Our February meetings always bring a touch of formality to proceedings as we host our Annual Meeting, a time to look back and reflect on the year just gone, as well as looking forward to the coming twelve months. As this particular meeting is concerned with official business of Spa Sweethearts WI, this meeting was open to members only.
Chaired by Lucy Cooper, President, the evening began with the usual notices, including details of some forthcoming fundraising events being organised by our members.
Then the real business began with Rachael Bowen, Treasurer, talking members through the financial accounts for the year. This was followed by Rebecca Drew, Secretary, who presented the Annual Report on behalf of the Committee which looked at the highlights of a busy 2015 for Spa Sweethearts as the WI celebrated its centenary year.
Lucy then gave the President’s Address, including thanking retiring Committee members Suzanne Linford and Vicky Helmore who have been part of the Committee since the Spa Sweethearts were formed back in October 2011. We will miss both ladies being part of the Committee very much and we thank them for all of their help. We also welcome two new Committee members, Laura Elliott and Amy Ball.
Following this, Lucy was re-elected as President and will continue to lead the group for the next twelve months. Hurrah!
We were also joined by our WI Advisor, Pat Dunnill, who gave a short update on the work of our Federation, as well as taking feedback and comments from members to help enhance their offer.
Once the formal business was concluded, the socialising began. Committee members and sub-group members had organised a speed dating session offering a taster of each group to the wider membership. We had a great range of stalls with book group well represented, board game group bringing along the wine and cheese (a standard meeting for them!), and the cocktail group had organised a fun quiz. As part of the craft corner we had a short workshop making green hearts as part of the #showthelove campaign designed to help initiate conversations about climate change (see the NFWI website https://www.thewi.org.uk for more information). There was also information on organ donation and a stall where members could find out more about Federation and Denman College. Or members just took the opportunity to catch up over tea and cake.
Next month we will be joined by author Milly Johnson. Guests welcome, usual charge of £5, please sign up here in advance to confirm your space.
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