Record of November Meeting

Leigh on Mendip WI Meeting:  Monday 10 November 2014 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall

Welcome and Apologies:  Welcome to everyone, especially to Saiyada Fazal.  Apologies from Marguerite, Jane and Paula.  

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

Matters Arising: 

None

Feedback

Annual Meeting in Yeovil.  A very good meeting and enjoyed by all those who went.  Michael Portillo is an excellent speaker.  In the afternoon a nurse who works with organ donors and their families in the south west gave a very telling and emotional insight. Also heard from the founder of a charity which supports women who have reconstructive surgery following breast cancer.  A County speaker talked about support from WI members around the country for flood victims in the South West.

Quiz.  We entered 2 teams in the Village Quiz and had a fun evening.

The November Lunch.  This was held at the Bell again and members who came enjoyed their food and the company.  A good chance to catch up on everyone’s news.

Christmas Meal.  Mary has negotiated 2 courses at £15.95 and 3 at £18.95.  Payment and choices tonight.

County News: 

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

Photographic Exhibition (p 2), Nativity Crib Festival – 6/7 Dec (p 3), NFWI News (p 6) and Public Affairs & International Committee (p 7) – in addition Sparks has added to our Blog information on how the WI and Friends of the Earth helped change the Government’s mind on action to save the bees.

Forthcoming Events

Community Coffee Morning – Monday 17 November.

Carol Service in Nunney – Friday 5 December.  Members were asked if they were willing to do a reading.  No volunteers.  Those going Barbara, Sue V, Caroline, Marguerite.  Suggested to have our monthly lunch at the George in Nunney and that it would be advisable for someone attending to make a booking.

Wells Outing – Saturday 6 December.  Sue R will book a slot at 2.30pm  Those going may wish to combine with the Nativity Crib Festival at St Cuthberts.  Payment tonight please.

WI 66^th Birthday Party – Friday 30 January.  A fun Bingo evening with a professional Caller (Frank) in the Hall has been arranged.  Members to ask friends and family to come.  There will be a small admission charge.  Members also asked to donate a small Bingo prize or some cakes/nibbles.  Please sign up on the form. 

Village Fair.  June and Hazel recently attended the first meeting.  June reported that the WI has offered to run the Cakes/Produce Stall again.  Suggested a fun ‘Strictly Dancing’ event in the evening instead of the Barn Dance.  There could be a number of people to give demonstrations of various types of dancing.  There were mixed views on this choice and members were asked to consider this option.  June will report back again after the next Fair meeting.

Correspondence: 

Mary reported that our Institute will not be attending the National AGM at the Albert Hall.  We are linked with other local WIs. 

There is a new list of speakers.

Treasurer’s Report:  £743.62 in the Bank, £11.95 Petty Cash.  The Hall Rent has been paid for 2015.  Subscriptions payable in January will be £36.

Birthdays:

Shelagh tomorrow (who was given a card for her ‘special’ day).  Sue R on 25^th.

December Meeting:

Talk by ‘Hyacinth Bucket’ on the etiquette of dressing our Christmas table and how to fold elegant napkins.    Refreshments – June B/Hazel.

AOB: 

Programme 2015.  Please would members sign up for Teas and VOT.  Any blanks will then be filled in.

Denman College Visit.  Sue V, Ann and Sparks had a really good time following their different activities at their recent weekend at Denman.

Craft Sale – Denman, 28/29 November.  Anyone interested in going to contact other members.

Giving Christmas cards to WI members.  A suggestion was made that instead of members exchanging cards they could make a donation to Charity.  It was agreed this is a good idea and with the current Ebola outbreak individuals could make their own donation to DEC.

Church Christmas Fair – Friday 5 December.  Please attend and also any donations for Tombola, Cakes and Raffle would be gratefully received.

Café Connect – at the Frome Medical Practice on the second Thursday every month at 10am offers support for people and families coping with Dementia.

Members were asked to remember Yvonne and her husband Graham, who is seriously ill in hospital.

Sparks then introduced Kevin Knowles who gave an informative talk on his experiences as a Bee Keeper.

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