Sir, I was delighted that so august a journal as The Times reported on the rebellion in the WI (Aug 12). I have been a member for 54 years — I don’t do jam and I know Jerusalem only from school hymn practice. I have lived all over England and have always joined WI to make friends and to get to know the area.
It has been a free-thinking, democratic organisation until some eight years ago. I first realised the change when at annual conference a minority catcalled the Prime Minister, who was an invited guest. It was left to individual members to write letters of apology, as nothing was said at HQ. We had a marvellous chance for publicity with the Calendar Girls, but no — HQ was outraged and refused to acknowledge their efforts. It was only with worldwide acclaim and the evident pride of all WI members that grudging acceptance was made.
The official magazine has become duller and duller and most of us have cancelled our order. HQ’s reply is a rise in subscriptions so that, like it or not, a magazine will be mailed to everyone. WI members need to hitch up their bra straps and say a resounding “No”.
LYN PLUMPTON
Wareham, Dorset
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Sir, I am the secretary of a thriving branch of the Women’s Institute in south Warwickshire. We have 42 members, a figure that remains pretty constant from year to year.
We are indignant that the national federation has imposed this proportionately large increase in fees (6.5 per cent) on its members. The so-called consultation by the board of trustees was in the form of a questionnaire from HQ in 2003 to each member which made reference neither to a proposed increase in fees nor to a new magazine.
We are accustomed to annual increases as costs rise, but the sop of an unasked-for magazine, which incidentally will be sent directly to the homes of 215,000 women (an advertiser’s dream), does not justify such a jump. If women want a magazine, they go to a newsagent and choose one.
The WI purports to be a democratic organisation but will not canvass its members directly on this matter. If the national office can circulate a questionnaire asking for personal details, why can’t it pay us the compliment of a vote?
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NICOLA WILLIAMSON
Secretary,
Shipston-on-Stour WI
Sir, While all publicity is to be welcomed, not for the first time I am dismayed at your portrayal of the WI. As usual, your staff have made a beeline for the archives, to find a picture circa 1950 of ladies dishing out tea and surrounded by baskets of fruit — presumably preparing for a merry session of jam making.
Please show that you are now operating in the same era as the current WI.
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BRIAN DANIEL
Calne, Wilts
Sir, My own institute of Sutton, Macclesfield, submitted an emergency resolution on the subscription rises, which was seconded by a neighbouring institute so that it could be debated at the AGM in Cardiff. Needless to say, this was refused by the national executive which stated that it was within the board’s remit of authority to set the subscription.
It is very unwise for a spokesman to claim that there are but a few unhappy WIs. In all parts of the country members are incensed at what is happening.
Without proper consultation I fear there may be many more resignations, weakening the WI movement nationally.
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HILDA GADDUM
Macclesfield, Cheshire