Hanbury & Draycott WI

16/03/2025

This article is from The WI Learning Hub and explains the subject really well.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week
17th - 23rd March

There is a common misconception that equality and fairness are the same, but it is not. Equality means giving everyone the same resources, regardless of their individual needs. However, this doesn’t necessarily make things fair. For example, I don’t need a wheelchair, so if every person were given one, it wouldn’t mean that everyone was being supported fairly. Instead, we should focus on equity - ensuring that each person receives what they need to access the same opportunities. Equity looks different for everyone, and that’s what makes it truly fair.

In my own household, neurodivergence is part of our daily life - ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and more all come together in a unique blend. Managing these different needs can be a juggling act, but it’s also deeply rewarding. I’ve experienced the stigma surrounding neurodivergence first-hand. People often react with pity when I mention that my daughter has ADHD, autism and dyslexia or that each of us in our family have different needs.

But the truth is, while there are challenges, what some see as “obstacles” can be sources of joy. My daughter’s hyper-fixations, for example, are fascinating. She has created and presented incredible school projects on topics that capture her interest – most recently honeybees. She also supports younger neurodivergent students with their reading during library time. At just 11 years old, with the right support, she is thriving; enjoying school, reaching her goals, and proving that neurodiversity is something to be embraced, not pitied.

That’s why Neurodiversity Celebration Week is so important. It’s a time to not only recognise the many ways our brains work but also to challenge outdated narratives and embrace the strengths that come with cognitive differences. True equity means creating environments where neurodivergent individuals are supported in ways that allow them to reach their fullest potential. This week is an opportunity to reflect on how we can all contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world - one that values those differences rather than merely accommodating them.
Take care,
Dominique

15/03/2025

This looks interesting - you can apply via our Secretary on Tuesday

15/03/2025

Ladies, don't forget to add your name to the list in the Blue Book on Tuesday.

13/03/2025

In 2025 we are proud to be celebrating 110 years of the WI! 🎉🎊🥳

As part of the celebrations, we are encouraging WIs and Federations to join in the celebrations through a few activities, from tree planting and having a ‘party in the Park’ to a free WI Webinar session on the WI Learning Hub. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Please follow this link to find out more!
https://www.thewi.org.uk/celebrating-110-years-of-the-wi

13/03/2025

13/03/2025

This seemed a great idea - but you have to own an advantage card then register with Boots before putting your packs in their box. Apparently you can gain points on your card - but you also have to spend money. Worth looking at if you regularly use Boots and have plenty of time to mess about photographing and uploading your packs. According to their website, both Burton and Uttoxeter have this facility.
As a WI, we currently take large bags full of packs to the Superdrug pharmacy in Stafford (nearest to us). You don't need to register, or mess about with photos. Admittedly you don't get points either.

09/03/2025

I have just read this on the WI Learning Hub - then spent the next 5 minutes watching a live stream of an empty patch of green water - fascinating!
Judy

DING D**G!!!
It’s the WI Learning Hub!
Humans are fascinating creatures when you think about it. We have an undeniable impact on the environment - sometimes to the detriment of other animals and plant life. Yet, we often hesitate to acknowledge the damage we cause and are reluctant to see our own individual impact. However, when we do, it allows us to put our best ideas together, often producing solutions that are as absurd as they are brilliant.
This weekend, I would like to introduce you to the surreal world of De Visdeurbel. If you have ever been to the Netherlands, you may have seen the incredible dams that crisscross the country. While essential for managing water levels in these low-lying lands, these dams also create a problem - they block the migration routes of fish in the spring. In Utrecht, these fish play a crucial role in keeping the rivers clean, but when they are forced to wait for the dams to open, they become easy prey for opportunistic predators. As a result, fish populations were dwindling.
The solution? De Visdeurbel - the fish doorbell. This ingenious system features an underwater we**am that streams live 24/7 during spawning season for anyone to watch. When you spot a fish waiting at the dam, you can press the doorbell, alerting the dam operator to open it! Not only does this help the fish safely reach their spawning grounds, which can be as far as Germany, but it also provides valuable data on local fish populations—and, to be honest, just lots of fun!
Now that spring is here, I invite you to take part in this delightful mission to help keep the fish safe and their waterways clean. My daughter and I check the fish doorbell every evening before bed in the spring - it’s our little way of making sure the fishies get where they need to go, and it gives us a good giggle too.
Have fun,
Dominique

