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.