ACWW – Marj Read
I know that you will be receiving your ACWW envelopes and that some of you who are new to the WI may wonder why we collect for ACWW and what it is. Of course, for starters it stands for Associated Country Women of the World and is very closely associated with the WI.
You can find all the details on MyWI but basically the formidable Madge Watt who was a big character in the starting of the WI movement in the UK was the founder of an international charity for women in all corners of the world.
Here in Northumberland Federation as well as the annual envelopes we have, pre Covid, put on various events to raise money and hopefully we will continue with this over the coming year. We in Northumberland have helped to fund water projects in various countries and many will remember our recent fundraising events for the Dalit women in Southern India.
A digging we will go!
Here are some pictures of recent tree planting where you can see members from Cramlington WI planting trees at Northumberlandia with Cramlington Town Council and the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
Also, Hexhamshire WI met up to plant a crab apple tree to commentate her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. A hot coffee & cake were very welcome afterwards. 
And the Survey Says! – Helen Murthy
Newcastle East WI have used SurveyMonkey for online polling several times in the last few years. We have found that members have felt more included in group decision-making this way, especially with reduced attendances since in-person meetings were restarted. During lockdown, we surveyed members for their views on virtual meetings, and to gauge opinion regarding appropriate safety measures when returning to meetings in person. We used some specific questions with set responses, and free text options. It was a useful way for the committee to understand the feelings of the group during such a challenging time. It was also used for the annual Resolution vote, where members could review documentation and submit their choice at their leisure. We used SurveyMonkey to reduce our 2022 programme from an extensive list to the 10 most popular activities, as ranked by members.
SurveyMonkey provides a basic service for free, with complete flexibility over question style and content. The survey link can be emailed to members, with alerts for new responses, instant collation and analysis of results in multiple formats. We will certainly continue to take advantage of the flexibility and inclusivity that digital surveys bring.
Wingrove remember a dear friend Marion Chirnside
Wingrove WI are very saddened to report the loss of our friend Marion Chirnside on 20 December 2021. She was our President for 19 years and a good friend and help to us all. She will be sadly missed. Marion was awarded the MBE for her services to the community.
Her funeral was held at the Crematorium on the West Road, on Friday 4 January 2022 which was very well attended by family and friends.
The sweet smell of Hepscott – Amanda Hughes
Before the first lockdown in 2020 Hepscott WI began offering lavender bags to local surgeries in support of the “Don’t Fear the Smear” campaign. Reports told us that they had proved very popular and we have continued to supply them. Our latest offering of 150 bags was in January and we intend to keep going.
Although unable to visit during lockdown we involved the St.Benet Biscop Catholic Academy in support of the “End Violence Against Women” campaign and invited the students to take part in a competition to design a poster inspired by the NDAS bookmark – “Loves me, loves me not” and were thrilled with the brilliant entries. We have also continued to provide sanitary products for our local foodbank. During lockdown they were left in a member’s porch, but now meetings have resumed they can be delivered to the hall. It’s great to be able to meet again but good to know that even when it was forbidden WI members still found ways of spreading the word.
Speakers Corner: Jaci Sharp, Mindwise Therapies – Jaci is a holistic therapist based in Newcastle upon Tyne. She gives free talks on the menopause and how therapies could help ladies with their symptoms using holistic methods. Her modalities include: Hypnotherapy, Nutrition, Mindfulness, Aromatherapy and Reflexology amongst other things. She is willing to travel to areas in the Tyne & Wear, Northumberland and some Durham areas. Contact: M: 07946 564 231 or E: jacisharp23@gmail.com
Brad Ashton, Scriptwriter, Journalist & After-Dinner-Speaker. His virtual hour-long talk is entitled The Job of a Laughtime! during which he will keep you well entertained with numerous humorous, amusing and amazing backstage stories about the many famous comedians he has written comedy for. They include Ken Dodd, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Dick Emery, Frankie Howerd, Bruce Forsyth, Hylda Baker, David Frost and Bob Monkhouse among others. The talk contains lots of laughs and some startling revelations. Cost £75. Contact: T: 0208 886 5343 E: ashtons@email.com
Denise Howe – is a retired Head Teacher & Schools Advisor. For the past 7 years she has been running Community & Craft groups for men & women in the Northeast. Her most popular talks are The Japan Experience, Titanic and ‘Our Talented North East’. Available and other presentation are available and can be adapted accordingly to suit the audience. Cost £40 (discount available for 3 or more bookings for the same venue). Travel supplement for more than 15 miles from Amble. Contact: M: 07775 962 147 E: dhowe15@hotmail.com
NEW… Huxley Cup Competition 2022
Inspiring women countrywide to create a cleaner and greener place to live This year, the Huxley Cup Competition, supported by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), invites WIs to design a small community space for wellbeing and wildlife.
The wildlife aspect of the entry should focus specifically on the theme of: Our Fabulous Flying Friends. Think about birds, bees, butterflies, moths, and bats!
Information can be found on the Federation Website at: Huxley Cup 2022 Deadline is 19 August 2022.
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