The Grampound Times

Summer 2007 (Edition 45 - Carnival Edition)
Our community in Cornwall

The Grampound Times
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I clearly state that I am not the recruiting officer for the Federation of Women’s Institutes, but regular readers of “The Grampound Times” will know that I am partial to a pleasant few verses of poetry. Although I get the blame for every bit of whatever that is left lying around in our house, the following item was clearly PAT’S. Worth a little read I thought - and I’m glad that I did. The following verses included in the Members Supplement issued by the Cornwall Branch of the Women’s Institute made pleasant reading - so I reproduce them below for you to enjoy - and perhaps take note of!!

ODE TO THE W.I.

“You’re going to join the W.I.”, with a grin my sister said,
I knew that move to Cornwall would make you soft in the head!
It’s full of staid old ladies, who all make cakes and knit,
It wouldn’t suit someone like you, No. It wouldn’t suit a bit!
But I would not listen. I needed to make a friend,
I’d just moved to the village and was going round the bend.
I knew that in the country, there was a lot of space,
And that with village life, it was lived at a slower pace.
But I was talking to the walls, or always on the phone
To a family and friends I’d left to move to my new home.
“Go on, give it a go love,” said my husband with a sigh.
“They’re not going to eat you. Well I’d like to see them try!”
So on the Monday evening, to my first meeting I went.
To the local village hall, where happened the event.
With sweaty palms and thumping heart, I opened up the door
And saw with shock and horror, not one face I’d seen before.
A lady came towards me and said “My name is Ann.
Have you come to join us?” I said, “I’d like to if I can.”
I was introduced to others, who all, it seemed to me,
Were ordinary, nice women. Not what I’d expected to see.
Yes, we all sang Jerusalem. As I had heard folks say,
But it happens that I had also sung it on my wedding day.
So singing with the others made me feel that I belonged.
As we all sang those familiar words of that familiar song.
There was an interesting speaker, who gave a great slide show.
And before I knew it, it was time to go.
By the end of that first evening, I had me a neighbour who
Said she had joined the W.I just to meet friends too!
A lot of members came over and introduced themselves to me
And said they hoped I’d come next time and I got a list to see
The many outings planned and did I want to come along?
Did I? You can bet your life. So my instinct wasn’t wrong.
To join my local institute was just the right thing to do.
I have learned so many things through our many speakers too.
And now my life is full of things I would not do alone
I have been to zoos and theatres and even stately homes.
I now play table tennis, bowls and ten pin bowling too.
Next month, I start line dancing and aerobics with a few.
Of the many friends I’ve made among the merry band
Of W.I. members, who make my life so grand.
So, if you feel the need for some female company,
Come along and meet us and you will plainly see,
That we are not all staid old ladies, but a bunch of girls at heart,
Who like a laugh and a bit of fun and you too could take part.
There’s more to Women’s Institutes than most folks realise.
But you have to try it out first. It will open up your eyes.
My sister phoned me late last night and in a voice so meek,
Said “I’m going to join the W.I at their meeting Monday week!”

MAUREEN STANTON

 

 


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