The WI is a rich thread in the fabric of local life and we are always pleased that the GUARDIAN continues to report on our activities.

That is why I am writing about a matter which has been a cause of concern to many of us in the last few months and which has been brought sharply into focus by recent events.

Last Tuesday in an interview on Radio 4's "Today" programme, Paddy Ashdown quoted the WI along side other organisations such as the NFU, as being in favour of proceeding with the adoption of the Euro sooner rather than later. To the best of my knowledge this is not true. The WI has always been an A-political organisation and I for one have always respected that stance.

I believe that confusion may have been caused by the WI holding last year what many of us saw as both an elitist and very one sided conference on Europe in the guise of an "information giving exercise." It was pointed out at the time that the dividing line between giving information and putting out supporting propaganda, was a very narrow one (very relevent in view of the change of gear just advocated by Mr Blair).

I have mailed Mr Ashdown requesting clarification, but at the time of writing this letter I have not had an answer. If however what Mr Ashdown said is accurate, then the only other explanation I can think of is that the WI has changed its policy and has declared in support of the Euro. A development which I, and I am sure, many other members would view with dismay and which will have profound repercussions on WI membership.

Mrs Joan Kelley

Secretary Bridgewater Group

Shepperton Close

Dudlows Green

Appleton, WA4 5JZ

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.