Old Buckenham WI meeting in March

Visiting prisons
Old Buckenham WI welcomed an old friend, Mary Graydon, to speak at their March meeting. After retiring from nursing Mary became a member of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at Wayland Prison. IMB members are unpaid and work an average of two to four days a month. Their role is to monitor the day-to-day life in their local prison and ensure that proper standards of decency and care are maintained. Members have unrestricted access to the prison and can talk to any prisoner they wish to, out of sight and hearing of members of staff if necessary. They play an important role in dealing with problems inside the establishment such as concerns over lost property, visits from family and friends, special religious or cultural requirements or even serious allegations such as bullying. As Mary pointed out little is known by most people about day-to-day life inside prison. It was a most thought provoking talk and there was much admiration of the work of the Independent Monitoring Board.
Four Old Buckenham members had attended the Annual Norfolk Federation Meeting at St Andrews Hall in Norwich during March and Doris Monkhouse gave an interesting report of the day’s events.
A beautiful birthday card made by Jean Wade and Pauline Bartlett was on display for members to see and was greatly admired. This is to be sent to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for her 90th birthday.