Staffs WI Heralds Spring in Style
The County Showground was full of the joys of spring in April when the Staffordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes hosted their Annual Spring Event with speakers on subjects that appealed to all.
The Keynote speaker was Julia Bradbury, author, broadcaster and cancer thriver. Her talk was in the form of an ‘in conversation’ with her sister, Gina Bradbury Fox, with whom she has worked with for 30 years. They covered her career, which started in Hollywood, her cancer journey, health hacks and being in the presence of our late Queen, when the teapot was retired at Sandringham WI.
Julia was inspirational, explaining about the importance of nature in her life, a good work/life balance, the benefits she finds from walking backwards and exercise. The audience enthusiastically joined her in a dance, which cemented the feel-good factor of her talk.
The morning speakers were inspirational, too. The day started with a thought-provoking talk by Charlotte Almond, CEO of Staffordshire Women’s Aid, which included an emotional short film produced to mark 50 years since it was formed. A WI member, who is also a member of the Mother’s Union, gave her story of fleeing an abusive relationship when pregnant and the support received by Women’s Aid to become a survivor, not a victim. The audience gave a standing ovation, immediately recognising her courage anddetermination.
Domestic and sexual abuse affects all age groups and Charlotte encouraged anyone who needs the help and support of Women’s Aid to make contact. Their 24 hr Helpline number is 0300 330 5959.
Sarah English from Staffordshire’s History Centre talked about how Staffordshire Archives are conserved and cared for and her screen presentation gave examples of the most treasured artifacts which range from the 10th century to modern times as well as highlighting some memorable WI photos from the collection. Sarah asked the WI members to help in their work by stitching bags from high tech material for their historical maps. This challenge has been eagerly accepted by the audience.
The third speaker in the morning was historian Dr Gareth Williams, in character as the beautifully attired King Charles II. He gave an account of the King’s life and loves and connections to the Midlands, particularly Staffordshire where he famously hid in an oak tree.
At the age of 12 he was put into battle at Edgehill in Warwickshire and he fought at the last battle of the English Civil War at Worcester. His father surrendered after both Tutbury Castle and Lichfield Close fell.
During his reign Charles II was known as the Merry Monarch mainly because he reintroduced theatre and allowed women to perform as well as introducing yachting and horse racing. The British horse racing blood-line comes from the three stallions he owned and raced.
Staffs WI Welcomes Louise Minchin
Louise Minchin has become a household name due to appearances on TV but her Keynote Address to the Staffordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes Christmas event showed that she is much more than just front-of-camera.
Over 500 WI Members from across the county – with guest members from neighbouring federations – met at the Staffordshire County Showground for the annual Christmas event. Everyone was in awe of Louise’s achievements – many of which showcased adventures with extraordinary women. These are set out in her book, Fearless. Louise took the audience through extreme challenges in cold water swimming, caving and endurance racing which raise money for good causes.
Louise made the point that women are breaking through barriers – and why not ? Her message was that it is never too late to give something a go and no-one should give up on anything that makes them happy.
The morning Speaker was Paul Mealor, composer to the Royal family. Paul wrote music for William and Catherine’s wedding, the Coronation of King Charles III and is teaching Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to play piano. His style of delivery was captivating and the video clips of his compositions at Royal ceremonies were tear-jerking.
The morning included an eclectic mix of harmonious renditions from the Staffordshire Show Choir, conducted by Ashley Mellor. Audience participation ensured a feel-good factor for the shopping experience over the lunch break. And what a shopping experience !
With a wide range of stalls offering unusual and festive goods, Christmas shopping could have easily been completed in record time.
The event was organised by the Staffordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes Events Committee and their Chair, Verity Conner, said, ‘What a joyful occasion ! It was so lovely to see WI members having a good time. It is also good to widen our horizons and hear personal experiences of people that we think we know because they are so familiar to us’.
Staffs WI Lunch with Inspiring Author
Ladies who Lunch took on a different meaning when members of Staffordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes met at Rolleston on Dove’s Scout HQ for a Literary Lunch.
After a delicious meal provided by members, it was time to sit back and be inspired by Shirley Mann, an author from Derbyshire.
Shirley wrote her first novel based on her mother’s diaries and recollections from World War II. This former journalist turned author has written five books to date and is a stickler for research. She takes great pains to make sure her women characters are portrayed accurately for this period.
Her recent book, Maggie’s War is based on the work undertaken on canal barges by young women, away from home, helping to transport goods as part of the war effort.