We're proud of you, Lesley!

I've just read that Lesley has decided to leave the Big Brother house, saying she felt that she contributed well, but her strength and energy in that department was running out. I admire her for sticking with it for ten days and am looking forward to hearing more about her experience. Above all, I admired her ability to maintain her composure and her dignity throughout, which can't have been easy.

Have you signed up yet?

Have you signed up for the Carbon Challenge yet? If you have, drop me an email and let me know how you're doing. GFWI will feature the most enthusiastic WIs on our website and will be delighted to hear your good ideas.

We're back!

We had a great time in London, where fifty or so delegates and a few guests were attending the NFWI AGM at the Royal Albert Hall. We went up on Tuesday, giving us an opportunity to have an afternoon sightseeing and shopping and for some, a night out at the theatre.


We arrived at the Albert Hall bright and early and had good seats in the stalls with an excellent view of the proceedings.

Lunchtime saw the usual migration across the road to the steps of the Albert Memorial and thankfully, the sun shone so that we could picnic in comfort around this magnificent monument.
Wouldn't you just let this determined group of pedestrians go across the road?! Several cars and buses did, though there were a few toots from impatient drivers.

In the afternoon, Gloucestershire members cheered as our Ros was presented with the Huxley Cup for her winning entry in the national Flower Arranging competition at last years Royal Show. Well done Ros!

And surprisingly, in spite of all the ticket checks, at least one stowaway found his way into the arena- but he was very well behaved and didn't heckle once.

So proud

So many reasons to be proud of Gloucestershire members right now - I am in awe of the magnificent things which are happening in the county and delighted that the efforts of our members are recognised.

Firstly, open last weeks Stroud News and Journal and find that Meredith Fisk, Secretary of Stroud Shambles WI has been awarded "Young Person of the Year" by Stroud Town Council for her work with this new WI. Meredith sets a fine example to all with her enthusiasm and willingness to get involved in this new venture and has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the role. Meredith, we are so pleased that your commitment has been recognised and add our congratulations!

Meredith isn't the only WI member whose efforts have been recognised by the wider community, for Nailsworth WI and Nailsworth Country Market were joint recipients of the Queen Elizabeth 2nd Silver Jubilee Award presented by Nailsworth Town Council for Service to the Community.

In her citation the Mayor recognised the many years continuing, imaginative and caring contributions to the well being of the community with much being achieved by past and present day members.

The link between the WI and the Country Market is very strong as the Chairman, Vice-chairman and Market Manager are all on the WI committee, whilst the WI President, Secretary and other WI members are Country Market shareholders.

We are delighted with Nailsworth Town Council's decision to recognise the valuable role that so many members have played in the success of the town and congratulate you all on your achievement.

Finally, we watch Big Brother with eager anticipation as Tetbury WI member, Lesley takes part in this series.