For our January meeting, Evelyn welcomed 3 visitors and a room full of members, which was great to see on a cold evening.

After singing Jerusalem, Evelyn highlighted the fact that Brockenhurst WI are in need of new committee members, including a Treasurer and President as several members are stepping down at the AGM after years of sterling work on the committee. Zena outlined the role of the treasurer, highlighting that you don’t have to be an accountant to do this role. Current committee members gave heartfelt speeches about being on the committee and the benefits they have gained from their time serving Brockenhurst WI. Evelyn urged everyone to consider being on the committee and to talk to any members of the committee about what it entails.

We voted on the shortlisted Resolution to go forward to the national vote. This was a difficult decision as all the resolutions shortlisted were worthy of our vote. Our nomination was:

‘Dental Health Matters -There is a chronic shortage of NHS Dentists and people are suffering health issues as a result. The NFWI calls on the Government to increase investment in the training and retention of dentists and to review the current inadequate NHS contracts in order to ensure everyone can access an NHS dentist wherever they live.’

Find out more here.

We had our usual raffle run by Maureen and April.

We had a Bring and Buy table, with the proceeds being donated to ACWW.

Our Competition of the Month was a flower in a vase. Members vote by putting a silver coin against their favourite flower and the winner is the flower with the most silver coins (not the value of the coins). The coins are donated to ACWW.

The winner was Ruth’s beautiful flower.

We had lots of sign-up sheets for activities from Brockenhurst WI (lunch club, walk, quilting, Group Show, New Forest Show) and events from Hampshire WI.

Our speaker was  Dr Hugh Bethall, a retired GP from Alton who talked to us about “Exercise, Fitness & Health”.

Dr Bethall told us about how the diseases that affect the population now, are different from those of 1923. We learnt that the population is a lot less active these days, often due to less exercise with our occupations. We were told of a study carried out in 1953 that reported lower rates of coronary heart disease in bus conductors than in less occupationally active bus drivers.

Dr Bethall explained to us about Body Mass Index (BMI) as a higher BMI increases the chance of developing long-term conditions. BMI has risen in recent years. He suggested that we find out our BMI using a BMA calculator. This can be done here.

We learnt about how obesity is a growing epidemic which costs the nation £15.5 billion. We found out about the health risks of high blood pressure, Coronary Heart Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Strokes and Dementia. We learnt that women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis.

Dr Bethall talked about the serious problem of frailty caused by low levels of physical fitness and inactivity. As we age, we lose muscle mass and the lack of muscle mass and strength puts us at a greater risk of falls and affects the ability for independent living.

He encouraged us to all be more active and to embrace the gym! He showed us a humorous slide that said “Don’t kill Granny, send her to the gym!” Muscle strengthening two or more times a week can have very positive health benefits and prevent us form becoming frail.

Dr Bethall also suggested that we get the 150 minutes Department of Health recommended moderate intensity exercise from the following:

• Housework
• Gardening
• Walking
• Dancing
• Swimming
• Gym/Strength work
• Tennis
• Golf
• Indoor bike/cycling
• Home exercise circuits

Dr Bethall gave us a home exercise circuit that he has compiled:

Sue G reminded our members about the 50+ Keep Fit Club held at Brockenhurst Village Hall on Tuesdays from 2pm to 5.45pm, which welcomes new members.

Sue G also raised the great legacy that the late husband of our member Esther Browne. The late Dr Derek Browne introduced the idea of “exercise on prescription” in 1983. His concept of “exercise prevents body rust” was used to create partnerships between primary care, leisure centres, and the community. He realised, long ahead of many others, that all-round community involvement could create a healthy village. Dr Bethall acknowledged that Dr Browne was influential in his passion for exercise.

Our next meeting is on Monday 12th February and is our Birthday Celebration. This will be a quiz and fish and chip supper (a £5 contribution to the cost). This is for members only and will be held at Brockenhurst Village Hall – arrival from 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

However, guests are welcome to attend the meeting on 11th March with speaker Alexandra Gillies -“Change vs Sustainable Tourism” at Brockenhurst Village Hall – arrival from 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

For further information please contact us.