By Sheila Goldsworthy

HAD enough of football? While some may feel they wouldn’t mind if they did not hear another mention of off side, or yellow and red cards until the next European Cup in four years time, many WI members would disagree.

Being strong advocates of Fair Trade by purchasing Fairtrade commodities in the local shops, footballs are now very successful items helping the poorer communities earn a living selling their hand-stitched items to Bala sports and Tika Sports. They will feature in the Homeless World Cup being played at Glasgow this month.

This compassion for others ties in very appropriately with the CFWI decision to donate the ‘Coins for Friendship’ monies collected from every WI this year through ACWW, to the ‘Friends of Women with Disabilities’.

Training and equipment will be given to disabled women in tailoring, embroidery weaving craft making and design, as well as things like business skills and proficiency in selling their products in markets, enabling incapacitated women to earn a living and support their dependents in Lowero District Uganda. A wonderful scheme helping these uneducated women feel less isolated and stigmatised.

The activity and recreation sub–committee are encouraging members to join their ‘Lets get Active’ event at County House on September 15. Flying the flag for WI sports week, which is the aim of the NFWI to encourage as many members as possible to not only try out new sports activities but to focus on the benefits of leading a healthier lifestyle from walking to yoga or exercise, relaxation and assimilate some new nutritutional tips.

This event in September is Cornwall’s contribution to ‘Autumn Antics Sports Week’, with a chance to take part in easy movements, chair based if needed, and a talk on posture and health.

Healthy snacks are available in the morning but if people stay for the afternoon session a packed lunch is advisable. Loose comfortable clothing is also advisable. In the afternoon there is the option to join in with some gentle pilates exercises.

This sounds like a very attractive day, so join Sandra Buck and her team for a sporty and healthy event. Cost £9, all enquiries to Sandra on 01872 510568.

The WI always knows how to enjoy a garden party. First of all they always order sunshine — success! Secondly they choose a perfect venue, none better than Trewithen Gardens. Thirdly they need WI cream teas and entertainment — again success.

A very happy afternoon was held at the gardens in glorious weather with entertainment by the ‘Arrowbarrow Wheelbarrow Display Team’, a wide choice of foot tapping music by the excellent Bodmin Town Band, stalls, competitions, plenty of opportunity to spend bingo winnings, and naturally a scrumptious cream tea.

County chairperson Barbara Corbett introduced Michael Galsworthy and thanked him for permitting the Cornwall Federation to hold their garden party in the grounds of his beautiful estate.

May 9, 1998 was the last time the WI was at Trewithen when they celebrated their 80th birthday with Alison Johns, TV presenter as a guest. They took part in competitions, including guess the height of the helicopter, with music, stalls and much more. The slogan of the day was ‘Fun and Laughter is what we’re after,’ so eighteen years on the WI still have the formula to have a good time.