For the second year running, our Middlesex Federation Annual Council Meeting was held online, following a poll of our members. It was disappointing for us in our centenary year, but our members’ wellbeing is always our highest priority. In addition, we were thrilled to have several guests from NFWI and other Federations, something meeting online allows us to do with such ease: it was lovely to see you all!
Middlesex Chair Lorraine Reed-Wenman welcomed Zoom attendees and spoke of the challenges of the past year, while Treasurer Sarah Endersby presented the Financial Report and Anna East reported on the year in Public Affairs.
We were thrilled to have two excellent and engaging guest speakers. Newly-elected NFWI Chair Ann Jones. Ann, a dual member of Llanddewi Brefi and Tregaron WIs, Ceredigion Federation. Ann, who grew up in a Welsh speaking household, reminded us that the NFWI brings together the women of England and Wales. I think we were all impressed with her warmth and welcome and look forward to her term as Chair.
Our principle speaker was Dr Katy Willis, a general practitioner and Ambassador for charity Hope for Justice, an international charity which exists to bring an end to modern slavery by preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives, and reforming society. Katy provided an excellent summary of the issue, which was adopted as a WI resolution in 2020, reminding us of the various types of slavery, and how we can identify potential cases in our communities.
Thank you to everyone who attended: we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
Our in-person Centenary ACM is now planned for March 2022 to round off our Centenary year, and we’re all certainly very much looking forward to it!
