It was to be Pauline Goddard's last major meeting as Chairman and her welcoming address highlighted some notable events and achievements, one of which was the introduction of the now familiar new style News & Views during her six years in office. Some necessary business was followed by presentations from Trading Standards, Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre and four OFWI Committees.
| Jean Geary representing the Membership Committee was pleased to announce the winners of the KEEP SWIMMING campaign. There were two WIs with a 37.5 percent increase in their membership and they are seen here being given their award by the Federation Chairman, Pauline Goddard. Shelswell WI on the left and Didcot Evening WI on the right. | 
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We were treated to a talk on Chastleton House just before the break for lunch. Various sporting and craft awards and the 400 Club draw were made on our return. There were many other awards presented, including the one for the Gold Medal 2010. The competition this year was for a soft toy and the winner was Jean Field of North Oxford (pictured right) WI with a rabbit. Also pictured is the Silver Medal winning entry of a donkey, made by June Maine of Kennington WI. | 
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| The Silver Salver was won by Jane Madden, Marston WI, and her entry is the doll. To the far left we can see all the beautiful entries for this prestigious award which were on display at the Town Hall. |
To round off the meeting, Pauline Goddard introduced the new Chairman for 2010, Sue Cox of Waterstock & Tiddington WI. Pauline is seen here handing Sue the Chairman's badge of honour. | 
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| The OFWI Darts Final was held on 16 June in Wallingford. The four teams in the semi finals were from the WIs at Bucknell, Garsington A, Stoke Row B and Nettlebed B and the final match between Bucknell and Nettlebed B resulted in a win for Bucknell after an exciting best of five games. The trophy shield was presented by the OFWI Chairman, Sue Cox, to the winners Bucknell and the runners up Nettlebed B received a salver to keep for a year and they are pictured here at the end of a very pleasant evening. Jackie Bryant was thanked for organising the Darts League 2009/2010 and it is hoped that more WIs will join in to make next season's League even more successful. Jackie is pictured on the right in the photo with Cheryl Boorman (Chairman of Sport and leisure Committee) centre, and Federation Chairman, Sue Cox, on the left. | 
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OFWI is delighted to announce that Judith Nunn of South Leigh WI won the Huxley Cup at the East of England Show in June on behalf of Oxfordshire Federation. The competition is open to all Federations and was staged at the East of England Show this year for the first time. The theme for the competition was 'What Goes Around, Comes Around' and the aim was to find the flower arranger who showed maximum creativity and skill. Judith based her entry on the life cycle of plants and can be seen here with her stunning arrangement. We all send our congratulations to Judith on this highly prestigious win.
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We are very proud to announce that Sue Myburgh, Bloxham WI, was pronounced Supreme Winner of the Jam with a Difference class at the national WI Jam Festival staged at Denman College in November. Sue had been given a lot of apricots and quince by an elderly friend and trying to think of different ways to use them, came up with a recipe for Quince and Apricot Jam which won her this Class. Congratulaions to Sue who is seen here with all the jams in her Class, hers being the one at the top! |
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The NFWI Federation Support Committee invited members to complete a triathlon of a 5 mile swim, a 20 mile cycle ride and a 50 mile walk or run as a WI team between 1 April and 30 September 2010. The challenge was initiated to keep sport, fitness and general well-being stimulated within the WI. Within Oxfordshire Federation we had an excellent response to this competition and were impressed with the enthusiasm to participate. The winning team was Shipton under Wychwood WI and their well presented account of all their activities was duly sent to Denman representing the Federation. Marston WI came a very creditable second and Stoke Row WI third. NFWI announced in January that the national winner of the competition was Hawton WI of Nottingham Federation.
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OFWI is very proud of all their entrants and encouraged to hear that many WIs have continued their interest in these activities, so the aim of NFWI was achieved. We also received many comments on the positive incentive for members to interact in their own WIs. Some of them are pictured here having fun while taking part. Clifton Hampden and Burcot WI members are seen on their group walk and their cycling, while Stoke Row WI members are the swimmers playing with the crocodlie after doing their lengths and lining up ready to set off on the cycling event.
COOKERY CAPERS | 
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| Roma Vincent (right), a member of Wootton District WI, is proof that it is worth entering the competitions sometimes seen in WI Life. She noticed the call for grandparents to teach their grandchildren to cook and to send in an entry detailing their experience for a competition to win a Family Baking Day for a member and two children at Denman College. A keen cook herself, with an equally good cook in her daughter, Roma was already used to cooking sessions with her grandchildren. Her 7 year old granddaughter, Jennifer (left), spent 3 hours making up pizza recipes, which they cooked together and then sent off their entry, handwritten by Jennifer, with accompanying photos. | 
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To their surprise and delight, their names were drawn as one of the six winners and they went off to Denman on 31 July. Well done to you both, the cakes above and the photos were all taken at the Baking Day at Denman.