Did you spot a fish? Press the Fish Doorbell! This alerts our lock operator to let the fish through. The Fish Doorbell is in Utrecht, NL.

28/02/2025

23/02/2025

23/02/2025

21/02/2025

Two weeks to get those entries in! ……

18/02/2025

Please note, our TONIGHT - 18th February will be at St. Werburgh's Church, NOT Hanbury Memorial Hall. This is because Hanbury Players are getting ready for the pantomime next weekend.
The speaker is also different. Instead of watching a demonstration of Spring flowers, we will be learning about the Romans in Derbyshire. A fascinating topic.
All ladies are welcome to join us, the meeting will start at 7.30pm.
Also, our programme says that our March meeting is on the 19th - it is, in fact, on our usual 3rd Tuesday, which is the 18th March.
Many apologies for any inconvenience.

16/02/2025

Please note, our meeting on 18th February is not as advertised. It will be at St. Werburgh's Church, NOT Hanbury Memorial Hall. This is because Hanbury Players are getting ready for the pantomime next weekend.
The speaker is also different. Instead of watching a demonstration of Spring flowers, we will be learning about the Romans in Derbyshire. A fascinating topic.
All ladies are welcome to join us, the meeting will start at 7.30pm.
Another error has been pointed out - our programme says that our March meeting is on the 19th - it is, in fact, on our usual 3rd Tuesday, which is the 18th March.
Many apologies for any inconvenience.

14/02/2025

Following '200 Days To Go' to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, we are pleased to share that Group Tickets are now available for groups of over 20 people.

Adult, child, and standing tickets are available at a number of exciting matches during the tournament, including the opening match featuring the Red Roses in Sunderland, as well as matches in York, Manchester, Northampton, Bristol, Exeter, and Brighton & Hove.

https://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/

Impact25 - WI & Rugby Connections WI Learning Hub

07/02/2025

More men than women have been elected at every UK general election since 1918

The first women gained the right to vote with the Representation of the People Act on 6th February 1918. Later that same year the first female MP was elected, although she didn’t take up her seat. It wasn’t until Nancy Astor was elected in a by-election in 1919 that the first woman took up her seat in the House of Commons.

Centenary Action Group's graph shows that at every general election since 1918 the number of men elected has outnumbered the number of women - sometimes very significantly! In fact since 1918 only 693 women MPs have been elected compared to thousands of men over the same period.

Until 1987 the number of women MPs elected never exceeded 30, despite a female Prime Minister having been elected. The number of female MPs rose slowly, reaching 60 in 1992. In 1997, it doubled to 120 - marking the first time women held over 10% of seats (18%). Though it briefly dipped in 2001, the number of female MPs has increased at every election since.

Today we have 263 women MPs, making up 40% of MPs for the first time. Whilst this progress is to be celebrated we still need to elect another 62 women to achieve a .

01/02/2025

Reminder!

We are extending the deadline for WI members to complete the Count Me In! survey. It will close on Friday 28 February 2025

Our members are the heart of the WI, help us to have a better understanding of who you are and why you joined the WI. Help us shape the WI for you and for future generations of women.

Head to My WI to complete the survey: https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/essential.../add-your-voice.

Any questions, please email [email protected].

01/02/2025

Thank you to everyone who took part in the SFWI Winter Quiz.
Congratulations to the winner, Vivienne Leyland of Lichfield Evening WI who wins the £25 prize. We're sure you've all been waiting for the answers which are below: