Record of Meeting 14 June 2021

 

Leigh on Mendip WI “Virtual” Meeting – Monday 14 June 2021 at 7.30pm, online via “Zoom”

All members had been invited to join this meeting – although we do appreciate that not everyone has the access to enable them to do so.     11 members took part.

Apologies:    SV, JC, ZL

Speaker: 

Mary introduced us to our Speaker, John Burgess, who showed us some lovely photos covering many areas of "Beautiful Somerset".  He grew up in Bicknoller and has had a life-long love of the local countryside.  He has also written 3 guide books covering Somerset, Devon & Cornwall.  We travelled in the photos from the open spaces of the Quantock Hills and Exmoor to the more built-up areas of Bath and Wells and also to the ancient Abbey at Glastonbury.  We saw ponies, herds of deer, a murmuration of starlings and steam trains plus samples of local cheese and cider.

Record of last meeting held on 10 May:

These were agreed and MM will sign as a true record.  Mary has now had access to the Books and has signed all previous monthly Records and Committee Meeting Minutes (which had already been agreed by members).

Report from MM:  

Today’s Government announcement means current restrictions are still in place – so no large indoor WI meetings will take place before the next update wef 19 July.

Matters arising/feedback:

10 May speaker Marian Dale – members had enjoyed her talk on plants and learnt some interesting facts.

28 May Social – 7 ladies had a good chat around a variety of May Celebration topics and much more.  See the Blog.

Meet Ups.  We have managed another 4 since our May meeting with 21 ladies in total.  Plus our long-awaited picnic on Monday 7 June, with 22 present.  Unanimous it had been a brilliant event and would like to repeat it in July, especially as unable to use the Hall.

Speaker Previews.  Mary watched some on Zoom last week and there are several possible speakers for 2022.

National AGM.  Mary watched the Live Stream AGM.  There was the normal business session and 3 main speakers:-Sophie, Countess of Wessex;  Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dix;  Baroness Hale.  All three delivered inspiring speeches covering strong women and empowerment, the need for more diversity in all areas of public life and the issue of domestic violence.  Discussion took place on the Resolution, 'a call to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer', and voting will close on 9 July.  Mary will send round information to members before our Zoom meeting on 28 June when we will have the opportunity to discuss this further before placing our votes.                         MM

Forthcoming events:

Monday 28^th June 7.30pm, Zoom Resolution discussion and social.

Tai Chi group has resumed and some new interest.

Monday 12 July – Zoom meeting with speaker Wafaa Powell on 'Food Facts and Fibs'.

July Picnic on the Rec.  Date to be confirmed and members to be informed.                                                                 MM

Monday 9 August - Emma Britton on 'From Radio Shows to Funerals & Weddings'. Zoom or Hall – tbc closer to the date.

County News:

Hauser & Wirth visit 25^th Aug.   Shoebox appeal for YMCAs – collect by November, members agreed to do this again.  County meeting – Yeovil Sat 6^th November.

Birthdays:   HT, JB & PW.

Treasurer’s report:  National and County Subs still to be paid over.  Will present our financial position after this.  Sue Dunford is taking over from Caroline Harris.  Bank signatories currently being finalised.  Some cheques CH had posted to the bank went missing and those concerned have been contacted and new cheques obtained.

AOB:

“WI lunch” in the Bell. At present could only include 6 – suggest for time being anyone interested contact other members to join them, maybe quieter earlier in the week.  MM prefers this to be informal.

Village Fun Day Saturday 21^st August – request for us to run the tea/coffee stall. Need 2-3 people per hour – volunteers please.  Smaller event than previous Fairs.  We will source ingredients and cups.  MM made note of those interested in helping.  JC to check at Thursday meeting if this event is open to non-residents who belong to a village organisation.

Mon 5 July is NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers' Day.  MM will promote to members and suggest meeting on the Rec at 4pm for a BYO tea.  More information on https://www.nhsfrontlineday.org/ .

 

 

Signed: ____________________________________                Date:     ______________________