| Oxfordshire members Viv Lowe and Moira Hinkley-Smith of Fitzharry's WI and Jane Finnerty, Walton Manor WI, joined other WIs from across the country in March 2010 to march on Trafalgar Square to raise the campaign issues of Violence against Women. It was a fantastic day with a real spirit of friendship and unity across all women's groups. |
| The campaign and march highlighted that we need to prevent violence so that abuse of women and girls isn't just a fact of life!, that we need to prioritise long-term funding for women's support services, so that access to Rape Crisis Centers, specialised domestic violence services and other support, isn't dependent on your postcode! Let's make it a genuinely cross-governmental effort so that all departments play their part. | 
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On a fine spring day OFWI Policy and Public Affairs Committee, and WI members descended on London protesting solidarity with women and girls surviving violence. We joined other WI members, and many other entities, at Portman Square where NFWI welcomed us. The march ended at Waterloo Place where we found NFWI offering a stall providing campaign leaflets and also delicious refreshments.
It is an empowering experience joining so many women and girls bearing banners, marching together, representative of the human lifespan and wide range of culture and colour, together realising the international scope of violence suffered in domestic and political contexts. Oxford St and Regent St became pedestrian zones for us, helpfully marshalled by female and male police. Protestors safely mingled with one another and bystanders, chanting songs in mother-tongues, calling out "oolulas" or blowing whistles, each sound demanding attention and affirmation! We did wonder if a silent march might have better illustrated the often hidden nature of violence on women and girls, however, observers responded positively, waving, photographing and voicing their support.
At Waterloo Place speeches were presented against a big full colour screen, raising awareness of the range of violence suffered and survived by women and girls of disparate culture and colour: domestic violence, workplace harassment, sex trafficking and rape as a weapon of war.
Stall holders encouraged interest in adult education courses and the urgency for increasing women Members of Parliament (MPs) in order together to end violence on women and girls. We returned home better informed, empowered and glad to have taken part.
Following this action, Jane Finnerty sent a letter to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and was pleased to receive this positive reply Click here.
Violence against women happens irrespective of age, nationality, culture, religion, ethnicity or geography. Women are often afraid to talk, but desperately need and deserve support, especially if they do decide to speak out about the abuse. The WI has the capacity to help these women and to reach many communities and individuals. Some WIs in Oxfordshire are actively campaigning and helping in practical ways, such as fundraising for a local hostel which can house women who need to get away from an abusive situation. If you would like to know more about this campaign, or to get involved, please contact the OFWI Office 01869 331081 for more information.
Launch of Map of Gaps 2 was held in westmister on 3rd March for the provision of women's support services can be seen at www.enviolenceaginstwomen.org.uk
Please click here to see the Vale of White Horse District Council's Equality and Diversity E-bulletin (September 2009). This issue includes information on:
* Details about the Emergency Carers Support Service
* New dance classes coming to the Vale
* Loans available to help keep people safe and warm
In the September E-bulletin there is the opportunity to give your feedback on a number of Council services reviews. In addition, there's information about a funding opportunity that your group may be interested in.
If you have any queries about anything contained in the Bulletin, please contact:
Katharine Doherty
Equalities Officer
Vale of White Horse District Council
01235 540324
| Are you thinking about growing your own vegetables for the first time? Or do you want to introduce more sustainable methods into your garden? Confused about what you can and can't compost? WI members were among those who were able to take advantage of a series of day courses to introduce Organic Gardening Principles which were held in July at the gardens of Robert Longstaff at Longworth. The picture shows Susan Bowers, Swerford & Wigginton WI, and Ann Sharman, Duns Tew WI and Chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee, learning the finer points of pricking out seedlings from Robert Longstaff. |
Robert and his wife Yvonne (who spoke at the 2009 Annual Council Meeting) are both qualified as Master Composters, and are available as speakers (see the 2009/10 OFWI Handbook) and are also running courses as part of the Denman Programme, where he is also available for Taster Days. Additionally you could arrange for visits to their own demonstration gardens.
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A small group of members visited UKAEA Harwell to learn about the plans for the development of the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and to see at first hand the progress with decommissioning the nuclear site. John Wilkins, Head of Site, summarised the history of Harwell from its opening in 1946, as the first UK centre for nuclear research, to the present day as it is being developed into an international centre for scientific and technical expertise. From Steve Moss, Head of UKAEA Property Development we heard about the environmental restoration programme including the decommissioning of redundant nuclear facilities and the management of radioactive waste. |
This conference was attended by our WI representative Pat Clark and she reports:
Amongst many exhibits and speakers was one from a WI village in Oxfordshire, Blewbury which has a community-led initiative to reduce the carbon emissions of the building stock in this medium-sized Oxfordshire village.
