Whitley WI. (From Warrington Guardian)

Whitley WI.

2:26pm Tuesday 17th April 2012 in WI and Clubs

Whitley WI By Anne Lucas.

The April meeting took us on another journey, this time to Africa on board the Africa Mercy, a hospital ship staffed by volunteers from Europe and America; some of whom spend just a few weeks on board and others who spend years helping the people of Africa who have no medical services. Doctors and nurses comprise the medical teams and other volunteers cook and clean. There are sailors to man the ship and a long serving captain who receives a token wage of 50p per month.

The ship spends two years in different ports along the west coast of Africa. Some patients travel for up to six weeks when they hear the ship is due to dock. A selection process takes place and sadly some are rejected because the treatment required is not available on board or their ailment is too advanced. There are surgeon volunteers who cover a vast range of problems from ophthalmology to orthopaedics. Some patients are discharged on the day they receive treatment and others stay for further care. It was a remarkable journey and the audience became very aware of the easy access we have to medical services and the tragic plight of those in Africa who are without such services.

Previously at our joint group meeting we enjoyed the Edinburgh Woollen Mill fashion show and many members looked forward to shopping at the local shop taking advantage of the 20% discount cards given to them.

The darts team won the local Darts League and are to be congratulated on this.

The taster day at the local school was another success with the WI helping the children to make, crispy cookies, a miniature elephant saddle, decorated boxes and a spun item.

Forthcoming events include a ramble, the book club, a group meal at Antrobus, our forthcoming charity, with details at the next meeting and a joint meeting with Dutton WI on June 12 at Preston Brook, therefore there will be no Whitley WI meeting on June 7.

Our next meeting at Whitley Village Hall is on May 3 with a talk on Sex, Lies and the 9–5 Day in the Life of a Family Lawyer.

If you would like more information on becoming a member please contact Paula on 730564 or Mary on 263466.