| Message from the Chair |
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| Written by Fay Mansell, NFWI National Chair, 2006 | |
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Campaigns, we’ve had a few!
The year that has passed since the last issue of Woman’s World was published has been an eventful and successful one for the WI, marred by the sad and sudden loss of Barbara Gill. She would have been proud of the organisation’s continued momentum, following the WI’s 90th anniversary year over which she presided as Chair. Before you start turning the pages to enjoy the hours of enjoyment and interest that Woman’s World provides, I would just like to remind you about our campaign successes this year and to urge you to keep up the good work that has gone on in the federations and WIs and here at NFWI. We have made the national press on many occasions and no doubt encouraged many women to join our organisation as a result. Care of our environment WI members around the country provided the media with Packaging Day photo opportunities. Children’s diets, exercise and healthThe WI collected over 20,000 signatures calling on the Government to take measures to improve exercise and food in schools and ban the advertising of junk food to children. These signatureswere sent to MPs to demonstrate the concern in their constituencies and ask them to attend the reading of the Children’s Food Bill. Through the efforts of WI members many successes have been achieved in this campaign, including significant improvements planned for school lunches from September 2006 onwards. Through the NFWI postcard campaign we made progress in our demand that Ofcom consider, in its consultation on advertising, the banning of junk foods advertising to children prior to the 9.00pm watershed. Chemicals and health Feedback from the 90@90 Project conference will enable the NFWI to put in place a range of projects to support members in their efforts to live a more sustainable lifestyle. However, the chemicals industry is pushing hard to ensure that the legislation is as weak as possible, so as we are in the last phase of this campaign, it really is our last opportunity to make our feelings known. Write to your MEPs – a draft letter appears in the August edition of Public Eye and is on the website. Stop Climate ChaosThe NFWI has been actively involved with the Stop Climate Chaos (SCC) coalition campaign and NFWI Trustees Ruth Bond and Sally Roberts have made WI members’ concerns regarding the environment known to Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown.SCC will be launching the ‘I count’ campaign at the start of October, which will be the lead-in to the big event on 4 November 2006 when all groups will come together at 1.00pm in Trafalgar Square, for two hours of speakers, music and information. Coaches are being planned from across the country to help carry members in a low-carbon way from across the coalition. Farmgate milk pricesThe low prices paid to dairy farmers is of great concern to WI members as this is having a huge and negative impact on the UK dairy farming industry, local communities and the environment.The NFWI held two successful Consumer Awareness Days in July and August to raise awareness among consumers of where their milk comes from and the impact of the inequalities in the supply chain. These days were held by WI members and local farmers at venues across England and Wales. The NFWI have also produced a card, aimed at the Prime Minister, calling on him to commission an investigation into the dairy sector and to set up a watchdog to ensure the future of British dairy farming and keep our food supply safe. 90@90 Project The WI's Chemicals & Health Day marks the winding up of a well-supported three-year campaign. But it’s not all gloom. The report also presents WI members’ ideas on what individuals, organisations, industry and government can do to get us back on track towards a more sustainable future. The 90@90 report not only celebrates the WI’s 90th anniversary, but also our commitment to sustainability for the sake of our planet and future generations. Following on from the report, a conference was held last March where WI members fed in their thoughts on sustainable living and their ideas on what would make effective 90@90 projects. Based on the feedback from the conference, the NFWI are putting in place a range of projects to support members in their efforts to live a more sustainable lifestyle. The WI never stands still, so plans for campaigns based on this year’s resolutions on renewable energy and sport for a healthy population are already taking shape. With all these issues, your first port of call for more information is the Public Affairs department or the WI website (www.womens-institutes.org.uk). On a different note, members have been acting this year to secure future development at Denman College either by signing up to a challenging cycling marathon around Cuba or by raising sponsorship for the riders. Members have also very generously sent donations in memory of Barbara Gill to Denman College. Together with some substantial legacies, these funds will provide for very exciting refurbishments and building projects at the College. Even more members will then have the opportunity to sample the courses and enjoy the atmosphere and friendship that Denman College offers in a modern, comfortable and well-equipped environment. So now, armed with the knowledge that the WI is continuing its campaigns with vigour on behalf of the issues that concern you, sit back and enjoy the terrific read that is Woman’s World, in its eleventh year of publication. Whether you are interested in your home, the environment, gardening, cookery, health or personal finance, you will find much pertaining to women’s lives between these covers. Happy reading! Fay Mansell National Chair * This article was published as the opening note for the 2006/2007 annual of the National Federation of Women's Institutes, Woman's World. |
