Members of Avon Federation of Women’s Institutes (AFWI) continue to keep themselves busy.

In April there was a holiday to Cambridgeshire, incorporating trips to Kings College Chapel, The Imperial War Museum at Duxford, and Knebworth House, amongst others. In May the annual Federation Quiz took place. Thirty-three teams of four joined us at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall for an evening of testing their knowledge. May was also the timing of the annual Meeting of National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI). They vote on constitutional matters, necessary for a charity, and also on the chosen resolution for the year. This year’s resolution relates to cleaner rivers, the wording being “Water quality in our rivers is shameful.” Legally, designated bathing waters must be regularly monitored for pollution. The NFWI urges its members, the wider public, local authorities and Government to make, support and promote applications for official designated bathing sites on appropriate stretches of rivers in their area. This will be as instrumental to the clean up of rivers as it has been for water quality improvement at coastal beaches”. The vote in favour of this resolution was 84%.

Days out were on the agenda in June. One was a coach trip to Hinkley Point ‘C’, and one was a steam train journey around the Cotswolds. Very different days out, but both very much enjoyed by members who took part. As we progressed into July, we had an evening of pétanque with City of Bath Pétanque Club, where members enjoyed a taster session of the game. We also had the annual Federation Lunch, where members enjoy a meal and hear guest speakers. This year’s lunch was held at Mendip Spring Golf Club in Congresbury, and the speakers were Gill Wilding of the ‘Friends for Parents’ volunteer initiative at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, and Maria Kane OBE, the Chief Executive of North Bristol NHS Trust, based at Southmead Hospital. A related theme of healthcare, however very different, but both very interesting.

Publicity Office, Avon Federation of Woman’s Institutes