MFWI News

At our Annual Meeting for 2021, evenly spaced chairs were quickly filled with WI members. Sarah Wilson from the Federation sitting at the top table with Secretary Shirley Keefe, and Treasurer Rose Watson. There was no President as Ann Bennett had stepped down. Our second meeting since March 2020 brought lots of conversation and unsettled thoughts about the future of Southbourne. Minutes & business were read, then Sarah took the floor.

Who will stand for President?

Silence.

No President, no Southbourne.

Silence.

What a shame; you have such a lively & interesting WI.

Silence.

You know that Southbourne will close, tonight.

Silence.

Not a sound; not a murmur.

Then… a voice.

I will do it.

Everyone applauded. Barbara Betterton had agreed to stand as President for Southbourne WI. Time for a well deserved cup of tea and congratulations rained on Barbara for taking the chair.

Southbourne survives!

And aren’t they sweet? Pictured, knitted Christmas puddings containing a Tunnock’s Teacake, made by Barbara Betterton.

 

There was a good turnout for our Annual Meeting on 23 November this year and members heard Secretary Val Griffiths and Treasurer Anne Furst deliver their reports from this unusual year.

Helen Hurst was re-elected as President and reflected on the past year as well as looking forward to a busy year ahead. Members brought items for a bring and buy sale and the evening closed with a lively game of bingo and a raffle.

West Drayton WI Members are thinking of Christmas.

After the AGM and all the official tasks were completed, we started on making our Christmas rag wreaths.

Elizabeth handed out green, red, silver and gold strips of material and a frame to work on. For those of us new to this craft Elizabeth gave us help to achieve this. A very enjoyable and productive time was had by all!

 

Harlington WI held its AGM. Thank you to Carol Sullivan, WI Advisor, for giving your time and expertise to our relatively small group of 22. As in many WIs, many members play an active role, taking on programme planning, raffles, competitions, tea rotas, social secretary, photographer, guest minding and birthday card making. We initiated joint roles for President and Treasurer in April and have continued with this model. As well as our AGM, we fitted in our raffle, competition, delicious tea and cakes and a Beetle Drive.

We commemorated Armistice Day with our poppy-adorned post box! We were joined by the Worshipful Deputy Mayor of Hillingdon, Reverend Mike Talbot and MFWI Chair and Lorraine Reed-Wenman. The speech by the Deputy Mayor, reminded us all of the value of each person’s contribution to each other and we concluded our ceremony with Jerusalem, then adjourned to our local hostelry for very nice refreshments.

Special credit to master cake maker Jan, who gave our guests a beautiful Victoria Sponge cake, and huge thanks to our Secretary Sarah, brainchild of the event and whose energy and vision enabled a special day.

Stanwell WI held its belated birthday party on Tuesday 5 October.

 

A very tasty three course meal was served, and our entertainment was provided by Glen Barnes who kept us on the dance floor, throwing some shapes. With a little help even 97 year old Hester took to the dance floor.

An enjoyable evening was had by all.

October marked the 86th birthday of Laleham WI and as, no celebrations were possible for last year’s birthday, we made sure this year was marked in style.

Members enjoyed a lovely main course prepared by Anne Furst, our Treasurer, along with tasty puddings and wine.

We were entertained by a lovely singer who delivered a varied repertoire covering opera and show tunes.

A really good evening was had by all.