Letter from the
Chair
This last month has been one of my busiest on record. I have, as your representative, attended Hampshire Federations ACM in Portsmouth, the Country Markets Ltd AGM, a Kent West Kent Federation Home Economics bonanza, two East Sussex Group meetings, several lunches and taken the hygiene course as well as the normal Board of Trustees and various sub committee meetings – phew! I must say that I enjoyed all of them very much, particularly meeting new people, catching up with old acquaintances and listening to some really good speakers ranging from Terry Waite to Marks & Spencer and the Trading Standards Agency with gardeners, the National Trust and the Antiques Road Show in between..
At our Council meeting in March I told you that two of our members had got through to the finals of the Diamonds for Denman cookery competition. Well, the “cook off” was held at Denman College on 23rd April and I am delighted to tell you that they came a magnificent THIRD. Over 30 Federations participated so the competition was very stiff. Congratulations to Tracy Atchison and Angela Tilly of Fairwarp WI – WELL DONE.
Whilst on the subject of food you may recall the ESFWI has been participating in the “Lets Cook” project jointly sponsored by Denman College and the Foods Standards Agency. The project is about organising and running basic & healthy cookery courses for young women and mothers who have not had the opportunity, until now, to acquire these skills. To date we have completed one 6-week course in Peacehaven with four more courses in the pipeline. Heather Hyrapiet, WIA and Board of Trustee member has spent the past year recruiting willing volunteer cooks from among our members, getting them trained, finding venues and generally working her socks off. Her efforts are very much appreciated not only by the Federation but also by all those ladies benefiting from her hard work and commitment. Thank you very much Heather.
Last month your WIs received my Chairman’s survey and I have already received some replies but I would like to see a lot more so please do try and spare a minute to fill in this little questionnaire – we need your input and this is your opportunity to get your voice heard.
Dorothy
Pope
Federation Chairman
