Achievements

One of our extraordinary Cranford WI Members
You have all heard the sayings “to hide one’s light under a bushel” and “You are a dark horse”. Well Cranford WI has a person in our midst who certainly fits that bill. In November 2018 this lady was recommended by a Court of Assistants to be a Yeoman and member of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries and 4 years later, actually on March 4^th , was given the Freedom of the City of London.
I am actually talking about Huda.
Dr Huda Taha is a consultant HIV Physician based at the Integrated Community Services City of Coventry. She is also a member of the Royal Society of Medicine’s Sexuality and Sexual health Council.
On May 11^th 2018, 70 invited guests gathered in the historic Apothecaries Hall in Black Friars in London to hear four prestigious speakers, debate about “The end of HIV’. Huda was one of those prestigious speakers and as a result was recommended to the membership of The Worshipful Society of the Art and Mystery of Apothecaries of the City of London which she entered in November 2018 and subsequently this March was given The Freedom of the City Of London. 
We are all very proud of Huda and look forward to hearing about the century’s old tradition of walking your sheep across London Bridge. I believe this will take place on Sunday 29^th September on Southwark Bridge
Reported by Jenny Potter – Cranford WI

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Welford WI  May 2024
The Trustees and Travel Committee would like to thank Ann Thorington for all her work on behalf of the Travel Committee over the years. Ann has stepped down as Chair but will continue to offer and lead the walks, so enjoyed by all the members.

Towcester Evening WI
Sue Hamilton from Towcester Evening WI was very proud to receive a Highly Commended Award at the BBC Radio Northampton Make a Difference Awards 2023 Ceremony in September. Sue had been nominated for helping to look after the environment through her work with her WI Gardening Team and her WI’s Show the Love events.
Sue would like to acknowledge all the help she receives from other WI members - it is always a team effort. It was a very prestigious event held in the fabulous Great Hall at the Guildhall in Northampton, with the BBC Director General in attendance.

Excellent News! National Competition Winner 2022-  "Not in My Name"
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Our congratulations to Karen Redgrave of Mawsley WI, who entered a scarf in the NFWI Wales, competition, “Not in my Name”. Karen’s skilled work depicting the effects of violence against women, was a runner up, and announced at the stakeholder event held at the Senedd to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, held on White Ribbon Day. Thank you Karen for highlighting this important campaign.

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Pauline Duff Trophy 2022 Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered this competition and to Karen Davies, Chef Lecturer at Northampton College, who had the difficult task of judging all the delicious Dundee cakes. Congratulations to Anne Falkner, Hackleton and District WI, who received first prize. Also, to Diana Lewis, Weston Favell Evening WI, and Susan Hammond, Preston Capes WI, who received second and third prizes respectively. Anne was presented with the trophy at the AGM.

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Challenge Trophy 2022 Results

Congratulations to Hunsbury Hill WI on winning the 2022 Challenge Trophy. Not only did they raise a considerable amount of money but their record of entry was beautifully designed. The competition was a close run thing with only a few points between the top three entries. Yardley Gobion WI finished second with a very credible Cranford WI third (see page 13 of December newsletter).
Thank you to all members who helped to raise over £7,500 for the Federation. We have thoroughly enjoyed reading how the monies were raised across the county and appreciate all the effort that has gone into raising funds. If you didn’t enter the competition please remember you must return the original £10.00 to the Federation immediately.

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President Sue Dobson of Kilsby WI presented a certificate and some lovely flowers to Judy Ayton to mark her 50 years as a member of the WI.  When she moved to Kilsby, she joined Kilsby WI after previously being a member at Greens Norton. She also served as a Trustee and on Catering committee, plus others I am sure. An amazing achievement, well done Judy!

Towcester - Citizen of the Year Award 2021
Congratulations to  President, Sue Hamilton, of Towcester Evening WI, on being awarded Citizen of the Year by Towcester Town Mayor.  Sue was very proud to receive her certificate but pointed out that  WI projects have been a TEAM effort - all members have been good citizens.

Rose of Northamptonshire Award - April 2021

The Rose of Northamptonshire awards scheme was designed by Northamptonshire County Council, together with the High Sheriff's office and Lord Lieutenancy, to recognise those across the county who have committed themselves to response and relief efforts since the beginning of the pandemic.

Jenni Liversidge, a member of Weedon Lois WI, was nominated by Sue Hamilton, President of Towcester Evening WI. Sue says, “I didn’t know Jenni before the pandemic hit us. She came to our aid when our WI was fulfilling a request from the Brook Health Centre in Towcester to make face masks for their non-clinical staff. With Jenni’s help the WI made enough face masks for both medical centres in Towcester. But it didn’t stop there – Jenni then made masks for our WI to sell to our members and this raised £350 towards the cost of creating a Reflective Garden at Northampton General Hospital to commemorate all the patients and staff who have died there during the pandemic.”

Jenni also made face masks to sell to Weedon Lois villagers and the funds raised there went to the Katharine House Hospice in Banbury. Northampton General Hospital then asked if Jenni could make face masks for their non-clinical staff. One of the nurses expressed their appreciation, “Please pass our thanks on and let the lady know how appreciated they (the facemasks) are and that they will all be used! We think it’s fair to say they are a big hit!!”

To date Jenni has made 285 much-needed masks, probably 300 by the time you read this as she continues to make more!
When the High Sheriff, Paul Parsons, heard that Jenni could not attend the virtual presentation as she does not have the internet, he came to her door, armed with her certificate in a gold frame and wearing his full ceremonial garments!
Well done Jenni – a very well deserved award.

TOP OF THE CLASS
Out of 125 members from around England and Wales, Kathryn Haywood of Milton Malsor & Collingtree WI came "Top of the Class" in a recent IAM  (Institute of Advanced Motorists) Day held in Warwickshire. Well done Kate!

FIFTY YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP
Cosgrove WI held a party on 1 December 2015 when Gloria Alderman and Sue Richards celebrated being continuous members for fifty years!  They both arrived as farmer's wives in the village in October 1964, went to the WI the following month to see if they like it - and joined at the Christmas meeting.

SKY DIVING COUNTY CHAIRMAN

Chairman, Lynda Beck, took up the challenge of a sponsored skydive in May 2012.  Luckily on one of the days we had blue, blue skies! Enough money was raised to purchase new furniture for the girls in the office at WI House.  Never before, or ever again, will she travel one mile in under a minute in this way!!