What we did during Covid-19

Apple trees planted to celebrate our WI's 60th birthday

Two apple trees have been planted in the grounds of Bere Ferrers Church Hall to celebrate our 60th birthday. We have also received an anniversary certificate from the Devon Federation to mark the occasion.

Bere Ferrers WI in Lockdown

Like everyone else, the BFWI was locked down in March 2020, much to members' dismay, particularly as it was our 60th anniversary that year and we were, of course, planning a big celebratory outing to Looe in August. Everything was booked - coach, train and restaurant, even some entertainment on the train. This eventually happened in August 2021 instead - a case of better late than never, I think.

The Devon Federation of WIs, taking their cue from the National Federation, were magnificent in their extremely sensible guidance and clear and concise advice to branches and that's where being a small part of such a huge organisation is a real bonus. It kept Phil busy assimilating it all and passing it on to members! On the practical side our DFWI Chairman also sent out online patterns and instructions for PPE and suchlike and an open letter to our local NHS &/or local Care Homes to say a big thank you for their magnificent work, which we could individually sign and send to whichever one we want personally to support. In all this she was forestalled, actually, as local member Liz had already mobilised us in her own indefatigable way and being the WI, a good many members had immediately set to and produced scrubs (and bags for them), masks, Teddies4Tragedy (and bags for them) and much more! It's interesting to see, as we do so often on TV, the variety of often gay and brightly coloured masks that have appeared - one almost wonders if they might eventually become fashion items - though roll on the day when that will be their sole purpose!

Alongside all this busy-ness, many of us were following fitness regimes we'd never done before, or only rarely. I know of one or two members who have been practising outdoor yoga (together/apart as it were) and others have been finding out the joys of local walking (sometimes at strange hours of the morning!) or even singing to the radio at the same time, but in our own homes (thank you, Radio 3 on Fridays at 8.55am!) It all helps to keep our spirits raised.

Meanwhile, the situation gave a whole new meaning to Spring Cleaning and our gardens have never before looked so trim and cared for (I'm sure Margaret must have had a hand in supplying at least some of what was needed for this!) And I'm equally sure we were not alone in being glad that some local handymen were working - at a safe distance - as well as our postmen, volunteers and refuse collectors. (Did you, like us, find yourselves at the front door calling out a heartfelt "Thank you!" to them when the familiar sound of the clanging sections of their pantechnicon was heard?) And I've been so thankful that, for environmental reasons, I restarted milk deliveries a year or two ago - though I'm unlikely to get up at one o'clock in the morning or whenever to say thank you to our own wonderful milkman!

Clapping for the NHS had a knock-on effect, making us all more aware of the huge debt we owe to so many people who constantly make our lives so much easier and safer.

We are not likely to forget 2020 and 2021, but it has had its positive side. We have started to meet again and you can find out more about WI doings by calling Margaret on 840380, Phil on 840193 or Jill on 841136.

Gill Guy

STOP PRESS - 19th May 2020 A message from the Devon Federation Chairman

Dear Members

I hope you are all keeping safe. It does feel, at the moment, that the opportunity to all meet up is getting further away. Considering all the bans on meeting; being in contact via the

internet has become even more important.

Reminders and Keeping in touch:

All meetings have been postponed, including the Autumn meeting.

The Firs is closed until further notice as it is essential that we keep our staff safe until this dreadful pandemic is no longer a threat.

Pause for thought on Radio Devon

Devon Federation are taking over this early morning slot throughout the week commencing 14th June 2020 as a salute to our Centenary but talking about the issues the WI have campaigned for, throughout the time we have been in existence so please set your alarms and listen in!

Devon Federation of Women's Institutes Centenary

We become 100 years Old on the 14th June, we cannot celebrate this event together but we can celebrate!

Please make yourselves (and your households) a Devon Cream Tea on the 14th June! If we all sit down at 4.00pm and eat our cream teas, we shall be celebrating together (and socially distancing!) But, before you consume the evidence - take a photograph! We will put as many photographs as we can in the next issue of Devon News!

The Circulation of Devon News is currently impossible whilst socially distancing is in place however that does not mean you should not be sending in photographs and information to the Devon News. (See Devon News magazine for contact details)

Bulb Scheme - This has not been cancelled! The tulips ordered last year have been particularly good - long lasting and good value so if any of you are thinking of ordering bulbs, please get your order in by the end of June.

Congratulations and Thank you!

Up and down our County WI members have been working hard to support the NHS, I do not have a full list of who is doing what, I know the Torquay WIs have been sewing scrubs and some of theWIs in East Devon made a quantity of Scrub Bags early in the lockdown.

WIs in the Exeter area have managed to deliver over 2,500 Headbands to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and the

new Community Hospital in the last few weeks. I am very very proud of all your efforts. The Community Hospital is due to open early next week. Keep a watch for that happening and

being shown on our local television channels - you might spot some of your handiwork!

In the meantime, please stay at home, stay safe and protect your loved ones!

Devon Federation Chairman

19th May 2020