At this month’s meeting we said thank you to our outgoing President and Treasurer/Secretary Julia Rowling and Helen Clark, but before that we indulged in Fish & Chips, followed by ice cream, organised by Lynne Lucas & Aileen Catterson. All very delicious.
Before stepping down from their respective posts, Helen and Julia presented our Accounts and gave their Reports of the last 12 months. Helen took over the Secretary role, in addition to being our excellent Treasurer, when Gill Page had to step down last year for health reasons. We heard how we had been fortunate to receive a “Covid” Grant from the Parish Council which had enabled us to fund our recruitment meeting last October as well as subsidising our welcome back Afternoon Tea at Esseborne in July 2021. Julia took the opportunity to thank committee members for all their support, during what had been a challenging term of office. The WI had managed to keep going by embracing virtual meetings, lots of telephone calls and walking together when permitted.
We also discussed the Resolution which will be debated at the National AGM taking place in Liverpool in June. This addressed the issue of Women & Girls with ASD & ADHD being under-identified, under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, and under-supported. We were fortunate that amongst those present for this meeting we had women who were well informed on the subject and were able to give us some valuable input. A show of hands resulted in support for this motion.
It was then time to find out if we had a new President, Secretary and Treasurer and yes, we do. We are delighted to say that Lynne Lucas has offered to stand as President, ably supported by Aileen Catterson as Secretary and one of our newer members has gamely offered to be our Treasurer. We have also welcomed Lynda Goldstone to the committee. This is brilliant news as, unfortunately, we are aware that three local Institutes have not survived the challenges of Covid.
It has also proved impossible to get new Officers for the Anton Danebury Group to which we belong, and which is about to be suspended. However, before that happened Abbotts Ann submitted a team for the Group round of the Hampshire Federation Quiz. We were very surprised to discover we had come third with a total of 113 points. The winner had 115 and second place 114. Julia said thank you to Cecilia Cotton, Peggy Ellis, Carol Taylor & Sharon King for their valiant effort. Thanks were also given to those who had assisted Julia with refreshments at the recent Plant Sale in the Village.
Before the meeting finished flowers and chocolates were presented to Julia & Helen in gratitude for all their hard work. For the moment they are both stepping down from the committee to enjoy a well-earned rest, but will be on hand to offer to support as and when needed.
Earlier in the month the walkers had put their walking boots on and strolled around Wildhern and then lunched at The Old Bell & Crown in Hatherden and once again we had a successful coffee morning. The next one is 9th June at 10.30 a.m. in the Sports Pavilion and again we reiterate this is open to members and non-members alike. A chance to get together for a chat.
Next month we will be holding our own celebrations for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Sue George is organising the evening and has created a quiz to test our members’ brains along with some themed refreshments etc. Members have also been invited to share any Royal memories they may have.
We will be in the Village Hall on 30th June for a 7.30 p.m. start as usual. Please do come along as hopefully this will be a relaxed informal meeting.
