Record of our April meeting

Leigh on Mendip WI Meeting:  Monday 14 April 2014 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall

Welcome and Apologies:  Welcome to everyone.  Apologies from Jan Horn, Sue Rodford, Caroline Harris, Jean Gait, Jane Weston, Sue Vaughan and Gill Baker.  

The minutes having been read by all members were agreed and signed by Sparks as a true record.  

Matters Arising:  

There is a lot more detail on the Blog.

Spring Roadshow at Henton was attended by Barbara and Sparks. Emma Britton, the BBC Somerset breakfast show presenter gave a vivid and very entertaining picture of her life. Each committee from County spoke on their role.

Denman College courses – Sue, Ann and Sparks have all got a place.

Village Clean Up – big thank you to everyone involved and especially to Caroline for completing all the paperwork.  All the large items on the roadsides have been collected.

Lunch at the Strode Arms was enjoyable, but rather expensive.

Community Coffee Morning.  This morning celebrated its 10th Anniversary.  Many thanks to Barbara and all the others who have helped over the years.  Barbara was given a lovely basket of flowers.

Spring Group Meeting.  Andy Fussell was an excellent speaker.  Sue Rodford made delicious chocolate brownies but unfortunately did not get first prize.

Alice in WI Land.  It will mark the celebration of our Centenary next year.  Make a note of 18 & 25 April 2015.  Rehearsals start in Evercreech on 13 September 2014.

County News:  

All members were handed their copy to read.  Of particular interest:

Craft Day – 17 May, page 1.  Spring Sing – 21 May, page 3.  Swishing Evening – 10 June, page 3.  Garden History Tour – 22 July, page 3.  Example of Cartoonist work – page 4.  (Hope she will be able to come one of our future meetings).  PA+INT visits – 8 May and 9 July, page 7.  Art Competition  - back page.

Please sign up to any of these events that you would like to attend.

Forthcoming Events:  

Women Walk the World.  Sunday 27 April.  Start at 2.30pm, on village access walk.  Finish at the Hall for afternoon tea at 3.30pm.  June Brewster offered to do the teas.  Sparks and Jan P offered to make cakes.

Visit to Kilver Court, Saturday 10 May.  Meet there at 2.30pm.  Members to make their own arrangements to share transport.

Group Social, Saturday 21 June.  To be hosted at Leigh on Mendip Village Hall.  

Village Fair, Saturday 14 June.  WI running the Produce & Cake Stall – jams, pickles, cakes, etc.  There will be a Barn Dance in the evening.  Val has a rota for helpers.  Please sign up.

Wells Cathedral Visit, 25 July.  Members please sign if interested in going.  Morning tour by Liz Robinson and in the afternoon a High Tour.

Correspondence:  

National Raffle Tickets, £1 each.

County 200 Club.  Agreed by all members to purchase a £5 ticket.  Individuals can also buy a ticket.

Bulb Catalogues available.  Orders by June.

Lady Denman competition – write a poem on ‘What my WI means to me’.

Information on Bee Friendly plants and posters.

Awareness of scam e-mails and dangers of chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic bottles.

Poster for WIs to encourage support of local shops.

Information on Organ Donation.

Treasurer’s Report:  £850.97 in the Bank and £197.73 Petty Cash.  Subscriptions have been paid over to County and National.  The Committee suggested that the £75 Bursary be split between Ann and Sue V (Sparks has recently received a bursary) for their Denman College visit in the Autumn.  Members agreed.

May Meeting:   AGM.  Please would all members consider joining the Committee.  Sparks may be moving away and a new President will then be required.  Agreed to hold a Bring & Buy for Denman. The Resolution discussion will be on Organ Donation.  Ending with a social and refreshments by the Committee.

Birthdays:​The Queen in April

AOB:  

Sparks attended a Conference in Exeter which was presented by the people from National.

Members were asked if anyone was willing to take on sending cards to members who are unwell – due to the current absence of Jan Horn.  No-one volunteered.

Flower Arranging Evening in Evercreech on Friday 13 June.

Children’s Society Coffee Morning on Saturday 26 April in the Village.

Sparks then introduced 3 ladies from Somer Craft Addix.  Members had great fun in making beautiful greetings cards using the Iris Folding technique.