Bucks Federation of WIs

Archiving always a top topic in the BFWI

The Women’s Grassroots Activism AHRC Research Network have shared a webinar bundle for WI members to watch. The topics include managing your archive and using material culture. Use the links and password below to watch back the webinars:

Workshop 1: Managing your archive- vimeo.com/video/936219163
Password: WGRA1eoc

Workshop 2: Using material culture- vimeo.com/video/951608325
Password: WGRA1dg

Did you know? If you check out our website www.bucksfwi.uk and look to the top right on the URL / website name bar, you will see an 'A' (see red ring on screenshot below). Click on this on the website page, and you will get to hear our page read out. Helpful if you have low vision.

Statement from Jeryl Stone NFWI Chair regarding the current unrest across the country

Get ready for the WI Week of River Action!

Between 16 and 22 September, NFWI are again making waves for clean rivers during the WI Week of River Action. This is what they say in the latest NFWI Public Affairs Digest (no.89).

"Last year in September, as part of the Clean Rivers campaign, members arranged stunts, river cleans, protests and yarn bombing to raise awareness of the state of our rivers in their communities. We also spoke to MPs and gathered members dressed as aquatic creatures for a mini-protest outside the Houses of Parliament.

This year we are repeating the success. It’s the perfect opportunity to come together to amplify the message that too little is happening too slowly to clean up our rivers."

What can YOUR WI do to have fun combined with promoting our Clean Rivers resolution? Don't forget to let us know what you did, with photos if possible. Email to [email protected]
www.thewi.org.uk/clean-rivers

A view of Applied Psychology - from a military perspective. A presentation by the Rev Ashley Mitchell at St.George's Church, RAF Halton on Friday the 26th July was really enlightening. Refreshing to hear about what stress is, how it affects our body and mind, and strategies for coping with it from his position in the RAF Chaplaincy.

Humans are born with essential physical and psychological needs. Ensuring that our 9 emotional needs are well met builds resilience the Rev Mitchell informed us. Security, Attention, Control, Community, Intimacy, Status, Achievement, Privacy and Meaning or Purpose form the 9. Nurturing these helps us cope with life's setbacks and helps to prevent mental illness and emotional distress. It was interesting to learn that psychological upset occurs beyond the life of a soldier, airman or sailor (generic terms), once they return to civvy street and no longer "belong". They are prepared for this prior to leaving, as well as to cope with the extreme stresses of being posted to a war zone. Here the tight brother or sisterhood is a very big part of maintaining emotional wellbeing.

Thanks to members of Aylesbury Town WI who provided a mouth watering spread of cakes, buns and traybakes which we enjoyed before the talk, and scooped up the remainder to take home!

Our next event is a "social" - the Haddenham Garden Centre Mix'n'Mingle on 13th August from 10:00 until noon. To RSVP simply call the number below, or email [email protected]

FYI - a yellow purse was found as everyone was leaving. If it is yours then please call the office on 01296 767876

The NFWI are asking for input on the campaign. “We want to know about your experiences trying to access dental care so that we can build a picture of the situation across the country.
We want to shine a spotlight on women’s experiences in particular and their needs change throughout their lives. One example is during pregnancy - women are entitled to free dental care during pregnancy as this is a higher risk time for dental health – yet too many women can’t access a dentist at all.
And women are much more likely to be carers – whether for children or grandchildren, or older relatives – and are often left struggling to get the dental care their loved ones need.
To take part visit our short survey go to MyWI and the full report is available via www.thewi.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JyMQmSEJHdvfxUjd/?mibextid=WC7FNe

We want to hear from you!

We have created a short survey to get your feedback on My WI. This is so that we can tailor content to your wishes and needs!

https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/nfwi-news/articles/my-wi-survey

Thank you so much in advance for taking the time to go through this.

