WI is leading the way

Where the WI leads, others follow! Are you aware that many of the campaigns now active in this country started with resolutions passed by WI members in recent years?

Plastic bags - it was a Shropshire WI, Eyton and Wellington, who started the idea of exchanging shoppers' plastic carrier bags for strong, cambric, bags which they made. Supermarkets are now making a big issue of their bags for life.

Carbon footprints - the WI joined M&S, it has websites where people can register. The Government has now announced its site.

Healthy eating for children - we worked on this long before Jamie Oliver.

This year we have added fighting for the future of community hospitals to our long list of resolutions.

Though it was some years ago now, many people, particularly politicians, remember that Tony Blair had a rough ride when he told WI members rural post offices would not be protected in the future. WIs have always seen the rural post office as a vital part of country life.

The Great Milk Debate was the result of a resolution calling for WI members to do all in their power to raise public awareness of the unfair difference between retail prices of milk and the price paid to the farmer.

Supermarkets are now taking notice and promoting locally-produced milk.

Forget that faded image of women making jam and drinking tea, fun and friendship is still our top priority but our serious work is right up there too.

We are proud to see our campaigns are picked up by newspapers.

Rosemary Hamilton, Shrewsbury