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| This was my badge |
As you all know I was a
dedicated member of the Women’s Institute but it always comes as a shock to
find the WI mentioned in novels. I don’t know why it should be a shock, after
all we’ve been around for almost a century and we do exist in all walks of
life.
The search for answers led the
detective to a woman who once lived in the area and who knew the suspected
identity of the long time deceased. It seems the victim was a girl who flaunted
her assets at all and sundry.
In
conversation with the detective inspector the woman revealed how she herself,
being a year older and a woman of the church, vehemently advised the victim to
adopt a healthier lifestyle, join a club, maybe mix with a better class of
people. The conversation went like this…. and I quote from Peter Robinson’s
book In A Dry Season:
- Inspector: Do you know if she had any enemies?
- Woman: Not what you’d call enemies. Nobody who
would do what you have just described. Many people, like myself,
disapproved of her. But that’s quite a different thing. One would hardly
murder a person for not joining the Women’s Institute.
~~~~~~~~~~
Oh, I
don’t know! Think of the rise in membership if women were threatened with
certain death if they didn’t join.
HA! Valerie, your final sentence made me laugh out loud!
ReplyDeleteThe first time I had ever of the WI was many years ago while watching the movie, Calendar Girls, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Waters. It's based off a true store involving the WI. Brilliant film! If you've never seen it, I think it's a film you would really enjoy. It's humorous, but also very poignant.
Have a wonderful day, my friend!
X
Hi Ron. I'm glad you got a laugh out of this. I have seen the film a few times and each time friends and I managed to find something that 'wasn't quite right'. At least, not in our branch of the WI! Approval of the film was sadly lacking in the WI because it was maintained that no questions had been asked by the film makers about authenticity. There's always someone who will complain!
DeleteMy neighbour was telling me she's recently joined the WI and was really enjoying it. I think I joked about making jam, and she said with a straight face she'd just made 10 jars of plum jam and would I like one.
ReplyDeleteWell done, your neighbour. Although I am no longer involved with the WI I still have great admiration for it. Yes, they do like to make jam, amongst many other things. Ooooh the memories are racing
DeleteI love the hymn Jerusalem. It's wonderful to think the young Jesus visited England with Joseph of Arimathea. Think Jerusalem should be the national anthem. The WI is a great institution.
ReplyDeleteDave, I too love Jerusalem. If ever it's played on TV or radio I stand up, just as we did at WI. Part of me agrees with you that it should be our National Anthem, another part wants the WI to have it as their recognised hymn. Talking of hymns, it is wonderful to see and hear the crowd singing the National Anthem throughout the match.
DeleteThat's funny Valerie, and sounds like an interesting story. I had to smile as I once worked in a small tea room for several years. Just fell into it really and it was like playing tea every day, but there were many days of stress. I once read a book where the inspector and the sergeant were discussing who may have been the killer. The sergeant said to his boss, "Well, you know my money is on the chef. They are always stressed out and they have all those knives." I laughed out loud when I read it.
ReplyDeleteDenise, even in red blood murder stories there is still room for humour. Glad you found some!
ReplyDeleteSince I wasn't familiar with the Women's Institute, Valerie, I looked it up online and found that it became more known in the US because of the Calendar Girls film. What did you do in the organization?
ReplyDeleteHi Beatrice, I was president of my own institute for four years, county chairman for three years, and chairman of various departments within the county. Needless to say, I was a dedicated WI member.
ReplyDeleteOh! I don't know....:)
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh at that! you might even be right :)
ReplyDeleteOoooh, thanks Jennie. I'm pleased I made you laugh.
ReplyDelete-smile-
ReplyDeleteBtw, I do love fiction, which combines a present day mystery, with an old one... Where an Archaeologist, is involved in the story line.