Reports

2020

Cossington WI welcomed the New Year with Wendy Coley from Medical Detection Dogs. Ten years ago a dog named “Daisy” changed a lady’s life, who was in the early stages of breast cancer. Dr Claire Guest is the Co-Founder of MDD. The dogs are trained to help detect disease or assist with managing life-threatening medical conditions.

The Charity relies purely on donations, and last year trained twenty dogs. Cancerous cells have an odour, and by training the dogs to sniff using urine samples from local hospitals they recognise the odours. Other diseases they can now detect include Parkinsons, Malaria, Addisons disease.

It took time for the medical profession to recognise the procedure, but in 2016 the UK finally accepted it. The Duchess of Cornwall, a lover of dogs, watched the dogs working and helped to promote the MDD by sending out royal invitations to attend an event. The Duchess became a Patron of the Charity. Dogs pick up odour changes and warn their owners to take action.

2019

For our November meeting Cossington WI welcomed Mr Tim Coltman who spoke about The Story of Two Military Crosses. This particular story was about his grandfather, William Coltman, just one example of many soldiers who did heroic deeds.

William Coltman was called to go to war, 1914-1918. He had strong Christian beliefs and refused to fight so he went as a stretcher bearer. When he approached the front line he went alone so as not to endanger others, and carried soldiers on his back to the British lines. He was a small man of about 5ft. 4ins., and never carried a gun. He was awarded ten medals, but the story focuses on the first three:- The Victoria Cross, The Distinguished Conduct Medal, and The Military Medal. He became the highest non- commissioned officer in the British army.

William Coltman was born at Rangemore, near Burton-on-Trent. He was a gardener, and like many never spoke about the war. He did medical training and was enlisted into the 6th North Staffordshire Regiment. The trenches were grim, and Mr Coltman goes on to describe some of the conditions out there, and of the thousands who never came back. William Coltman was gassed once.

William Coltman was a quiet man who went back to gardening. He went to Buckingham Palace to receive his medal, and when he died in1974 soldiers lined the streets. There was a twelve gun salute.

A book has been published about his story which is very moving. Let us not forget.

After the AGM of Cossington’s WI in October, one of our members, Mrs Pauline Fitchett, gave us an interesting talk on “The History of SPAM”.

SPAM (meat in a tin) was imported from the USA, originally from a small butcher by the name of George Hill in Minnesota. His son improved the meat using chopped ham, and by 1936 it was a satisfactory product, but not known. The product was launched in May 1937 in the USA, and came to Britain in 1941, it being welcomed by the British as war rationing was in progress.

SPAM was ideal for sandwiches, stews, hot pots and pies, and was eventually sold in fifty countries, Hawaii being the largest importer. Recipes using SPAM can be found in Marguerite Patten books, and more recently on the internet.

In 1945 SPAM was sent to help the starving in Europe. Quality meat, i.e. ham cut off the bone with water, salt, sugar, spice was added and cooked in the tin.

Mrs Fitchett described rationing during the war years, which continued until the early 1950’s. This short talk was very inspiring.

Cossington WI September meeting

Cossington WI welcomed Steve Allen who gave a very informative account of life during the Industrial Revolution using photographs and songs, he being the vocalist.

“My Musical History Show” started with the character Eli, born in 1837 the same year that Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. During the evening we heard how hard working people were, with poor living conditions. Richard Arkwright invented the water frame and built a factory at Cromford. People came off the land to work in the factories. Child labour was used to clean out the machines. Wages were low, and there was no pay if the machine stopped. Canals were built, which was followed by steam engines enabling people to travel to the seaside, and for fresh fish to reach the city centres. Ships motored by steam enabled the textile trade to send supplies abroad, and for raw materials to come into our country. Sadly today we still have people sleeping on the street.

Mrs Jane McGuigan received a warm welcome from Cossington WI when she spoke about Foot Care at the August meeting.  A day to day account was given on what to look for and how to treat ourselves.  Wash feet every day and dry thoroughly, especially between toes.  Wear good fitting shoes, preferably leather.  Cut toe nails straight across, and protect feet in public places.  If there are any infections do not treat them yourself.

A demonstration of Foot Care was given on one of our members.  Hard skin is removed with the use of a pumice stone or sand paper.  Cut nails preferably with nail clippers.  When applying nail varnish always use a clear base.  Allow to dry, then use the nail varnish. If one suffers with Diabetes, there may be damage to the nerves of the feet or there may be an infection on a nail bed.

Massage with a good quality foot cream.

Mrs McGuigan does offer home consultation.