The
Power of Words. Despite unseasonal weather what
did happen to Spring? anyone outside the village hall,
at Snitterfield WIs April meeting, might have wondered
at the waves of positive enjoyment floating towards them. There
was laughter, there was singing, as our speaker, Deborah Ellis,
proved to us the efficacy of words to uplift even the lowest
spirits.
Being a
fan of Cotswold poet Pam Ayres might explain her ability to
use poetry as therapy. She trained as a paramedic, partly because
she understood at first hand how the encouragement of a caring
nurse could heal. Her grandmother had always written poems and
Deborah found that she had the same facility. Finding a family
ukulele helped to add music to the poetry performances she gives
to mental health sufferers. Her feeling is that creativity can
change many situations and aid self-belief; the basis of positive
thinking.
To this
end she writes songs and verse for poetry slams, folk festivals
where she is an MC and programmes for BBC Coventry
& Warwickshire. Friends challenge her to write on many topics.
Eg. Accompanied verses for the Harbury Ukulele Group; songs
about Origami and an
Orang-utan. Which explains why our rendition of You Are
My Sunshine may have startled the villagers last Wednesday.
The evening
had begun with reports of the recent Federation meeting and
a successful skittles evening. Carol, our secretary, announced
Summer activities: a BBQ; a grand day out to Lincoln;
visits to London and Sezincote and a tree planting. There is
a chance to knit hats, scarves and poppies as well as add to
the fun of the village fête and contribute to the annual
bee count in June. We shall also be collecting for
the Air Ambulance which is the WIs chosen Centenary Charity.
There are many things to anticipate so do join us on Wednesday
May 9. You will be most welcome.
Barbara
Alcock
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