HARRIETT Baldwin the first woman ever to represent Malvern in the Houses of Parliament was the Speaker on April 14. Even though she is an MP she said she still felt intimidated speaking to the WI. The members did not notice this and the context was very illuminating.

Having come into politics after the age of 40, the first thing is to be assessed by your Party, this took a whole day with interpersonal skills taking most of the time. She spent four years as candidate for West Worcestershire before being elected.

On arrival at the Houses of Parliament with 234 other new MPs you have no desk, no staff (which you have to employ) you are given a locker and all post you collect yourself which is by the sack full. To make your maiden speech a hand written request has to be given to the Speaker for a certain time on a certain day which you attend but no guarantee is given. When you do get to speak no interruptions are allowed and you sit through two more speeches before being allowed to leave. For Prime Ministers Questions all questions are monitored beforehand and then 15 names are pulled out as in a lottery.

Members are expected to find accommodation within eight minutes of the Chamber because when the Whips call for a vote you must arrive within that time.

Harriett spends four days a week in London and Fridays in her constituency office. Weekends are usually spent opening fetes or giving talks (no easy job for a woman with children).

Members' own very popular question time was held and Harriett told members that a tour of the Houses of Parliament was certainly worthwhile.

At 7.30pm on May 12 it’s the Resolutions Meeting a chance to make your voice heard a garden and produce bring and buy will also be held on that evening.

If you feel that you would like to know more about WI please feel free to join the members at the Wells Village Hall at any of our meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.