WI Life provides an opportunity for members to select the resolution(s) to be discussed and voted upon at the Annual Meeting. See pages 38-41 for information about each resolution. Complete the form on page 41, indicating your choice, and bring it to the December meeting for sending to Tackley. The shortlist is also shown in a memo on page 10 of this newsletter.

Please could we have offers of help from 3-4 people, to assist with washing-up at the end of each meeting? If everyone lends a hand, this will only be an occasional duty. Also, please replace your own chair in the store; this makes tidying of the hall so much easier.There is also a rota for tea and cakes. We hope that many of you will feel able to contribute to this.

Maggie’s centre

A few of our members attended a WI evening event at this recently opened, architect-designed new building. A Maggie’s Centre has been based on the Churchill Hospital site for some years, offering support for those affected by cancer. Until recently, it was housed in a portakabin but this beautiful new building has been available since this July. As Oxfordshire WIs have enthusiastically supported this initiative, this evening was an opportunity for members to tour the building. Those who were able to attend were greatly impressed by the design, the ambience and the facilities.

SOS – help in an emergency Are you able to respond at short notice to give support to professional services in an emergency? This could mean care, comfort or catering, and is invaluable in events which occur without warning,

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such as the recent floods. You may never be called upon to help but, if you are willing to be included on the list, please let Lyn know.

fund-raisingIn order to continue with our activities and invite speakers, etc., we need to constantly raise funds. Subscriptions do not cover our expenses.

It was therefore suggested that we sell a small amount of home-made produce at the meetings. We have had donations of home-made bread, biscuits, chocolates, and marmalade, and some home-grown vegetables. This has raised welcome additional funds.

We know that many of you are talented cooks or gardeners. If you feel able to help with this initiative through your chutney, baking or excess veg from your garden, please let Lyn know.

From time to time, we have also been asked to provide teatime goods, such as cakes and biscuits, for events, particularly at the hospitals. These requests are often at short notice but have been met, much appreciated and given a boost to our funds.

Domestic abuse WMWI has, for some years, maintained links with Oxon’s domestic abuse co-ordinator, Michelle Plaisted-Kerr. We have recently received the following notice, asking for our support.

Oxfordshire County Council is proposing to reduce funding for domestic abuse services in the county by 40% -- from £331k in 2014/15 to £199k in 2016/17.

Services at risk include the local helpline, which provides

emotional support, practical information and access to support services for adults affected by domestic abuse.

the West Oxfordshire outreach worker, who provides support including safety planning, risk assessment and management.

local refuges, where women and children who are experiencing domestic violence can stay free from abuse.

As domestic abuse has long been a crucial issue for the WI, you may wish to comment on this proposal. OCC has a consultation page where we can have a say as part of the consultation process. www.reducingtherisk.org.uk/cms/content/planned-cuts-domestic-abuse-services-oxfordshire

news and ViewsWe buy a copy for each member. Please collect yours as it will contain up-to-date information about OFWI. A number of events are advertised in each edition. Please take a little time to scan your copy and see if anything is of interest to you. Take good note of the closing date or you might miss the boat.

Booking procedureThere will be booking forms available at the meetings, one for each event. If you are interested in attending any

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event, please inform the secretary who will enter your details on the form; you will be able to see who else will be going. You must also provide a cheque for Liz Jennings, made out to WMWI. We are not permitted to buy tickets until we have received your cheque. For this reason, it is easier if you bring your cheque book to meetings.

CAMPAIGNS ‘Help for Bees’ Action Plan

Bees pollinate up to 75% of agricultural crops around the world. Last year, the WI joined forces with Friends of the Earth to call on the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs to follow Wales' lead and introduce a comprehensivebee action plan which would target all the varying causes of bee decline, catalysing stakeholders into taking a positive, proactive stance on bees. The WI responded to the government’s Bee Action Plan; the draft National Pollinator Strategy; thousands of postcards were presented to the Environment Minister. The WI was invited to give evidence to the inquiry, the final plan being delayed till autumn.

Banana Price Wars

A low price for bananas is only achieved through poverty wages and living conditions for the farmers. Help to combat this trend by buying only Fair Trade bananas.

Food Security

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Global and National Challenges of Food SecurityDuring 2013, WI

members were invited to hold a nation-wide series of debates that will help get to the crux of some of the questions the global food system faces and build understanding about the role that we all can play. Current discussion appears to be heavily focussed around the concept of 'sustainable intensification' which is effectively using GM crops and large scale intensive farms to increase yields and productivity. Whilst this will necessarily inform part of the debate, what other issues should be explored? Considering ways to cut down on food waste, ensuring we have the right policy environment for agriculture to flourish and confronting consumer attitudes to food and sustainability are just a few of the issues that the NFWI believes warrant further exploration. If you would like to help get the debate underway then get in touch. Action packs are [email protected] Telephone 01865 553304

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End Violence against WomenThe UK Government has a declared commitment to an integrated strategy for tackling violence against women (March 2011).

Over 1 million women experienced domestic abuse in the last year, and over 60,000 women are raped each year; it is important to ensure that the Government continues to prioritise this issue.

Organ donation – make your wishes known

Following the over-whelming support for this year’s resolution, we are all urged to make others aware of our wishes regarding organ donation. No one should be left to guess. 7000 people are awaiting the gift of an organ, but this is a personal decision. We are also asked to encourage friends, family and members of our community to make their wishes known to others. It has been shown that donations increase with the raising of awareness.