The overall message from the conference was that energy-efficient building design and "sustainable" methods for creating energy are playing an increasingly important part in housing development. Costs of installing "sustainable" systems are coming down as conventional fuels continue to go up in price. Energy supply for the future is a key issue. Germany was quoted as a country hoping to break its dependence on Russia for fuel. Sweden was quoted as a country far ahead of Britain in designing houses that have little or no need for energy for heating. It was acknowledged that older buildings, particularly in conservation areas, presented special problems when it came to adapting to more "sustainable" energy supplies, but even small changes such as switching to low-energy light bulbs, or recognising that wood-burning stoves have 70% efficiency compared to the 12% efficiency of an open fire, will help.
WI members wishing to explore whether or not it would be viable to install "sustainable " systems for their own homes - or, indeed, find out more about opportunities to produce biofuels - may wish to consult TVE at www.tvenergy.org, or tel: 01635 817420.
We then had a guided tour of the site and split into two groups, one visited DIDO, a former Material Testing Reactor, and the other went to the Active Handling Facility. Materials tested in DIDO for a few months demonstrated the effects of irradiation over a period of 20-30 years. In the Active Handling Facility nuclear waste is packaged by remote control for safe long-term storage. It was a really interesting and informative afternoon, which we all enjoyed and learnt a lot about an important organisation in our county. |  |
| We held two extremely successful Heritage lectures and feedback was no less than brilliant for both our speakers Dr John Wilkins and Professor Sir David King. Dr John Wilkins talk on Nuclear Power was excellent. He traced the history and the present position of the industry. He gave us facts and figures and showed us some of the options open to us as a country. He answered many questions and we were left with his opinion that decisions must be made about future energy supplies urgently. Professor Sir David King said exactly what he thought raising inconvenient truths but leaving us in no doubt of the facts on climate issues. |
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OFWI joined forces with Oxfordshire's Community Action Groups (CAGs) for a Day of Action in June 2007. All round the county, at various supermarkets, local WI groups and CAGs challenged shoppers to reduce the amount of packaging they take home. These photos show Bucknell WI braving the elements to set up a stall outside Marks & Spencer in Bicester. The event was supported by the store who provided fifty Bags for Life to give away and the aim was to keep packaging issues at the top of the agenda by providing information to shoppers and asking them to complete a survey about the main 'weekly shop' experience. |
We had asked the PCT to look into single sex washing and toilet facilities and hope for a reply soon. However the good news is that The Health Secretary has set NHS hospitals a deadline to "virtually eliminate" mixed-sex wards by next year or face heavy financial penalties.
Alan Johnson said that such accommodation was "totally incompatible" with the NHS's focus on quality, dignity and respect. "From 2010/11 hospitals who fail in their duty to protect patients' privacy by allowing mixed-sex accommodation where it is not clinically necessary will be financially penalised.
"We will not pay for care that has taken place in mixed-sex accommodation unless it can be clinically justified."
The announcement means that hospitals will be required from 2010-11 to segregate the sexes by giving patients "separate sleeping areas (eg single-sex bays) and separate toilets and bathrooms that they can reach without having to pass through (or close to) opposite sex areas".
This gives us a target date too and something we can keep a close eye on with regards to developments here in our Oxfordshire hospitals.
Shown here with the stunning wall hanging for the Oxfordshire bedroom at Denman College, is Jane Probitts of Stoke Row WI, who has spent months working on this beautiful piece of patchwork. Jane acknowledges that the basic design is one of Dily Fronks, Denman Tutor. However for the gate Jane asked a friend, Clive Jones, to take some photographs around Oxford and finally worked from his photograph of Rhodes House garden gate. The striking pink colours work in beautifully with the new colour scheme for the revamped bedroom and we hope many of you will take the opportunity to see it when you visit Denman this year.
