A practical session led by Sandra Gibbs of the British Red Cross

The Red Cross was started in the middle of the 19th Century by Swiss businessman Henry Dunant.  He was very upset about the many injured soldiers on both sides of the battle of Solferino who were left to die due to lack of care. Today the Red Cross helps anyone, anywhere in the UK and around the world to get the support they need if crisis strikes. It can be recognised by 3 different logos, a cross, a crescent and a crystal. The headquarters of the Red Cross are in Geneva, Switzerland.

Tonight we had demonstration and discussion of basic first aid, based on the training manual published by Dorling Kindersley Ltd, 22 Jun 2016. This manual is also used by the St.John Ambulance and St. Andrew’s First Aid.

Sandra showed us how to do CPR (30 compressions, then 2 breaths) and how to use a defibrillator machine, which is easier to use than we all thought. The machine will shout out instructions and therefore you cannot go wrong. This should always be done on the floor.

We also discussed how to deal with deep cuts, burns and nose bleeds.

Recommended contents of a first aid kit:

1. Clarityn – an antihistamine
2. Aspirin – thins blood during hear attacks
3. Paracetamol – pain relief
4. Ibuprofen – pain relief, however some may be allergic
5. Conforming Bandage – a stretchy bandage used to keep dressings in place over cuts
6. Crepe Bandage – a lightweight support for strains

You can find out more about the Red Cross on their website: https://www.redcross.org.uk/

Quiz from local female Magistrate, Sue Kayser JP.

Sue Kayser is a local female magistrate and has been volunteering as one for quite some time. She does at least 26 half-day sittings at court per year at Willesden Magistrates Court. The bench at Willesden is very ethnically diverse, and currently has more female than male magistrates.

Instead of the usual talk, Sue insisted that we take part in a quiz, and then discuss the answers. It was a very engaging evening where each of us learnt a few new things, some of which were very surprising.

If you are interested in becoming a Justice of the Peace, you have to be between the ages of 18-70, you do not need any special qualifications, just common sense. Apply here: Become a Magistrate

Some unexpected facts we discussed:

• Did you know, the first use of Magistrates in this country was in 1361!
• Magistrates deal with 96% of criminal cases.
• You could go to prison for carrying a knife – make sure you wrap and carry your cake knives securely, other wise we will end up with prisons full of WI members arrested on their way to a cake sale!

A talk with lots of pictures – like Grand Designs but bigger & live!

It’s that time of year again when the WI vote on our resolution for the year to come. Here are the resolutions put to the vote this year:

1. Improving Plant Biosecurity in the UK Penny
2. Trees – improving the Natural Landscape
3. Pelvic Floor Education
4. Suffering in silence; end the taboo around menstrual health
5. A Call Against the Decline in Local Bus Services
6. Don’t fear the smear

The NW London WI voted in favour of “A Call Against the Decline in Local Bus Services”

For more information visit the federation website.

Previously passed mandates are as follows:

• 2018: Mental Health Matters
• 2017: End Plastic Soup and Alleviating Loneliness
• 2016: Annual Meeting Resolutions
• 2015: Annual Meeting Resolution
• 2014: Organ Donation – Time to Talk
• 2013: Decline of our High Streets and Town Centres
• 2012: Employment of More Midwives
• 2011: The Closure of Local Libraries

Brought to us by the people behind The Museum of Happiness.

A talk given by Hamish Brown MBE, retired Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector, and a leading authority on the crime of stalking.