WI Annual Conference

Annual National WI Meeting, 5 June 2004,

Royal Albert Hall

Delegate Report by Megan Martin, Belper WI

The theme of the meeting was No More Violence Against Women

Anne Jones, addressed the meeting for the last time, illuminating the progress made nationally, including 24,272 new members since the last meeting; new initiatives on inclusion, partnerships with other organisations, the Denman legacy – launch of the learning hub – grants to bid for for face to face local education and the launch of a WI Lottery in September.

More information regarding all of these will be available shortly.

The resolution “Dental Health Matters” was introduced and proposed by a representative from the Westmorland Federation, seconded by a representative from the Lancashire Federation and supported by their expert, the Chair of the British Dental Association . There was no expert speaker against the resolution, to provide balance.  Questions were asked from the floor, mainly regarding how the WI could add value to promoting the support of Dental Health Matters.

Voting the resolution was carried with a 95.53% majority after votes were cast in person and on line.

4578 for  v 214 against  

The morning speaker was Nazir Afzal, Chancellor of the University of Manchester, former Chief Prosecutor, who gave us insight into his start in life in a 2 bed house in Birmingham along with 5 siblings, to his involvement in several high profile cases, which eventually led him to become instrumental in changing the ways of authorities and thinking about dealing with abuse.

He received a standing ovation – apparently rare at the event!

The afternoon had two speaker events Victoria Derbyshire (broadcaster) shared the stage with Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) in an interview format giving us insight into the background of Melanie’s autobiography “Brutally Honest” detailing her ten year abusive marriage and the help she received from Women’Aid. She has now become a Patron of the charity. Of course, we also, dipped into her life as a Spice Girl.

Timothy Watson, aka Rob Tichner from The Archers, was joined on stage by Teresa Parker from Women’s Aid and a representative from the National Federation. Timothy gave us insight into playing the role of a coercive partner over a number of years, until his downfall at the hand of his victim. Teresa explained how Women’s Aid had advised the programme.

All speakers took questions from the floor and online.

The meeting opened and closed with the truly wonderful rendition of 4000 plus choir of members all totally in tune! (Well it sounded like it to me) singing Jerusalem (twice), Land of My Fathers and the National Anthem.

The next two annual meetings will be virtual due to the expense of a live event, so I felt truly privileged to attend on your behalf.

The Derbyshire Federation had a wonderful couple of days. Everything worked like clockwork on both days and we all arrived home late in the evening … worn out. A sign of a good time.

Thank you to all involved.