Action against Plastic Bags

Plastic bag use in England is 6 times bigger than in Wales. A 5p charge instituted by the Welsh Government in 2011 has led to an 81% reduction. Voluntary agreements have had little effect and very few plastic bags are recycled. The NFWI is calling on members to contact their MP and ask them to push for a charge on plastic bags. An action pack and template letter is available from the public affairs dept. or at www.thewi.org.uk

Care not CustodyTheresa May praised the WI’s Care not Custody campaign at an event in July to review progress on the government’s promise to develop appropriate services for the mentally ill or learning disabled persons who come into contact with police, courts or prisons. Up to 20% of police time is spent dealing with mental health issues; funds from the Dept. of Health have been allocated for the support of the most vulnerable people. Pilot services and early intervention have shown promising results.

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CELEBRATING THE CENTENARY As you know, the WI is 100 years old in 2015 and the Centenary baton is making its way across the British Isles. It will arrive in Oxfordshire on April 14 and make its way across Oxfordshire during the following week.

Walton Manor WI is part of the Cherwell Group and, as you may have read in News & Views, we are part of GROUP 5 that consists of WI’s in the Riverside, Cotswold, Eynsham and Cherwell groups.

Group 5 will receive the baton on 16 April 2015 and hand it over to Group 6 on 17 April.

At the last meeting, I outlined some of the plans that were under discussion. Jean Hammond, our WI adviser, is co-ordinating the plans with the Convenors from each of the groups. I hope members from Walton manor will want to be involved to make it a real success and to have some fun of course.

COLLECTING THE BATON – 16 APRIL 2015The baton will be handed over from Group 4 to Group 5 on Thursday, 16 April 2015. The Bus Museum at Long Hanborough is providing a 32 seater bus. It will travel from Long Hanborough to Wolvercote for collection from Group 4 and return to Long Hanborough with the baton. Tickets for the bus will be by ballot and cost £3.Are you interested in going on the bus? I need 2 names by October 31 for this. Please let me know and I will ballot if necessary.

EVENING PAGEANT FROM 7.30-9.30PM ON 16 APRIL COVERING THE LAST 100 YEARSThis will be at Henry Box School in Witney200 tickets will be sold by ballot at £4 per ticket.The ticket will include wine, soft drinks and birthday cake. The 4 groups to supply one cake each that will be sufficient for 50. It was suggested that each cake have the WI group name and the years they are representing in the pageant on it.Costs incurred can be claimed to the value of £25. Could you bake the cake? Please let me know if you are thinking about it?

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The pageant will be acted out by the four groups as follows covering 25 year each. These were chosen by ballot.COTSWOLD: 1915 -1940 RIVERSIDE: 1940 - 1965 EYNSHAM: 1965 -1990 CHERWELL: 1990 - 2015

Each group is able to choose how they cover their slot. There are no rules except each group will have a maximum of 15 minutes. Our group is thinking about presenting it in a news reader format covering items from world events at that time to what local WI’s were doing. Are you interested in being involved? Please let me know. I could do with some help!

A photographer is needed. Can you help us find one?

FRIDAY, 17 APRIL 2015MORNINGThe baton will go on a journey visiting every WI in Group 5. Janet Nattrass ( Cassington WI) has kindly arranged for the owner of a Frazer Nash vintage car owner and club member to drive her car that day.The car will stop at each WI for a photo and change of baton holder. Would you like to be that person?Can as many of us as possible get together for a photo and to cheer the baton onwards. I hope so.

AFTERNOONThere will be a DIY picnic in The Leys Park for members, family and friends. Members from the WI’s in Group 6 will be invited to join in before handing the baton on to them.

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SHORTLIST OF RESOLUTIONS SELECTED FOR 2015

The Federation Resolution Shortlist Selection Representatives who attended the Resolution Shortlist Selection Meeting on 2 October 2014 chose the following shortlist ofresolutions:

The next 100 yearsAs we mark 100 years of the WI, we deplore the unacceptable level of gender discrimination that still exists. We call decision makers to remove barriers preventing today’s women and future generations reaching their full potential.

Plant a tree for the futureThe NFWI urges Her Majesty’s government to start a continuous national broadleaf tree planting programme to replace vital woodlands lost in previous decades. WIs inconsultation with their local councils and community groups will be asked to plant trees in celebration of their centenary and to benefit future generations.

Public access defibrillatorsThere is an urgent need to widen public access to defibrillators to significantly increase the survival rate following a cardiac arrest. This meeting urges WI members to work with their communities to install public access defibrillators.

Failing to care – assessment of need in long-term careThis meeting calls on HM government to remove the distinction between nursing care

and personal care in the assessment of the needs of individuals, in order to advance health and wellbeing.

Cutting back on food wasteEverybody loses when good food is thrown away. We call on WI members to reduce their own food waste and all public and private sector organisations to do more to minimise food waste and protect our finite resources.

Ending FGMThis AM welcomes the progress that has been made towards ending Female Genital Mutilation. We call on political leaders and the UK public to maintain momentum behind all efforts to eradicate this abuse of human and child rights.

To curb the use of antibioticsIn view of the problem of increased microbial resistance to antibiotics, this meeting urges HM government to work with health professionals and the public to raise awareness of, and encourage the appropriate use of, antibiotics in human and animal healthcare.

Please note:All resolutions that are taken forward for debate and potential voting at the Annual Meetingmust further the NFWI’s charitable objects. The titles and wording of some resolutions havechanged since the Resolution Shortlist Selection Meeting. This will have been done inaccordance with the NFWI solicitor’s advice and in

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agreement with the resolution proposers.Yours sincerely,Kerri Le Roux-MarxCommunications and Events Officer

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