Here are some of the highlights from the meeting in the splendid Town Hall in Oxford. Before the start of the meeting the OFWI Chairman, Pauline Goddard (right), shares a smile with our special VIP, the national Chair, Fay Mansell, before getting down to the business of the day. |  |
| Cholsey WI and Filkins & Broughton Poggs WI tied in the 'Swim the Extra Length' Challenge and so both won £100 for gaining the highest proportional number of new members. Representing their WIs were, from the left in the picture, Alison Papworth from Filkins & Broughton Poggs and Momena Wright from Cholsey. |
The star speaker in the afternoon was Sheila Dibnah, widow of steeplejack Fred, who did not disappoint. An amusing lady, she does a very good spoken impersonation of Fred, especially when you consider she was about 20 years younger than him and at least a foot taller! Sheila (right) is pictured here with Sue Cox, First Vice Chairman of OFWI, relaxing before the meeting. |  |
| The former Head of Site at Harwell, Dr John Wilkins' talk on Nuclear Power traced the history and the present position of the industry. He gave us facts and figures and showed us some of the options open to us as a country. He answered very many questions and we were left with his opinion that decisions must be made urgently about future energy supplies. Professor Sir David King (pictured) said exactly what he thought; raising inconvenient truths but leaving us in no doubt of the facts on climate issues. Sir David is a former chief Scientific Adviser to the Government and present Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at Oxford University. |
OFWI members lucky in the ballot for tickets to hear Ann Widdecombe speak at our Celebrity Event were treated to a marvellous evening's entertainment. Oxford Town Hall was packed to capacity for what turned out to be a memorable occasion. Ann held her audience spellbound as she talked very frankly about the many different threads of her life. A politician first and foremost, she has nevertheless found time to write a number of successful novels and to present several searching television documentaries on some of today's serious social problems. Ann is a feisty lady with a great sense of humour, which was very apparent as she told us of some of the amusing things which have happened to her during the course of her long political career. | 
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| To celebrate the 90th anniversary of OFWI, the Sport & Leisure Committee organised a Barn Dance at the Langdale Hall in Witney in the middle of October. In the event it turned out to be both a successful and very enjoyable evening with the music provided by Pandemonium, a versatile local musical entertainment band, and the ploughman's supper by Marilyn North's team. From the start Ruth, the caller, had an engaging manner and managed to get everyone up dancing and so it continued throughout the evening. We danced our way, under clear instruction, through a whole range of country and folk dances, some more vigorous than others, but nobody seemed to get out of puff. In fact, one of the best things about the evening is that it was totally inclusive, with everyone joining in, even in pairs. We have had calls for another one, so watch this space! |
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An impressive display of our members' work and imagination! Working with this Christmas theme, the WI entries not only showed off the skills and expertise of Oxfordshire members, it also gave visitors a nostalgic walk through Christmases past. From Victorian to contemporary, Glaswegian to Edwardian, there were luxuriant colours and abundant ideas. The winning entry from Shipton-under-Wychwood WI is pictured here. 
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The winning fairy for the top of the Christmas Tree was this wonderful creation by Mary Gregory of Duns Tew WI. Greatly admired by all, it was generally agreed that 1953 was an excellent year! Here Mary (left) receives her cup from Federation Chairman, Pauline Goddard.  |
The floral artwork was not to be missed either - the flower exhibit 'A Christmas Carol' brought forth some beautiful work and the winner was Dorothy Carden-Noad, South Leigh WI, with In the bleak mid-winter, pictured below left. A Christmas Ring was won by Joan Creese, Stanton St John WI, and is seen on the right. Again the judges had some very difficult decisions to make as our members demonstrated a very high level of skill.
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It was a memorable Science lecture at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory this year. We heard three eminent members of the Royal college of Surgeons - Miss Louise Jary recalled the history of the College and the vital role played by several famous female surgeons; Mr Mahmood Bhutta MRCS a college research Fellow, explained the many new techniques now being used in ear, nose and throat surgery. Mr Bhutta's other big passion was to enlighten us to the plight of workers in Asia making NHS and other equipment for a pittance. He felt Fair Trade should try and cover this issue. Mr Chris Milford FRCS, Consultant Surgeon at the John Radcliffe Hospital also focused on Otolaryngology in particular the condition of glue ear in children which might prove to be genetic. A most fascinating and interesting talk.
There was a superb array of paintings, photography and 3 D work at the Members Art Exhibition, staged in Benson Parish Hall. More than 180 paintings displayed various member's talents, with some stunning and professional looking exhibits among them. A further 71 photos captured all manner of images from wildlife, nature and people to places of beauty visited. Some of the 3D work included papier mache, pottery, mosaics and stained glass. With demonstrations ongoing all day, visitors had plenty to see and could even buy some of the goods on display.
The Federation competition for an Anniversary card caused a lot of interest with all the entries displayed including the judge's views and of course the two winning entries. Benson WI won the group entry, their card is pictured below as are their members accepting their certificate from Federation Chairman, Pauline Goddard.
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| Sheila Westall from Yarnton WI won the individual class with her card shown on the right. Also on display were some of the photographs from the banner celebration held at Christ Church earlier in the year. Members had fun spotting themselves or finding their own banner amongst them and some went away with copies for their scrapbook. Refreshments and a raffle completed an excellent day. | 
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| The variety of scarecrows at this event at Millets Farm was vast and here are a few to illustrate our members' skills and imagination! The winners were Shipton-under-Wychwood WI who brought their lady in her lovely pink floral dress and the individual winner was Carol Moul from Peachcroft WI who is pictured with her scarecrow here. | 
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At the tea party for our 90 year olds and over, held in the lovely Horton cum Studley Millenium Hall, we had two very special guests of honour amongst the 90 or more people there. Cecilia Leighton was our oldest member present at 102 and has been a member of Watlington WI since 1945. Mary Tame is 95 and joined Dorchester WI in 1935 at the age of 21, so she is our longest serving member with 74 years totted up. These two super ladies used to be friends through Wallingford Market, years ago, and were delighted to be reunited at the tea. They are pictured cutting the cake, which was a joint effort between Trustees Barbara Gray and Carrol Eaton.
