Freedom

I went to prison today.
Three years ago the Women's Institute started a WI in a women's prison in Ashford, Middlesex. This was a ground breaking initiative and it was a challenge to set it up. The idea came from the WI and the prison governor and staff were very positive and gave the WI every encouragement. Nevertheless this WI is so different it required imagination and flexibility to make it work.
It is now a very successful enterprise and today they held a coffee morning to which selected WI members were invited. It was a novelty to us to go through all the security procedure but once we reached the big meeting room and were offered coffee we soon relaxed. There were cakes and biscuits baked by the women and crafts that they had made were available to us for a donation. However the best part of the visit was talking to the women themselves and hearing their experiences. Most had left children behind, one was grateful to be able to phone her grandson sometimes. All those we spoke to had a positive attitude, determined to make the most of the opportunity to study and learn new skills. It seems that knitting is the new craze! We all sang Jerusalem together which was a surreal experience. They were all thrilled with their WI membership and were keen to join once they had left prison.
For all the positive atmosphere, I was relieved to be able to step outside and make my way to my own home. I thought how this last week I have walked in beech woods, played with my grandson, worked in my garden and visited friends. Freedom.