Bucks Federation send their deepest congratulations to Jeryl Stone our newly appointed National Chair of the WI. Also wishing Anne Jones , outgoing Chair, a quieter time ahead on the farm!
Jeryl Stone

Please join the Board of Trustees in congratulating our very own Hilary Haworth on her appointment as NFWI Honorary Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, she is also a Director of WI Enterprises Ltd.

Hilary was elected to the NFWI Board in 2017 and as Chair of the Denman Trust Board in 2023. Hilary also served as Chair of the Membership Committee from 2019 to 2023.

Hilary joined Ashley Green WI in Buckinghamshire federation in 2006, and Swan Sisters Virtual WI in 2021. She was appointed to the Buckinghamshire Board of Trustees in April 2014 and was Honorary Treasurer from 2020 until 2023. Hilary chaired the Federation’s Science and Society committee from 2011 to 2018 where she organised several large-scale and innovative events including the annual Investigation and Discovery science days, a Great Food Debate, and Feeding 9Billion, examining food production and climate change.

Hilary has taken an active role in federation public affairs and resolution meetings since proposing the 2017 national resolution “End Plastic Soup”. She has contributed to local and national campaigns, particularly those related to farming and the environment.

CALLING all BFWI members - We're excited to invite you to our next highly anticipated Adviser's Drop-in Session, scheduled for 13 June 2024, 7.00-8.00pm via Zoom.
Whether you're a seasoned member or new to the WI family, this
session is tailor-made for you! It's your chance to delve into any aspect of the WI that piques your interest, get answers to burning questions, share your fantastic ideas, or simply enjoy a friendly chat with fellow members.

Join us for an evening of fellowship, insights,
and inspiration. Trust us, you won't want to miss out!
Get ready to connect, learn and have fun!

Email [email protected] for information on how to join the zoom meeting or call 01296 767876

Aylesbury Town WI have x 3 dark green scalloped edge tablecloths to give to a WI for free
measurements approx 52x128”
Please contact [email protected] for more information

The resolution selection results are in!

This year there were over 95,000 individual selections cast by WI members and the most popular resolution, was Dental Health Matters.

The NFWI Board of Trustees has agreed to put this resolution forward to the Annual Meeting in May.

The wording of the resolution is as follows:

Dental Health Matters

There is a chronic shortage of NHS Dentists and people are suffering health issues as a result. The NFWI calls on the Government to increase investment in the training and retention of dentists and to review the current inadequate NHS contracts in order to ensure everyone can access an NHS dentist wherever they live.

Swan Sisters Virtual WI are hosting a fab event on the evening of 20th February. Michelin starred chef Natasha Caton will present her ideas and recipes on the topic of healthy eating.

You can view more here:

What's On The Federation of WIs in Buckinghamshire, serving over 3000 members in Aylesbury, Wycombe, Amersham, Milton Keynes, Buckingham and the villages.

Agree!

Today, with WISE, we celebrate National Women in Science and Engineering Day.

As part of the campaign to and working together toward gender equality, we congratulate our members on their achievements in these fields, find out more here: https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/blog/blog-listing/2024/national-women-in-science-and-engineering-day

Thanks everyone in the WI Movement for your continued support and encouragement towards inspiring more women to achieve their goals.

Happy New Year to all our amazing members, staff, friends and followers. Health and happiness to all.

Date for your diary… WI Learning Hub, 24th January 2024

“Imagine a future WI where the WI’s educational offering reaches all members, regardless of disposable income, geographical location, or accessibility requirements, allowing all members to pursue their passion or academic goals and reach their full potential. An educational model that reaches those who have previously felt excluded from opportunities internal and external to the WI due to time and financial constraints. This is the future we see for the WI, and we are excited to be in a position where this is something we can achieve.”

Ann Jones DL, NFWI Chair
Annual Meeting, Cardiff 2023

Wow! Well done all!!

Very well done to Amersham Angels WI yesterday! A lot of worthy effort there!

The speakers are announced for our annual Investigation & Discovery Day!

Tuesday 12th March 2024 at Holy Trinity Church, Walton Street, Aylesbury.

