10/10/2026
EDP WI Week w/e Saturday 10th October 2026 Mary Dorrell
Perhaps we are wrong to call public toilets “conveniences” when they are a necessity. Okay, when hiking in remote countryside, I can manage with some bushes and a “wild wee”. When travelling in places like the Namibian desert, one can go several days without seeing a road, let alone any buildings or toilets. Our guide periodically stopped and invited us for "bushee bushee”, which, in a barren place of sparse vegetation, was an interesting experience, if lacking in decorum.
However, none of this would "cut the mustard" on a day out in Norwich. Fortunately, the city is blessed with well-maintained public and private conveniences. But news this summer of damage and destruction to public conveniences in North Norfolk was sad indeed, and for many would seriously impede a day out. I am conscious of having written about toilets as a fit, able-bodied person, but “conveniences” are even more of a necessity for the elderly, parents with young children, the differently abled.
Maybe we should revert to "spending a penny”? I find it quite common in countries across Asia and Africa to pay the “rest room” attendant a small sum to meet my needs. They, in turn, clean and keep an eye on facilities. Many will say that they should be free at the point of use. Whatever the answer is, the WI are once again campaigning for “accessible public toilet facilities to promote dignity, health, and social inclusion”.
The resolution passed this summer calls for clean, free, and accessible public toilets and encourages WIs to support local authorities in reversing the closure trend. It goes on to state that: “accessible, clean, free public toilets which are fundamental to inclusion and wellbeing, especially for women, older people, disabled individuals, parents and carers. It invites WI branches to take meaningful action—through advocacy, partnership, and community engagement—to support local authorities and civil society in reversing the closure trend and ensuring dignity for all.”
In 2017/18, the Norfolk Federation of WIs was involved in discussions that led to improvements to facilities at Norwich Bus Station. Previous campaigns addressed design issues such as the space available in cubicles: there should be enough to turn around and sit down without your knees touching the door. Let's get the practical details right and let’s make this necessity available to all!
Illustration pictures supplied by Mary Dorrell: Along the Silk Road
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