Cecelia is in the light blue ensemble in the photos which also show Pauline Goddard, Chairman, congratulating them both, with Mary on Pauline's left. Treated to tea, courtesy of the Board of Trustees, all the guests (which included two men who had been drivers for the day) thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon of singing, sandwiches and scones, plus cakes galore and a bottomless pot of tea.
| AFRICA DAYThis event gave visitors a real insight into Africa and many of the problems, and joys, of that continent. David Marsh showed some stunning photos of his safari trips; Liz Eaton talked movingly about a girls' school she is helping having built in Kenya; Ann Sharman outlined the problems facing sub-Sahara women because of the climate change and Mary Gregory, again with some amazing pictures, talked about trailing gorillas in Uganda. Even lunch, Bobotie and fresh fruit, had the African theme and everyone agreed it had been an extraordinary day. |
HATFIELD HOUSEMembers felt privileged and honoured to have their own personal opening of Hatfield House in celebration of OFWI's 90th Anniversary. They not only enjoyed the services of an excellent guide, they were also able to wander around the gardens which were at their very best! A memorable occasion. | 
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Oxfordshire members proudly paraded with their banners down the aisle at Christ Church Cathedral on a beautiful day in April, walking to the music from Chariots of Fire from the great organ, it was a moving and unforgettable sight. For this 90th Celebration there were inspirational readings and speeches from Pauline Goddard, Federation Chairman; Helen Carey OBE, former NFWI Chair; the Revd David Mann and Stephen Hackett, Principal of Denman College. One of our oldest members, now 102, was there to enjoy it with 850 of the Oxfordshire membership. The sound of that many female voices joined in singing Jerusalem and World in Union was uplifting, as was the sound of the female soloist, who sang Alleluia from Mozart's Exultate Jubliate from high above in the balcony. It was the banners however that stole the day, nearly 90 of them, some old, some new, they came in all sorts of fabrics, designs and colours. Some had been made specially for this event, others taken down from attics and lofts. The Quad at Christ Church provided a wonderful backdrop for this fabulous display and one and all enjoyed the sunshine!
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| Baroness Jean Corston and Ruth Bond Chairman of NFWI Public Affairs (pictured left) came to speak to Oxfordshire Federation members at Trinity College in March. Ruth Bond covered the recent mandates and emphasised just how much WIs could do to get behind and support campaigning especially in Oxfordshire where we have shown our support for positive action on issues from ACWW, climate change, ending Violence against Women (EVAW) and prison reform. Among the 43 recommendations in her report, Baroness Corston called for a ban on routine strip-searching of women in prison, a government "champion" to oversee policy on women offenders and a network of women's community centre for those at risk of offending. |
The feedback from OFWI members was overwhelming with many saying that they wanted to be more involved in helping vulnerable women on our communities develop life skills.
A cold January morning saw around seventy WI members gather at Kirtlington Village Hall for a 'Dairy Day'. The first speaker, Neil Rowe, a farmer from Marcham, had been researching, (courtesy of a Nuffield Scholarship) and then implementing on his farm a system of milking which relies on the individual cow going to the milking parlour as and when she pleases. The information gathered from each cow during the milking process allows Neil to ensure an efficient programme of calving, and also to collect milk produced by some cows which contains high levels of melatonin, well known as a treatment for insomnia, which he can sell to the pharmaceutical industry at three times the normal price for milk.
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As part of a delicious ploughman's (ploughgirl's?) lunch we sampled cheeses made by our afternoon speaker, Roger Crudge of Crudges Cheeses at Kingham. Roger sells his cheese at several Farmers' Markets across our area. He uses unpasteurised cows' and goats' milk, and makes a variety of cheeses for all tastes. We had an entertaining talk, and more samples, while he produced, as we watched, the first process of cheese making. All in all, it was an interesting and most informative day. |
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What you see is what you get is a well known acronym (WYSIWYG) in computer circles, but was absolutely true of the Hairy Biker duo. They recently visited Denman to film part of their latest TV mini series and a few Oxfordshire members had the opportunity to join them in the Home Economics department to bake a traditional Victoria Sandwich. |
Straightforward northern guys who endeared themselves to everyone with their winning ways, they had everyone laughing throughout the day. No one is sure if their cake making skills were truly enhanced by their tutorage from Kath Mepham as they very much went their own way and their resulting "Bikers Sponge" as it was termed, definitely had a certain "je ne sais quoi". Try not to miss the TV programme which we understand is due to be screened on 25 August - we hope not too much ended up on the cutting floor!
Congratulations to June Foreman (right) and Lynn Taylor (left) of Otmoor WI who recently won a national cookery competition staged by NFWI. Being short-listed to the final six, June and Lynn (seen here with Stephen Hackett, Principal of Denman College) took part in a cook-off at Denman College in Marcham and saw off the other five teams to take first prize! This Diamonds for Denman competition is to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Denman College, the national WI College. Their task was to devise a meal for four for under £25, using seasonable (in September) foods, which had to be healthy eating too! | 
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The first step in the competition was to present their menu in book format and this is where Lynn, ‘Artistic Director’ came into her own, using her watercolour skills to bring a quirky angle to ‘Chief Cook’, June’s contemporary menu. The theme was, ‘What Denman means to you’ and June, a frequent visitor to Denman, had many ideas to play with and finally came up with the following winning menu which will be served throughout Denman’s week of celebration in September.
