Get Out! Get Active! Get Involved!

We keep members informed on matters of public concern that affect our everyday life. WI has representatives on many outside bodies to make sure our voice is heard. Events are organised on Health, Consumer Affairs, International Matters and Science Topics and follow up work is done on resolutions passed at National and County meetings.

In September a coach full of W.I. members visited the Buddhist Peace Pagoda in Edgbaston and the Orthodox Cathedral, which is on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter. At the Pagoda we were warmly welcomed by Robert Black, a trustee, who gave us a talk on Buddhism and helped us to meditate by focussing on our breathing. The three core rules of Buddhism are to do as much good as you can, to do as little harm as you can, and always to be aware of the consequences of your actions --pretty good rules for anyone to live by!
At the Orthodox Cathedral, Father Kosmas charmed us all -- his English may not be perfect, but his powers of communication were fantastic. Our day was rounded off by a lovely tea provided by Liliana Malla and the Ladies Committee, I MUST get the recipe for their coconut cake !
By Sheila Andrews

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

February is also a time when we can help to support Fairtrade. This year Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 27th February until 11th March 2012. If you would like more information please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk find out how you can take a step for Fairtrade.

THE AMAZING BRAIN DAY

Come and learn about Brain Awareness Week
and the advances in Brain Imaging Technology

You can take part in the following Fun Sessions:
• Use it or Lose it
• Recipes and Nutrition
• Brain Exercises
• Art inspired by the Brain

Wednesday 14 March 2012
at Little Witley Village Hall
10.00am – 3.00pm

Cost: £8.00 members & £9.00 non-members
Tea & Coffee will be provided, please bring your own packed lunch

Closing date – 14 February 2012

Places may still be available please contact WI House.

WI'S GARDENING CLUBS
Do you want to brighten up a piece of land in your area or get children outdoors growing flowers and vegetables? Funding is available for this project, if your WI would like to take part you will need to apply to the Education Committee by 28th February 2012. For more details and to find out how to apply click here to visit our National News page.

MAY: WFWI SCIENCE

Wednesday 9th May 2012, WFWI – Science will be called "Colour in Our Lives". This day will contain elements of science, art and textiles. Place and times to follow.

LUCY HINGLEY MEMORIAL LECTURE
On Tuesday 19th June 2012 the “Lucy Hingley Memorial Lecture” 7.30pm will be held at The Lecture Theatre, University of Worcester – tickets £5:00. The subject is Dementia and the talk will be given by Professor Dawn Brooker a leading specialist from Worcester University.

AUGUST: WFWI SCIENCE

WFWI – Science is planning a summer outing in August so Public Affairs have decided that instead of having a Town Walk in 2012, we will be joining in the Summer Outing. More details in next months mailing.

OCTOBER: WFWI SCIENCE
WFWI – Science on Saturday 20th October 2012 will be entitled "Our Environmental Heritage".

Please support these events and if you would like further details please get in touch with Trudi at WI House: email wfwi02@tiscali.co.uk

POLICING MATTERS GROUP

Sheena Murray attended a Policing Matters Group at Kidderminster Library in the Autumn, and a Neighbourhood Watch meeting at Abberley Village Hall, as a representative of the WFWI and from a local community group perspective.

The Police Authority requirement is for each Territorial Policing Unit, in this case North Worcestershire, to hold an annual meeting of a Policing Matters Group. To help maximise attendance it was decided to hold meetings in each of the three Policing Districts of Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest. The meetings provide an excellent opportunity for public engagement and discussion on policing matters relevant to each district.

David Shaw, the new Chief Constable of West Mercia, spoke on his vision for policing in Worcestershire.
Two other Officers gave reports on Divisional Performances and District Overview.
PACT – Partners and Communities Together –the various chairmen gave their reports. It would appear that local policing has reduced criminal activity and the percentage is higher in social crime, highway and parking. Although a big problem currently, is theft of lead from many buildings and man hole covers from our highways. Major crimes are always reported and can be acted upon. Figures for antisocial behaviour and low level crime are harder to predict because it is perceived that nothing will be done even if they are reported, so they often aren’t reported. The Police would still like to know about these things though, including reporting litter louts from cars for example.Everyone is encouraged to report all serious problems, even if they can’t attend immediately, the police will be building a picture of behaviour in that area.Community Support Officers are the eyes and ears of the police and work closely with local police officers.

Active Neighbourhood Watch groups are thriving in many parts of Worcestershire and WFWI website now has a link to MHDC Neighbourhood Watch website. Click here.

Val Durnall