PRIZE ESSAYS

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LIV, Issue 22, 21 March 1933, Page 5

PRIZE ESSAYS

"WHAT BENEFITS I HAVE DERIVED FROM INSTITUTE."

WINNERS IN BROOKSIDE

COMPETITION

Recently the Brookside Women's Institute conducted an essay competition on the subject "What benefits have I derived from the Institute?" The first prize was awarded to Mrs Joseph Brooks and the second to Mrs McCallum. The essays are published below. FIRST PRIZE. In a sheltered spot surrounded almost by trees, which in summer time are a lovely green and in autumn time a glorious yellow, stands a church, tucked away at the back of which is a room where, by the generosity of the church trustees, the Brookside Women's Institute members gather for their mutual benefit.

It brings together women who for the most part have chosen to live in the country where practically their whole life interest is held by the bonds of home life; a life which tends to keep them within their own homes, thus restricting their opportunities. Therefore even the benefit of being able to come out once a month and meet other women, probably some that are seldom met otherwise, has a stimulating effect in making one forget one's home worries, or to considerably lighten them.

In the constitution of the Women's Institute meetings the setting out of the programme has made provision for a roll call. Here, in a small way, everyone is expected to make reply. Imagine the good it does, when after a few roll calls, one can notice the gradually strengthening confidence which replaces the fear and trembling that will come when one hears one's own voice. I for one, have reaped great help, and while still suffering from nerves, I think I have made progress. The mottoes supplied each month are wonderfully helpful and very often have caused me to remember to [keep the spirit of the,lnstitute right within me. To cherish good feeling toward one's fellow members is one of its objects.

Introduced into the scheme of things with the idea of bringing out the skill and adaptability of the members, are competitions. What joy and innermost pride one feels when one's efforts have been placed first; it instils in one's mind a resolve to try again. Yes, even a competitive spirit is beneficial if it prevails in making one more efficient in the things one sets out to do and in making one generous and broadminded toward the success of a fellow member. I have found that in these competitions quite undreamed of success has come my way and I have experienced a thrill of pleasure in consequence.

Not by any means is it easy to undertake the duties of hostess. I have felt very much embarassed when performing these duties. To walk round with a plate of eatables or to kindly ask if another cup of tea would be liked has required courage.

One cannot stress too much the very helpful demonstrations that are given and which are looked forward to with great eagerness. Various arts and crafts have been taught which reveal to me the possibilities with which to make use of as opportunity presents itself. I realise how many are the useful and pretty gifts I can make, and surely, are not the little home-made gifts more appreciated by the recipient than the shop-bought article? To mention one of these, waxwork, which in itself presents many ways of making beautiful objects of various kinds, giving play to the decorative tastes and imaginative mind. Others have given me knowledge with which I may be equipped should application be necessary.

One more thing worthy of mention; On several occasions the meeting has broadened out, and leaving the precincts of the meeting room has gone to tha school, where two social gatherings were held; entertainment has been given to members of other Institutes, also non-members residing in the district. The meeting of these, the listening to the songs and addres ses, the little play act.d and the folk dancing was most enjoyable to me.

Again, in the form of a garden party held in beautiful surroundings, stately old trees and bright flowers and sunshine, what could be more pleasant.

The badge designed for members' use helps to swell the list of benefits* It has broken down the barrier that forms itself when one travels outside one's own district amongst those who are complete strangers. How very pleasant it is to have someone address one or to speak to another and then to have an interesting talk about the doings of each other's Institute. I have exprienced this on several occasions and while not always knowing the person's name, I have spent an enjoyable time in her company.

Summed up, it has produced more self-reliance, given me a desire to improve my knowledge of things so that I may feel more confident to take part in discussion; it also gives room for the application of the things 1 have learnt, to be able to express my opinions and to accept others; above all, to be sociable, to efface my petty differences, to try to understand and help my fellow-members; in all to be charitable. It has shown to me tha value of co-operation (one of our mottoes recalling this to my mind, it being, 'United we stand, divided we fall'); the necessity to cultivate a thinking mind, to bring resourcefulness uppermost, and an endeavour to deal tactfully.

In conclusion, what more ideal way could I have in preserving the Institue spirit than by keeping in mind the words of our closing Institute song:— A goodly thing it is to meet In friendship's circle bright, Where nothing stains the pleasure sweet Nor dims the radiant light. No unkind word our lips shall pass, No envy sour the mind, But each shall seek the common weal, The good of all mankind.

