March 2025 Newsletter
Report to members
Being the AGM, there was no speaker as such but the MP for this constituency, Helen Whately
attended the first part of the meeting as a guest and agreed to take questions from members.
She expressed an interest in local issues and how she saw housing development as the key
issue.
Business Part of Meeting The Annual General Meeting
The President started the meeting with a number of reminders:-
● Fire doors must be kept free – pl do not block them by parking outside one of them.
There are notices there which should be adhered to.
● Could members please refrain from talking when others are addressing the
meeting including the speaker so that all members can hear properly
● Members should not allow any obstacles to be on the floor so that there are no trip
hazards. Walking aids, coats and bags should either be hung up or pushed under a
chair and no one should be in the kitchen except those allocated to do so on the night.
● The MCS which is a requirement of the WI needs to be kept up to date so if there are
any changes to your personal information pl inform Barbara
● Reminder to check email for EK News and if not receiving these or the WI Life magazine
to let the secretary know.
The Minutes of the last meeting were signed off as an accurate record.
Matters Arising
The result of the Resolution vote was the Margate initiative “bystanders can be life savers”
which received 36% of the vote. The President informed the meeting that a webinar was
available on 22nd April to discuss the resolutions. In addition the consultation to inform the WI
what its members want is due to end soon so please access asap if you have a view to put
forward.
AGM procedures
President’s Report
The President asked if there were any self-nominations for committee membership, there were
none therefore the committee was re-elected en-masse. They are: Angela Coleman, Dilys
Norris, Karen Tottle, Jen Harper, Sophia Smith, Claire Wood, Sam Pink, Denise Gee and
Tracey Gooding. It was noted that Marcelle is standing down as Secretary; the President along
with the members thanked Marcelle for her commitment and all her hard work during her time
as Secretary. Angela thanked the Treasurer, Dilys and all other committee members especially
Barbara for her work in keeping the MCS updated and Mandy for her work on the club’s
website.
Angela reminded members that subs this year are £51 – and are payable from now. If you wish
to pay by cheque or cash you can pass this on to Dilys and if you want to pay by BACs , please
transfer the money into the account held by Milstead with Frinsted WI; sort code 09-01-51;
account number 10429303 – and please remember to tick the box to identify it as a
business.
Angela was pleased to report that membership numbers are good. Angela has completed her
training as a WI Advisor and indoin so,can see how the WI works so hard to ensure that women
have a voice. And as a WI Trustee for the East Kent Federation, she works hard alongside
others to promote the WI across the county. The National Federation has completed a
Constitutional Review , looking to move the WI onwards and upwards for its members. She
reiterated that the more you get involved, the more you get out of the WI.
Barbara was pleased to report that the club had won a price in the 200 club – £17
Claire suggested two films might be popular with members both at The Light Cinema S/bourne
Weds 2 April – Billy Elliot and / or Six on 8 April
Jen will be selling the National WI raffle tickets at next meeting
Finally as an addendum, the President thanked members for their on-going support in donating
dental items or children underwear items to those in need. She praised this effort and advised
that these donations could be made at any time.
Please note, that, disappointingly, the ‘Let’s Dance’ Initiative was cancelled due to lack of
interest – only 4 members had registered to partake.
Sophia reminded members that the suggestion box work she has been doing is ‘open’ and
members were engaging in swapping recipes, seeds, CDs and books. Please share any other
ideas with her
The President sent best wishes to two of our members presently not well enough to attend –
Linda and Alison
Thank you to the hostesses, Pauline, Dilys and Jen.
Next month’s hostesses: Marcelle and Donna.
Treasurer’s Report
Dilys shared the club’s accounts – showing £2019 in the bank – an increase of £644 on this time
last year. The new budget for 25-26 is being prepared and will be shared when completed. It
was agreed to use the same audit examiners as this year.
Committee Report
Marcelle reported on the packed schedule that this past year has seen – on the varied and
interesting speakers, on the fund raising events, on the collections made, and on the outings
and trips organised concluding that this is a thriving, lively and enjoyable WI.
In conclusion, Angela was proposed and voted in as President
Next month’s meeting on 3rd April –Jon Patch will be talking about the Mercy ships.
Words by Claire Wood