22 Orford Street, Ipswich, IP1 2NS
Telephone: 01473 251632 Fax: 01473 217178
This Sub-Committee comprises a team of nationally trained WI Advisers, the Federation Officers, trainee WI Advisers, co-opted members, two observer members and the Federation Secretary who acts as secretary to the Committee.
It organises training in public speaking, and in running your WI. It opens new WIs and sometimes, sadly, closes others. It arranges discussions of the nationally selected resolutions and WI Advisers will attend WI meetings to help with resolutions and Annual Meetings.
The WI Advisers are appointed to Groups and work with both the group committee and the individual WIs, acting as liaison between institutes and the Federation. They are always ready to offer help and guidance when necessary.
The Committee arranges an annual competition which often has a promotional theme, and it encourages members to take full advantage of the wide range of activities and education available through our nationwide organisation.
This Sub-Committee has a wide ranging brief, being concerned with education, the environment, and all national and international developments which touch the life of the WI. The Resolution Adviser is automatically a member of the committee, and much work revolves round resolutions for Federation Council meetings and for the IGM and TGM. Resolution Conferences, with expert speakers, are arranged, and the follow-up work after resolutions have been passed is co-ordinated by this committee.
It arranges outings of topical interest, and in addition it is responsible for auditioning new speakers before their names are accepted for the Speakers' Panel - and members' help on these occasions is greatly appreciated.
The committee hopes to achieve better international understanding through links with ACWW (Associated Countrywomen of the World) and is always willing to provide speakers to promote this work.
This sub-committee interprets its brief very widely and includes in its programme
many sports and leisure activities. It holds sport and leisure classes, and darts and carpet bowls tournaments.
As its name implies, the Combined Arts Sub-Committee is responsible for all
activities in the Federation concerned with visual, creative and performing arts.
It holds Drama Festivals, Words and Music Festivals, and Art Exhibitions, and organises a regular programme of tutorial workshops for singers and exponents of the spoken word; for actors, producers and all concerned with amateur drama; and for those wishing to learn or improve their skills in all forms of drawing, painting and calligraphy.
Every December it arranges the Christmas Event, which is, in alternate years, a Carol Festival or an Entertainment with some Christmas flavour.
The Home Crafts Sub-Committee sets out to educate and involve members throughout the Federation in a wide range of what could be considered home activities, including cookery, gardening, handicrafts and flower arranging. It is always striving for ways to promote these in a friendly and helpful atmosphere so members enjoy learning many of the old skills that previous generations took for granted, and some of the new ones that can be passed on to the next generation.
In Suffolk East the committee arranges various cookery classes, such as basic bread or pastry making, how to eat a healthy diet and how to fill the cupboards with jars of jam and chutney. It encourages crafts like lace-making, knitting, canvas work, and - very popular at the moment - the many aspects of patchwork, with members working to make the heirlooms of tomorrow.
We are always amazed and impressed by the many and diverse talents of our members throughout the Federation, and the committee works hard to encourage and widen their interests both in and out of the home.
This committee covers all the various aspects of finance dealt with by the Federation Treasurer before reporting to the Executive. The committee comprises of the Treasurer, Officers of the Federation, the Publications Officer and other interested Executive members. We go through the Budget and Financial position in great detail comparing the budget predictions with the actual income and expenditure, before presenting these to the Executive on a quarterly basis.
We also look into all matters concerning Insurance, VAT and Tax as well as the premises at 22 Orford Street.
In this day and age the commercial world is changing daily and new laws are brought in not only by our Government by also by Europe which affect the running of a charity such as SEFWI. It has become necessary to expand the knowledge of all matters financial beyond the Federation Treasurer and our Accounts Clerk.
The WI is always highly thought of where food is concerned! At many major Federation events the
Catering Sub-Committee and their helpers are in evidence and greatly appreciated. Excellent refreshments are always provided at the Suffolk Show in the WI tent and served by a cheerful and efficient band of helpers. Extra helpers are always welcomed.
Every year SEFWI has a marquee at the Suffolk Show. The responsibility for filling this space with interesting things for the public to look at falls on this committee. Competitions, demonstrations and displays are arranged to reflect the work and interests of WI members.
Public Affairs Sub-Committee
Leisure Activities Sub-Committee
Combined Arts Sub-Committee
Home Crafts Sub-Committee
Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee
Catering Sub-Committee
Suffolk Show Sub-Committee
Last revised 28th June 2001