SECOND PRIZE. I have read over the above title a dozen or more times, and I cannot get a start, my mind is a blank—instead of the hoped-for inspiration all that comes into it is a parody on the Sal-' vation Army hymn re blessings: "Count your benefits, Count them one by one, Isn't it wonderful what the Institute hath done."

After many more futile efforts to set in motion the long unexercised thinking part of my anatomy, I feel at last as if I may be able to make a start on the Herculanean task in front of me. Any cause which makes one think (painful though the effort may be) and think to such an extent that one is urged to put one's thoughts into words, no matter how inadequate, is worthy of commendation, and must be of some benefit to the members, hence I lay .claim to having derived much mental benefit from this effort; however lasting, the future will reveal. In fact, I would not be afraid to predict that, if many more such tasks are set us, some of our more gifted members will be outshining Rosemary Rees and Nellie Scanlon. To return to earth, I would like to explain that each monthly meeting is comprised of the following: A motto, a roll-call, a demonstration, a competition, afternoon tea, and then to send us home with all the cobwebs thoroughly cleared away, the Entertainment Committee have for us a game, a competition or a song. I must not forget that we open and close the meetings with Institute songs.

Roll calls have proved to be a veritable mine of information on subjects far and wide —from "How to get the most enjoyment out of winter* 1 to ditto "Summer drinks." The object is that each member will take an individual part by responding to the particular call for that day, besides being prescribed as a sure cure for nervousness in public speaking. I cannot profess to have partaken of any |of the cure, though I have regularly taken my share of the medicine.

Mottoes: From these, which vary from proverbs to sermons, a spiritual benefit is to be derived. Some have struck me as being very beautiful were it possible for us poor weak mortals to carry them out, and some again, as the ones which preach a doctrine of cheerfulness, ars heavily wrought with wisdom. All are idealistic, as mottoes naturally are, and I think each one of us should get some little benefit from giving them our

attention even for a little while. Competitions: One sees and admires and envies the beautiful works of art needlework and many and diversified other branches of handwork, to say nothing of the culinary achievements which are constantly |on view. I confess to breaking frequently the 10th commandment, but hope that the force of the feelings which urge me—a phlegmatic soul— to be up and do likewise will more than atone for that lapse. Although I have not benefited to the extent of being a prize winner, still I have had the pleasure of competing in a few and have benefited by seeing other efforts better than my own. *

Demonstrations: During the year I have enjoyed seeing demonstrations of knitting, basketmaking, cake-icing, tree priming and a very instructive lecture on first aid, all of which I have felt to be of material benefit. I must not forget the sales table where occasionally a bargain is to be picked up—pecuniary benefit. But greater than the above, I have found to be the social benefit. During the year I have enjoyed very much visits to neighbouring Institutes, also to residences of various members. These social events, as well as the ordinary meetings, tend to break the monotony of a quiet country life, when from week to week the only faces one sees apart from one's own family are those of the baker, butcher, etc. They relieve the monotony and give a new fillip to a jaded existence. Again, one makes new friends besides getting to understand the old ones better, and I think this tends to make us more broadminded and tolerant of the foibles of others. What a relief to jaded nerves and a spirit oft-times immersed in ennui from the unrivalled monotony of housework and an overdose of one's own company, it is to be able to spend a few hours occasionally in entirely different surroundings. One sees a change of faces, hears other people voicing their ideas, learns something of interest whether it be of arts or crafts, and, by no means the least enjoyable part, is the cup of afternoon tea.

Physical benefit: Finally, I have learnt quite a lot about the business part of a meeting, thanks to a real live president and also secretary, though i think it would be more beneficial and much more interesting if the members, whether Coalition or Opposition, would voice their opinions more freely. My sentiments are expressed in the following lines: "Come out the kitchen .... You! What! Have you been so long the serf of pot and frying-pan, Vassal of dinner gong! Slave to the flue! Here in the Institute there is balm for you—for you!" —Fay Inchfawn.

Inquiries concerning the means of persons registering as unemployed for relief work have been made by the Unemployment Board with a View to giving assistance to those in real need of help, Although some complaints have been made concerning the particulars required to be supplied on the forms, it is held that the system ia justified. It was re-

cently discovered that an applicant for relief work had £5000 in the bank. Questions were asked in Parliament about the necessity for demanding so many details from applicants. It is stated by the board, however, that it is necessary in the interests of all applicants that relief should not be given to those who have sufficient means of support,