STARTER
Cimaratha Gaelic rose melon presented in the shape of a rose with raspberry coulis and autumn berries
MAIN COURSE - DENMAN DELIGHT
Breast of chicken with a sun dried tomato stuffing dressed in a tomato and basil sauce, served with crushed herby potatoes and griddled courgettes
PUDDING - DIAMOND JUBILEE
Mock 'champagne' jelly served with a pear poached in cinnamon syrup and tuiles
| The Judges thought it was "an excellent table, colour co-ordinated throughout - two cooks with flair! All items had the lightness of touch, taste and finish which we were looking for in a special meal to be served at Denman's 60th celebrations". The photo shows the beautifully presented meal. |
June says, "We really entered into the spirit of the event, even wearing harlequin chef trousers to represent Diamonds. When we were announced as the winners, after a nerve-racking time being observed as we prepared the meal and table, we could hardly believe it and I nearly burst into tears!"
Well done, June and Lynn!
More than 600 members attended this meeting in the Town Hall, Oxford. In the assembly room we could spend money at the retail tables, look in awe at the splendid Scrapbook about the making of the Designs for Life panels, wonder at the needlecraft involved in the construction of the many Gold Medal Competition boxes (see details and photo below) and have a cup of coffee before the meeting began in the main hall.
| The superb scrapbook was compiled by Valerie Cantrell of Sutton Courtenay WI, ably assisted by Maureen White of Wolvercote WI. With beautiful photographs of the panels, the story is told of how the project progressed from a small mention to a very prestigious project, all turned into a very professional looking book. If you missed it, look out for it at future large County meetings. The "alzheimers" page is pictured. |
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In view of that days' discussion in Parliament on the closure of Post Offices, the encouragement to take action from the Campaigning and Current Affairs committee was particularly topical. Next we heard from two speakers on the NFWI Resolutions, both very convincing. We are urged to vote for the ban on bottom trawling for fish as it is so indiscriminately destructive. A good case was made too for the resolution on the inappropriate imprisonment of the mentally ill.
After a quick but entertaining "Stand and Stretch", photographed, the current Chairman of Betty's Tea Rooms and Yorkshire Tea made a very good case for being a WI member, and obviously regrets that, as a man, he cannot belong. The final speaker for the morning was Baroness Harris of Richmond of the House of Lords who gave an account of her work. | 
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After lunch and the latest 400+ Club draw, came the presentation of various awards. Marion Wotherspoon, Duns Tew WI is seen collecting her award for golf. Stephen Hackett, also pictured, is the new Principal of Denman College. He told us how the new buildings were coming along, including the one in which OFWI will sponsor a second bedroom.
Following the raffle and Denman Dip, the meeting ended on a humorous note with a very light hearted talk from Jen Green. She told us about her Auntie May, who turned out to have been quite a character, but this was only discovered after her death. You had to be there to see the funny side, and if you were not there because you think ACMs are dull, think again and try it next time if you can.
| The Gold Medal competition for 2008 was for a fabric box, not more than 30cm in any direction, made using a sewing needle. The winner is Jane Maddon of Marston WI; in 2nd place Paula Hessian, Weston on the Green WI, and in 3rd place Brenda Oliver, Stonesfield WI. |
From the moment we stepped through the door, Denman College worked its magic on Oxfordshire WI members! We all loved our tutors, our tutors loved us! We learnt lots of new skills and made numerous new friends - what more could be asked of a federation weekend.
The singing and drama groups enjoyed entertaining themselves - and us; The flower arrangers learnt how to use coloured oasis to best advantage as can be seen above; the patchwork group worked their magic with their squares of material to come up with a masterpiece like this below called, Through the Garden Gate; the cooks made ready for Christmas - and the wine tasters - well they're ready for Christmas too!
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The photos show just some of the activities that went on and we are all looking forward to our next federation weekend which will be in 2009 - OFWI's 90th anniversary year.
| There haven't been many speakers across the years who have managed to create such an extraordinary instant rapport with their audiences as Ben Fogle did at the King's Centre in September. His charm, youth, eloquence and sheer joie de vivre captured us all; he spoke of his background and exploits with candour and enthusiasm. |
We were engaged in the accounts of his adventures from start (usually in a pub, in a state of alcohol-induced bravado) to finish - often physically suffering, as after his Atlantic crossing with James Cracknell.
Now married for a year, Ben's inclination is to stay at home rather more - although he has spent eight of those twelve months away! He spoke of his background and family, how he grew up not being good at sports, not good enough to get to drama school, not being very academic, and quite happy to admit that he took part in extreme adventures simply in order to take part and finish; winning is not important.
The audience figures for 'Countryfile' are certain to rise now that Ben had so many more fans in Oxfordshire - we are the first Federation to have invited him to talk to us.
