The weather has been a little bizarre, but it’s been nice to sit outside in my garden for lunch on a couple of days, despite unpredictable weather; it has been much appreciated to get away from the screen. It has also given many an opportunity to get out and see people outside without hiding under all the hats and scarves.
It was lovely to see some of you for our first Centenary Afternoon Tea—albeit via Zoom, and even nicer to see more than two Zoom screens of members. As you can see on my photo here, we were joined by our three roving members: Millie, Mollie & Mandy. The trio will be following me around throughout the year to attend any events that they we might be invited to. And…. yes, it was tea in my cup although was soon replaced by bubbly and muffins (I had already eaten the sandwiches!).
I am looking forward to some real face-to-face afternoon teas in the coming year though—it is not the same when you have to be your own waitress!
Getting back to ‘normal’ will be such a bonus for everyone. However, we are in the hands of our own personal health and family circumstances and of course, government guidelines. We must continue to take care of ourselves and others around us, so if that means we take longer to get back to ‘normal’ then so be it, but we can see a glimmer of light, so ever hopeful. My glass is always half full!
At the time of writing, I have no idea what is going to happen but we all now have the security of the new CIO Constitution (3a) that was adopted at the end of March at the Special General Meeting. It enables us to be flexible and conform to the charity commission legalities accommodating online meetings as the emergency legislation stopped at the end of March. What this means is there are options going forward to help all WIs as well as us as a Federation.
Keep smiling and take care.
Lorraine