Dr Jamie Craggs FLS, Professor Steve Burnage CEng CEnv FSOE FIMechE, Jeni Tennison OBE, and Professor Linda Field Hon.FRES

Distinguished speakers who will entertain and educate us on items ranging from saving coral reefs, to hydrogen strategy, to AI and crop protection.

Go to the December "Bucks News" for more information, or visit https://www.bucksfwi.uk/whats-on

Christmas is coming ! We only have a few places left on our festive fabric wreath making event which is NEXT WEDNESDAY - 29th November from 2pm - 4 pm.

Do join us and make a gorgeous wreath for your own home, or as a gift. Very "on trend!" Picture is only an example, you design your own on the day. There will be expert help on hand if you need it. Email [email protected] or call 01296 767876 now!

The total cost is £12 for WI members inclusive of all materials. Bring a friend too (£14 for guests).

Venue: Pitstone Pavilion, Marsworth Rd, Pitstone, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9AP

Today is Consider that not every disability is visible. Mental health may well fit into that category.

You can view some videos made under the WI's "Make Time for Mental Health" campaign via this link https://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/key-and-current-campaigns/past-campaigns/make-time-for-mental-health

What to do if you find a baby hedgehog..... Here's some advice from the RSPCA plus, of course, why shouldn't we have a baby animal picture on a Friday!

Baby hedgehogs are called hoglets. If you find a hoglet on their own it's usually best to leave them alone as their parent is probably close by. Find out when it’s time to help.

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/hedgehogs/baby?utm_source=BuzzMonthly_06102023&utm_medium=email&utm_content=body_hero_button1&utm_campaign=BuzzMonthly_06102023&campaigncode=23STNFDICAKN1

Good effort Beaconsfield WI ! Any other WIs things to add?
Do send your photos to [email protected]

VIscountess Astor, the first woman MP to take up her seat (Plymouth Sutton), supported the BFWI in it's attempts to reinstate women police in Buckinghamshire. When? 1933! You can listen to her views on her time as an MP via this link. She "cared about social reform". Thanks to the British Library

https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/nancy-astor-on-her-time-as-a-member-of-parliament

#1933

Nancy Astor on her time as a Member of Parliament | The British Library By using this site, you agree we can set and use cookies. For more details of these cookies and how to disable them, see our cookie policy.

WI Week of River Action from the 11th September to the 18th. What is YOUR WI doing to support ? Do let us know! Your photos are eagerly awaited - send to [email protected]

Call to arms sciencey folks!

Calling all citizen scientists! WI Life would love to hear about the citizen science projects you and/or your WI are involved in. Whether you’re monitoring local water pollution, counting birds and bees, spotting seals or even reporting on reptiles, we want to know your community science story! Please get in touch with brief info and we’ll take it from there: [email protected]

Coronation Gardens for Food and Nature
CORONATION GARDENS!

The NFWI have joined in partnership with The Wildlife Trusts, Incredible Edible, and Garden Organic, to pay tribute to His Majesty, King Charles III’s long-standing commitment to the natural world and the environment. Coronation Gardens for Food and Nature is a three-year programme that hopes to enthuse millions of people and communities across the United Kingdom to live sustainably and help wildlife recover by growing food and creating space for nature in gardens, on balconies, and in shared greenspaces. This will include providing advice and resources and encouraging people to pledge their gardens or greenspaces on a map.
FIND OUT more here: https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/press-releases

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=736176538515769&id=100063702896609&sfnsn=mo

🚨 The team at DIY SOS are on the lookout for their next project! 🚨

Do you run a community CAFE or PROJECT which benefits people in your area? Are you a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), or a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)? Are you based within the North West London, Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire and surrounding area?
If all of the above applies to you, we'd love to hear from you!

Please get in touch ASAP at:
[email protected]

Any personal information you provide will be held in accordance with our privacy policy: https://productions.bbcstudios.com/privacy-policy