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To help celebrate 50 years of Particle Physics, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Didcot invited OFWI members to a lecture presentation on the discoveries that have been made in that field of science. Members were asked to produce instant pieces of artwork on canvas, using paint and sundry other items supplied, and using the talk as inspiration. The amazing pictures produced were to be exhibited at the public versions of the lecture to take place later that week. RAL professors were so impressed with the standard of artwork that they have since decided to exhibit them, along with many photos taken on the day, at other events, including a celebratory dinner. Once again, the WI and Harwell have worked together on a science-based project following, on a smaller scale, the success of the Diamond Site panels, which are now housed in the building next door to the Laboratory. Members really enjoyed a creative day, producing some very beautiful images, as can be seen in the photographs.
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300 plus members and their families took advantage of a unique opportunity to visit the the Diamond Light Source during construction in 2006. Based at the Harwell Chilton Science campus in Oxfordshire it is the largest science facility to be built in the UK for 30 years. The building will cover the size of about five football pitches and will be the home of intense light beams, a thousand billion times brighter than hospital X-rays. The technology is expected to lead to enormous breakthroughs in the scientific fields of biotechnology, medicine, engineering and environmental sciences. Since the WI visit, the Oxford Trust, The Diamond Light Source and the WI have joined together and with funding from the Wellcome Foundation have planned, designed and produced a huge wall hanging, known as Designs for Life, for the atrium of the main building. Shown in the photograph are Lord Lieutenant, Hugo Brunner, and Maureen White, OFWI Project Leader, showing samples of the designs they considered right at the start of the project. |
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Anne Griffiths, a member of Filkins & Broughton Poggs WI and an expert textile artist, was one of our super-stitchers coordinating the design of the fabric panels which more than 90 WI members began creating at the end of April. With a team of Group Leaders, Anne masterminded the making of 30 panels, each 50cm square, which make up into two huge hangings to be displayed in the atrium of the building. The photo (left) shows Anne with Claire Dimond of the Diamond Site at the OFWI AGM. |  |
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Shown here is one of the last panels to be completed for the Diamond Site hanging. It represents the aspergyllus fungus, which is given off by rotting leaves and compost heaps. This can cause breathing difficulties and asthma in those who are allergic to it. Pictured discussing the design and putting the finishing touches to the panel are, from the left, Group Leader Jane Probitts (Stoke Row WI), Jennifer Smith from Greys, Jeanette Creewel from Stoke Row and Elaine Douglas from Peppard WI. This is the second panel the Group took on with members from Dunsden, Woodcote, Goring and South Stoke. Their first one was of a DNA fingerprint, worked in seminal patchwork. Altogether 30 members helped on these two panels and Jane says they are sorry the project is over. They have enjoyed getting together and working as a team and "don't know what we are going to do with ourselves now!" |
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Also pictured is Joan Creese, Stanton St John WI, adding her few stitches to a panel at the Federation Weekend at Denman College, where more than 70 members had the chance to add their bit while they were attending courses there. |  |
The panels for the 'Design for Life' project are now complete. OFWI has been greatly privileged to be involved in this project. The photograph shows some of the OFWI stitchers admiring their panels at Science Oxford where the panels were first exhibited. | 
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Further information on the Diamond Light Source can be seen on www.diamond.ac.uk, the Oxford Trust on www.oxtrust.org.uk and the Wellcome Foundation on www.wellcome.ac.uk. For further details on Anne Griffiths and her stitching you can also visit www.stitchhost.co.uk/pocketmouse/home.php and click on Designs for Life for more pictures of the panels. The photo here shows some of the Trustees adding their stitch to one of the panels at a Board meeting. |
| Over 150 members of the Federation gathered together at Diamond Light Source
in November 2007 to mark the finale of one of the largest art/science projects in the UK. The innovative science/art collaboration -
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Everyone concerned is justifiably proud of the final result. Isabelle Boscaro-Clarke, Diamond's Head of Communications says, "Diamond is extremely grateful to all the members of the Oxfordshire Federation of Women's Institutes who contributed to this exciting science/art project. The initiative has been a fantastic success and reflects Diamond's commitment to working with the local community to promote a better understanding of our work."
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The photo on the left shows members admiring their work and on the right, Steeple Aston WI members with their panel which depicted the Foot & Mouth disease.
