Photo credit: Robin LLoyd

by Robin Lloyd
WILPF Burlington Branch 

October 2022

For over 20 years, Vermont WILPF has held gatherings at a remarkable venue, Lloyd’s Wing Farm in Rochester, VT. Check out our website which documents the stories told each summer, featuring photos to match. 

This summer was a smaller gathering  than usual because of ongoing COVID anxiety. We gathered from Tuesday through Sunday, 7/19 -24. It was delightful to view the WILPF International Congress with a group in a rural setting.

Our biggest event was a dialogue on “NATO, Pros and Cons” held at the gazebo on the Village square of Rochester. No to Nato was represented by WILPF member Paki Weiland, just back from taking part in the huge protest at the NATO conference in Spain. Rochester scholar Mike Van Dusen presented a historically nuanced assessment of NATO. We were pleased to hold a controversial discussion in a public place, without anyone yelling at each other. Some 20 WILPF members and Rochester citizens took part. View the video of this great event here. Thanks to videographer Jerome Lipani, who improved our comments with subtitles as a storm approached!

The many casual talks during informal walks or around the pond deepened our solidarity with each other. As I drove back to Burlington, I was saddened that the primary event of the summer was now behind us, and that it might be a year before we see each other again. I pledged to myself that as long as I can walk and talk, I hope to sponsor a WILPF Gathering next year. I know I will need the help of my WILPF sisters.