Record of Our June Meeting

Leigh on Mendip WI Meeting:  Monday 9 June 2014 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall

Welcome and Apologies:  Welcome to everyone.  Apologies from Barbara, Sue Rodford, Mary, Shelagh.

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

Matters Arising:  

Bath & West Show.  Caroline & Sparks had attended this event.  They had a great time.  The event was oversubscribed with volunteers.  If interested for next year get your name down early.

Lunch – 6 June.  Held at The Bell.  Those who went enjoyed themselves.  Next lunch Friday 4 July.

AGM Leeds.  Sparks attended and will update photos and more info on the Blog.  They stopped at Tamworth Arboretum, the UK's Centre of Remembrance.  All the speakers were interesting and entertaining on subjects from The Protection of Rural England, Rainforests and Bees.  Next year it will be possible for the AGM to be streamed live from the Albert Hall to individual WIs in their own venues.  Sparks encouraged members to consider this option.  Denman College are doing well financially – they have broken even and the future looks good.  Sparks will attend local meetings at Cranmore, Nunney and Shepton to pass on the news.

County News:  

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

SCFWI Annual Meeting – 25 October. Guest speaker Michael Portillo.

Alice in WI Land  – new date at Evercreech is 20 September.

Chairman’s Challenge – agreed we want to do YMCA Christmas shoe boxes for a BOY.  Note boxes have to be handed in at the AGM in Yeovil by 25 October 2014 (Mon 13 October is our Institute meeting before that date).

Leigh on Mendip ‘mention’ – Women Walk the World and photo of the 10th birthday celebration of the Community coffee morning.

Sports & Leisure (page 7) – Clay pigeon shooting, Croquet & Short mat bowls.

Fashion Show (back page) – Oake Manor Golf Club, 25 September.  Should be a very good evening.

Forthcoming Events

Fete – Hook A Duck.  Sue & Tom Rodford running it on their own all afternoon.  Asked for helpers.  Marguerite volunteered to do 2-3pm.  Cakes – please make cakes and deliver to Val’s house, preferably by 6.00pm on Friday evening when Sparks, Margaret & Val will be pricing up.  Please don’t forget to return raffle tickets and come to the Barn Dance.

‘Thank You’ to Val – a small gift was presented to Val for her work on the Committee and also as Fete Rep over the years.

Peace Tea – Sat 21 June, from 3pm.  The Committee have volunteered to set up from 1.45pm.  Jan P has offered to bring a flower arrangements.  Ann and Sue V to lead on the teas.  June B, Hazel and Liz for washing up and members generally to help clear away.  Caroline will greet people on arrival (Sparks apologised for her absence).  Entertainment first then the tea.  Suggested to dress according to ‘Downton Abbey’ (either upstairs or downstairs) for the period of the First World War.  Sue R has kindly offered to make the sandwiches (our Institute’s food contribution), napkins, milk and bunting.  Cost to our Institute members - £2.50 (which includes 50p towards the cost of the sandwiches).  Please pay on the afternoon.

Wells Cathedral (Friday 25 July) – Morning tour only, followed by optional lunch.  Cost £6/£4.  Tour starts at 10.30, leave Leigh on Mendip approx.. 9.45am.  Final names please by July meeting.

Correspondence:  

Short mat bowls competition and a Skittle tournament.

Diaries (£3.70) and Calendars (£3).  Please give in your orders as soon as possible.

New course brochure for Denman available.

Schedules are out for Frome Cheese Show.

Courses in Taunton on lampshade making, etc.

Treasurer’s Report:  £748.57 in the Bank and £7.76 Petty Cash.  Includes £30 held for the Community coffee morning.

July Meeting:  

Speaker – Josie Pownall on ‘Military Uniforms’.  VOT – Sue R.  Teas Sue V and Jan P.

Birthdays:

Mary and Jane 1 June, Liz 2nd, June B 12th.  Liz was given a card for her ‘special’ year.

AOB:  

June B very grateful for all the toothbrushes and toothpaste donated.  This is being organised from the local doctors’ surgery to be taken out to Kenya.

Sparks then introduced Stephen Clews from the Museum in Bath who gave us a talk and slides on the ‘Romans in Somerset’.