Topical Talk Group: Campaigns and 2018 resolution ideas

Thursday 11th May 2017  –  3-5 p.m.

There were 3 members present.

  1. Current NFWI Campaigns:
  • Food Waste:
    1. On Sat 20th May, to mark the NFWI’s weekend of action, JF and WC to give the WI Food Manifesto and Action Pack to the manager responsible for foods at Tesco in Ryde, with the following message:
      • Commend Tesco for not using Buy-one-Get-one-free offers, but asking for less “2 for £xx” type of offers as this encourages food waste.
      • Ask for information on examples of good practice initiatives that Tesco undertake to reduce food waste.
      • Ask for commitment to provide more loose and unpackaged food products and a greater ‘open life’ for Tesco products.
  • Midwives
    1. NFWI had drafted a letter for individual members or our WI to send to the local MP. JC to ask the committee for permission to ask members if they are happy for letter to be sent to our MP on behalf of our WI as a whole.
  1. Public Toilets
  • Our group had previously discussed the quality and provision of public toilets and we’d hoped to join with other WIs to tackle it island-wide. It was highlighted that Brading toilets are open and Shanklin have plans to refurbish theirs. Also, we now have a new Parish Council so there is an opportunity to ensure that public toilet provision and cleanliness in Bembridge are tackled by them. So for now, we will focus on Bembridge only. JC to ask the Parish Council to add this item to their agenda. JC to also research technology in terms of charging for toilets.
  1. Ideas for resolutions that Bembridge Windmill WI can put forward for 2018
  • Three ideas were raised and we agreed to each research one idea further:
    1. Campaign so hospitals (and GP surgeries?) shouldn’t pay Business Rates (JF)
    2. Ban the use of specific “single-use plastics” – either plastic magazine wrapping or fresh food packaging (JC)
    3. Ban the selling of property to those not residing in the country; non-British citizens must reside in the country for a minimum of 5 years before they can buy.
  • We will ask members for their ideas – deadline end of May.
  1. The next meeting will on Tuesday 27th June, 3-5pm. Venue tbc.
  • Proposed agenda:
    1. Discussion of proposed resolutions following members’ input and our research and choose one to take forward