Hi everyone
Are you all well?
I am happy as I have seen a few members of my family for the first time in over a year, but I am also sad that we are in the fourth month of our centenary year and yet have not been able to have any of the planned Spring/Summer celebratory events that would have brought many of us together.
I was hoping that my last year in office as Chair would be a memorable, celebratory one for us all, but it is not to be, and I must accept that. We do have time though (until the end of March 2022) to have some fun, so let’s hope it will/can happen. In the meantime, as you can see from the photo, I’m prepped for outdoor gatherings in all sorts of changeable weather!
We do have our Annual Council Meeting on 22nd July at 10:30 where normally each WI would be galvanising their members to attend where possible, promoting, purchasing tickets, booking transport, and preparing to meet up with some old friends. Sadly, this year, the meeting will be online again which we understand restricts some of you from attending.
Maybe this is an opportunity to meet up in a small group where at least one person has internet access, and join us that way (if the government restrictions allow us to do so)? See below for the booking link.
If you cannot register yourself, one person is able to register a group so can do it for you. We are lucky to have the new NFWI Chair, Ann Jones joining us and also Dr Katy Willis, an Ambassador for Hope For Justice talking on Modern Slavery. The meeting will be no more than three hours so with no travel involved it is the ideal opportunity to have a cuppa and catch up with friends either face to face or online. It is also at no cost to yourselves as attendance is free for all.
With my Climate Ambassador’s hat on, I did some litter picking which is to become a monthly event if I get the time to do so. It is surprising what people leave behind, particularly in a picnic type area and despite the number of bins around, they are usually full. I found a child’s scooter with a broken wheel and a whole bag of disposable picnic items that had not been used! It always amazes me how people are happy to take bags and boxes to a picnic but do not like to take it home – why?
The Board of Trustees and Membership would love to join you at meetings or events that you take part in once we are allowed to do so. Remember, unless Federation officiates at an AGM, we do not get to see your members unless we are invited to visit you (diaries permitting of course).
As ever, my door is still open to all. We are coming out of the various lockdown phases, please do so carefully, keep safe and stay well.
Lorraine x