In November 2007 Anne Griffiths, Filkins & Broughton Poggs WI, introduced HM The Queen, to Pauline Goddard, Federation Chairman, and Pat Clark, Burford & Fulbrook WI. It was a great thrill when several of the members who had been involved with the design and production of the Designs for Life project received their silver invitations to the official opening of the synchrotron building. Imagine the delight and excitement when it was discovered it was to be in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.
| Anne Griffiths was given the task of explaining the reasoning behind the panels and introducing our super stitchers to her majesty. The Queen smiled warmly at everyone and spoke to several, with her Lady in Waiting bringing up the rear, followed by Hugo Brunner the Lord Lieutenant. |
Reassembling in the atrium the Queen and Prince Phillip joined them once again for the official unveiling of a sculpture. Following this it was outside to watch the Red Devils parachuting down and then champagne and cake cutting, collecting a commemorative book and, an added bonus, a limousine ride back to the distant car park. A day they will all treasure for many years to come. All photos by kind permission of The Diamond Light Source | 
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OFWI now has a splendid Scrapbook about the making of the Designs for Life panels. This superb scrapbook was compiled by Valerie Cantrell of Sutton Courtenay WI, ably assisted by Maureen White of Wolvercote WI. With beautiful photographs of the panels, the story is told of how the project progressed from a small mention to a very prestigious project, all turned into a very professional looking scrapbook. The page on Alzheimer's Plaques is pictured. |
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Followers of the Antiques Roadshow were in for a real treat as they arrived at the King's Centre for a Lunch with Lars Tharp, one of the specialists on porcelain from the programme. Two such lunches were held in June and July. Greeted with a lovely glass of Pimms, guests had time to chat before taking their seats at the tables ready to be entertained by the charming, Copenhagen born, Lars. He told stories from behind the making of the programme, with amusing anecdotes of the presenters as well as of the antique items and their owners and, of course, values. A superb lunch was served with more Pimms and time to chat and walk round the centre over coffee time. Lars then continued with pictures of some of the programmes' discoveries and then comprehensibly described and valued some of the items the guests had brought along. It turned out to be a very relaxed and enjoyable way to spend four hours in very good company, as can be seen in the photographs. | 
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| Pauline Goddard, Federation Chairman, and Diana Kerley, Federation Treasurer, were invited to the Donor Open Day held in December at the new Children's Hospital . They found the new premises to be bright, colourful and well thought out and were very impressed by the play and leisure facilities for all ages and physical ability. For example, the outside area (flanked on all sides by the building so in effect an internal enclosure) had a division so the more able and boisterous wouldn't knock into those who were more frail but still able to enjoy the outdoor environment. |
There are one or two Common Rooms with fittings as diverse as a kitchenette, tables and chairs, soft seating, books and sewing machines. It is here that children would be able to keep abreast of their schooling or pass the time away as they pleased. The cartoons above are used to identify certain areas of the hospital and children have much fun in looking for their animal character on the new ward signs around the hospital.
The Hospital was officially opened in January 2007 amid much media attention. OFWI are very proud to state that donations from almost all our WIs have helped to make this possible. We look forward to seeing the OFWI plaque in place in the Milk Kitchen. This was thought to be particularly relevant to the WI, remembering how and why the organisation began in the days of Adelaide Hoodless when infants were dying in rural areas due to a poor knowledge of milk hygiene. It is hoped to have a plaque stating this reasoning installed in the Kitchen, which will be fully equipped for parents to prepare their baby's milk and food, while they are staying in the hospital.
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As a substantial contributor to the Oxford Children's Hospital Fund, the OFWI was invited to visit the new building at the John Radcliffe site in the early stages of construction. Four members of the Board of Trustees joined a small group for a tour of the site led by Assistant Project Director, Karen Kearns. After a short briefing on Health and Safety, Trustees were asked to don hard hats, fluorescent jackets, tough gloves and steel-reinforced boots before they set off. |
It was all most impressive, from the walls painted in lots of lovely colours, to the murals and signs for the various departments. Even the wooden floors have tiles inserted with various animal and bird tracks pointing the way for little feet to follow. There are both indoor and outdoor playrooms for the younger children and adolescents will be able to play pool and practice their drumming and guitar-playing skills in a soundproof room without disturbing other patients. Another welcome feature was that each bed for inpatients has a bed beside it to enable a parent to stay beside their child. The whole atmosphere has been designed to make a hospital stay or visit as pleasant as possible for sick children, so that they will not have too unhappy memories of their time in hospital. The Children's Hospital is due to open in early 2007 and OFWI members can be proud to have helped to make it happen.
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In June four members of OFWI Board of Trustees were very proud indeed to represent their members at a reception at The House of Lords, sponsored by Lord Drayson, who lives in Oxfordshire with his young family and is also helping with CHOX funding. The major fundraisers had been invited and between us 8 of the 15 million pound target has been raised. Also represented were corporate fundraisers such as the Newsquest Group (Oxford Times, etc. who have been raising money through their readers) and several individual families who have had a child treated at the Radcliffe and wanted to make a contribution to help others in need of care. |  |
OFWI has chosen to have a Milk Kitchen named after them. It was thought to be particularly relevant to WI, remembering how and why the organisation began in the days of Adelaide Hoodless when infants were dying in rural areas due to a poor knowledge of milk hygiene. It is hoped to have a plaque stating this reasoning installed in the Kitchen, which will be fully equipped for parents to prepare their baby's milk and food, while they are staying in the hospital. Trustees are pictured with Lord and Lady Drayson (far left).
