Every year each WI produces an annual report, recording what has happened within the WI during the previous year. Our first annual report is shown below:
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BOGNOR REGIS WI First ANNUAL REPORT October 2009 – October 2010
Meetings
The first meeting of Bognor Regis WI was on 2nd October 2009. Meetings have continued once a month (except August), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., at The Hub, Canada Grove. The regular meeting day changed in April from 1st Tuesday to the 2nd Tuesday each month.
Our programme has included social, craft and informative activities, as well as opportunities to develop our meetings.
Our WI Advisers set us off by telling us what the WI is about. The Festive season heralded our first social event which was packed with a quiz and food. January’s meeting was thwarted by snowbound members and it’s speaker who had to turn back when blizzard conditions prevented him reaching us. Other meetings continued as planned. Our speakers have given us a commentary on social history, adventure, and our local community. They have included a history of postcards, being a local newspaper editor and a dive to the Titanic. Our artistic and craft skills were drawn out following a demonstration on bead work and paper collage work. Our knowledge has been tested and proven by two quizzes. Our “Swishing” – clothes swap – evening supported the work of National Federation of WI’s by recycling clothes.
At meetings members have been informed about National and County activities and campaigns, as well as our own programme of events and activities. Information from the West Sussex News has been shared regularly.
There is a bring and buy stall at each meeting.
Membership
There are 40 members. On average 21 members have attended each meeting and there has been on average 9 visitors at each meeting. The interest in our WI and it’s membership has grown steadily throughout the year.
Committee
There are 7 committee members. The Secretary resigned in March. A new Secretary was appointed and two members were co-opted onto the committee. The committee have met 11 times.
Member contribution
In addition to the work of the committee members, other members have helped with their ideas, willingness, fundraising and constructive comments. Sharing the tasks such as refreshments, reception, producing our own newsletter, making member badges, designing quizzes, providing envelopes, printing documents and organising activities has contributed to running or our WI – all talken on non-committee members.
Activity groups
Craft Group has met 5 times and 24 members are signed up. The group is for all abilities which includes beginners. It focussed its initial work on producing particular items to sell, such as felt brooches, knitted phone covers and decorated material hearts. Skills such as crochet and card making have been shared by members. A Pottery class was undertaken at the Rose Green Art Centre.
Book Group has met 3 times and has 11 members, which is its maximum number. It has reviewed 3 books. Members choose the books they want to review and there is no shortage of talking at their meetings.
Walk Group (under the Arun Healthy Walks Scheme) has completed 7 Summer Evening walks and ended with a Pub Meal in August. The Autumn Walks has started its programme of 6 walks. 17 members and some visitors have taken part in the walks. Walks range from 3 to 5 miles along footpaths in rural and coastal areas.
Cinema Group went to two films. It introduced members to films they may not have gone to without the WI.
West Sussex WI Federation activities
Our president has attended a County meeting for WI presidents.
Our Treasurer and President completed the training for Treasurers.
One member attended the Resolution meeting about the Labelling campaign.
Four members went to the Reaching Women’s event which focussed on women in under developed countries.
1 member took the day course on machine embroidery.
8 members joined in the Skittles competition.
2 members went to hear Linda Bellingham speak.
12 members visited the North Lodge the West Sussex Federation in Chichester.
We had two teams of 4 in the County Quiz and took 1st and 2nd prize.
15 members went to the Arun Recyling centre.
22 members and guests are booked to go the Fontwell Races.
2 members are going to the Annual Council meeting.
3 members have completed the Food Hygiene course.
Other activities Bognor Regis WI activities
Heritage Country Fair
Members made craft items which were sold at our own stall to boost our own funds at the Country Fair in Hotham Park on August 8th. This is a local event that raises funds for the development of Hotham Park . Many members took part by making things, organising the stall before and on the day: a sunny day that brought many members together and showed off our WI in the town.
Garden Party
Pimms, sandwiches and an array of cakes were the highlight of the Garden Party on August 22nd. Rain did not dampen the Bognor Regis WI spirit where the chatter drowned the noise of the clinking of Pimms glasses and the raindrops in the garden.
WI TRI
Over half of our members took part in the WI National Federation’s triathlon by taking part in swimming, cycling and walking. The competition aimed to involve as many members as possible and inspire members to take up healthy physical activity.
BOGNOR REGIS TOWN SHOW
2 members entered craft and cookery items in the Town Show.
Group Newsletter
There have been 4 editions of our WI’s newsletter, which is intended to keep members informed about the activities going on within our WI.
Other WI’s
Our WI was invited to 5 other WI – and 7 of our members took up the invitations.
Publicity
Bognor Regis Observer printed an article and photograph about us in March, which resulted in at least 25 calls from women interested in our WI.
A promotional leaflet about our WI is now available to give out to visitors or people interested in our WI. This was redesigned for the Hotham Park event and 50 copies were given out.
An article has been written to put on to the County WI website.
Our WI is publicised on the Inspire Leisure Arun Healthy Walks leaflet – as a contributor to Arun’s Walks Scheme.
Bognor Regis WI had an item in the County Federation’s News Magazine.
Forthcoming plans
Bognor Regis WI is looking forward to the Fontwell Race Day, West Sussex Federation Council meeting, a stained glass craftwork demonstration at our November meeting and our Festive Spectacular in December!
Jan Marsden – Bognor Regis WI Secretary
Bognor Regis Women's Institute 