| We have a small shop, open Tuesday-Friday 10am to 3pm, selling WI literature and stationery, together with gifts and local guide books about Devon walks, places where the best cream teas are served, the range of B&Bs run by members, and much, much more.
The county of Devon is as diverse as they come! In the centre is the large and spectacular Dartmoor, while in the north you will find the delights of Exmoor. Devon is endowed with many beautiful rivers, offering canoeing, sailing, fishing and even some exciting white water rafting.
The Northern coastline has rugged cliffs and long sandy beaches; good for families and surfing grannies alike, whilst the coves, beaches, sandy inlets and harbours of the southern coast are a sailor's paradise and also ideal for holidays. Devon is a walkers delight and most villages have picture-postcard thatched cottages and pretty pubs, and offer everything from antique shops to farmer's markets to department stores. There are also many National Trust houses and gardens including Rosemoor, Arlington House and Marwood Gardens in the North and in the South, Castle Drogo, A La Ronde, Killerton and Saltram, plus many, many more.
Rural life is alive and well, with around 250 WIs serving our villages and hamlets. Whether you are retiring down to the West County or just here on holiday you can be sure of a warm welcome from our Federation Secretary and her staff. Life in the WI in Devon is as full (or relaxing) as you want it to be. Come and make new friends, tackle local or national issues and be part of an exciting modern organisation opening doors that you didn't realise existed.
Accommodation and Hospitality Lists
There is a list of Bed & Breakfast accommodation available in Devon, and a list of WIs who will provide lunches, teas, suppers, guided walks, etc. Booklets are available for £1 plus postage and packing from the Federation office
Devon WI calendar 2010 Our calendar for 2010 is a special edition for our 90th Anniversary and contains wonderful photographs of our beautiful county. It has plenty of space for appointments etc. and is already available through our Federation office for £2.50 plus postage and packing.
Events As a Federation we have many events organised by our sub-committees. Some of those coming up in the next few months are:
Croquet Days at three venues around the county during the summer followed by Short Mat Bowls at five different locations in October. There is also a Dance Day in October where you can watch and participate in Italian Folk, tap and salsa! More gentle exercise can be taken at Widecombe on 21st September or at Mortehoe on 24th September when walks have been arranged to learn and enjoy something of those particular areas.
On the more serious side there is a WWT event entitled 'Bovine TB - the Truth' in mid September when there will be an opportunity to hear both sides of the badger/cattle 'argument'. In November we can learn about Alternative Religions - factual presentations from those of differing beliefs.
Towards the end of the year there are to be five Christmas Cookery Days taking place at colleges around the county and our annual Christmas Shopping outing, this year to central Bristol.
Our Special Autumn Council Meeting in mid-October is be held in Torquay where our afternoon guest will be Michael Bowyer - who some may remember wowing members many years ago with his fantastic flower arrangements. His theme this year is 'This Changing Season' , so surely we are in for another colourful treat and the chance of winning one of Michael's arrangements in the raffle! Finally in December we have our beautiful Carol Service held in Exeter Cathedral with a 100-strong choir made up of WI members from all over Devon.
The Federation office staff will be pleased to supply further information on any of the above.
Sally Wilson
Chairman |