The April meeting of Bognor Regis WI got under way with a warm welcome extended by Dinah Barrand to members (including one new member) and visitors. Thanks were also given to all those members who had brought items for the BRWI charity Stonepillow.  The table groaned with donations and these will be taken to Stonepillow by Kat

 

Jan Marsden gave a short eulogy on the death of Hazel Tester who, as a member of the WSFWI Board of Trustees and WI Advisor, was well known throughout the county.  Jan spoke of the pivotal role Hazel had played in the setting up of BRWI and her passion and tireless work on behalf of the WI movement.  She will be much missed.  A minute’s silence was held.

The planned format of the meeting had had to be altered due to the absence of Sue Harris, so the ‘Desert Island Discs’ interlude has been postponed until July.  But what better way to fill a gap than a Beetle Drive – and what a fast and furious game it was!  Members and visitors enjoyed a hectic and hilarious set of games, success seeming to hinge on the speed of the dice shake.  This must have been a skill honed at committee meetings as the overall winner was Chris Hutchins with Katie Lyne hot on her heels as runner up.

After refreshments – with delicious cake – the business section of the meeting took place. At the March meeting, alstromerias from Ben’s nursery had been sold resulting in a £9 donation for BRWI and this will be deducted from the flowers that will be bought to sell at Hotham Park Country Fair.

Two invitations from other WIs had been received and members were invited to attend a quiz being held by Aldwick Revival WI and a celebration of the centenary of the end of the First World War being hosted by Sidlesham WI.

Bulb catalogues were available with part of the proceeds helping the funds of WSFWI, an ‘Afternoon Tea with Sylvia’ is scheduled for July and the opportunity to buy tickets for Calendar Girls at the Mayflower Theatre at the beginning of next year was on offer.

As the May meeting is the Resolution meeting, volunteers are being sought to speak both for and against the Resolution which this year is Mental Health Matters; ‘Mental health matters as much as physical health. The NFWI urges all WI members to recognise the importance of parity between mental health and physical health, and take action to make it as acceptable to talk about mental health issues as much as physical health issues, and to lobby government for better support for mental illness’.

Thanks were offered by Dinah to all members of the sub-groups active in BRWI; there are sub-groups covering a diverse range of interests and these do rely on the hard work and commitment of the leaders. Similarly, gratitude was expressed to the wonderful rota of bakers who provide delicious cakes for the meeting, but more are needed so members were invited to sign up!

Although it seems early, the committee are already considering the programme for 2019, taking inspiration from the activities and subjects that members have identified as being of interest.  Katie appealed for any interested members to be part of this process.

There was a wonderful piece of member news from Treasurer Celia who informed the meeting of the birth on 5^thApril of grandson Luca Arthur weighing in at 7lb 15oz.

Congratulations!

 

The competition of ‘My Ten Emergency Items’ attracted five entries, two of which centred on a poetic reflection of what was required, one a very well thought out flow chart and the final two entrants both brought their emergency items along. Rather telling that both featured gin!

The winner was Karen McCreedy with Annie Smith taking second place and Gina in third. Next month’s competition with be ‘Make a VE day flag’ and Gina invited members to be creative – crochet, knitting, sewing, drawing – whatever.

The meeting ended with Katie outlining the protocols for the swishing event to be held at May’s meeting and Dinah wishing all members and visitors a safe journey home.

Words: Gina

Photos: Dinah, Katie and Kate