So now we know, Jan, Gemma, Doreen, Jennie and Naomi are "The Harmonies: The Voice of the WI." And what voices they have! I told you the standard was high, didn't I? Their version of Jerusalem is particularly beautiful: I love it, and I don’t think it’s in competition with Parry's version; it's just a different stance musically, giving it a more soulful, thoughtful aura. It’s also a huge thrill to know that they are to sing for Prince Charles. Being a member of the WI really can make it "...a wonderful world"
You know, before the girls had even left the BBC Breakfast studio yesterday morning, we were receiving calls at head office from women wanting to know how to join the WI. So heartfelt congratulations to The Harmonies! We can't wait for the CD to be released and of course you are all invited to sing to your fellow members at the AGM in Liverpool next June - with bells on.
But on the other side of the world there are some harrowing tales to be heard. At an Oxfam reception earlier this week I was introduced to "The Circle ", an initiative set up by the singer Annie Lennox with Oxfam. The WI' s own Women Reaching Women project is run in conjunction with Oxfam and, of course, has women's rights, their education and their heath at its heart. However, The Circle, with many female celebrity supporters, throws up salient facts to ponder:
- Two thirds of the 72 million children denied school are girls.
- Sixty four percent of the 771 million illiterate adults worldwide are women.
- Women work two-thirds of the world's working hours, yet earn only 10% of the world's income.
- Women hold only 14% of the world's parliamentary seats.
- Every minute a woman with no medical help dies in pregnancy or childbirth.
- Domestic violence is the single biggest cause of death and injury to women worldwide.
A wonderful world?
Friday, 17 September 2010
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Northern Inspirations
Something has to be truly inspiring to cause that intake of breath and the moistening of the eye, which was how I felt yesterday evening when I stepped through the portals of Carlton Towers in Yorkshire for the opening of 'Northern Inspirations'. This is a celebration of crafts, including flower arranging, from six northern Federations: North Yorkshire East, North Yorkshire West, East Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Humberside and Lancashire. It is a wonderful collaboration of talents, abilities, and sheer genius, all in one place, representing patchwork, textile art, embroidery (hand and machine), bead work, lace making, painting, gold work, encostic art and, I should think, any other craft ever devised.
In the magnificent setting of this stately mansion with its foundations dug in medieval time, each exhibit is an heirloom to be cherished, and every craft is a treasure that was created to be enjoyed now and savoured in the future. The kaleidoscope of colour, presented in the perfect and amazingly beautiful flower arrangements, demonstrated nature's beauty and the craftswomen's artistry working together to create stunning effects.
If you find yourself in the north of England this week, do take a trip to Carlton Towers for the opportunity to see the WI at its best.
In the magnificent setting of this stately mansion with its foundations dug in medieval time, each exhibit is an heirloom to be cherished, and every craft is a treasure that was created to be enjoyed now and savoured in the future. The kaleidoscope of colour, presented in the perfect and amazingly beautiful flower arrangements, demonstrated nature's beauty and the craftswomen's artistry working together to create stunning effects.
If you find yourself in the north of England this week, do take a trip to Carlton Towers for the opportunity to see the WI at its best.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Persuasion at Denman College
Be persuaded that taking a course at Denman College; it could change your life! I have alluded to this phenomenon several times in past blogs but this time I'm thinking of the people you might meet; you could make lasting friendships while learning something new. While I was visiting Denman last week, they were running a course entitled "Persuasion" where I met a lady who had travelled from Canada to take part. A fan of Jane Austin and looking for some activity pertaining to the author while she visited England, the course came up from an internet search. She then took a look at the Denman web site, honed in on the college and grounds, and decided she had found the perfect combination; Jane Austin at Denman College.
I am told a similar course was held last year and a lady travelled from the USA to attend. She is still in touch with a fellow student she met and they have become firm friends. Who knows which country might be represented on next year's course when Northanger Abbey will be discussed?
My reason for staying at the college earlier in the week was to attend a Denman committee meeting, which was followed by a Finance Committee meeting at the National Headquarters in 104 New King’s Road. National Treasurer, Aleathia Mann, reported on a recent meeting she attended at the Payments Council to discuss the abolition of cheques. 71 charitable organisations were represented at the meeting, where the discussion centred on the importance of cheques to each of those organisations – all receive money via cheques and make payments too, with many of the alternatives requiring either mobile phone or internet access. However, a paper based option is being investigated but two main issues were not addressed: the cost of cheque alternatives, and the security of personal data. Further consultation meetings will be taking place and a report will be provided after these meetings.
I am told a similar course was held last year and a lady travelled from the USA to attend. She is still in touch with a fellow student she met and they have become firm friends. Who knows which country might be represented on next year's course when Northanger Abbey will be discussed?
My reason for staying at the college earlier in the week was to attend a Denman committee meeting, which was followed by a Finance Committee meeting at the National Headquarters in 104 New King’s Road. National Treasurer, Aleathia Mann, reported on a recent meeting she attended at the Payments Council to discuss the abolition of cheques. 71 charitable organisations were represented at the meeting, where the discussion centred on the importance of cheques to each of those organisations – all receive money via cheques and make payments too, with many of the alternatives requiring either mobile phone or internet access. However, a paper based option is being investigated but two main issues were not addressed: the cost of cheque alternatives, and the security of personal data. Further consultation meetings will be taking place and a report will be provided after these meetings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
