Sadly, the increasing number of infections from the Omicron variant of Covid led to the cancellation of East Markham WI’s Christmas Party. However, the first meeting of 2022 went ahead with a smaller number attending than usual. Business covered the proposed resolutions for the National Annual Meeting in June, plans for the Birthday Dinner in March and a request for members to consider standing for the committee at the next Annual Meeting, which will be in June. Details of future county events were outlined with full details on the information table, which members were invited to visit and sign up for events of their choice.
The speaker for the evening was member Vicky Etherington, who gave a most interesting and informative talk on how she came to qualify as a dog groomer. She spoke about the equipment used and the ways dogs are groomed or clipped according to their breed, all illustrated by beautiful photographs of her ‘clients’. She also covered the health and welfare of dogs and the need to liaise with owners regarding the clipping and grooming of their dogs. Members’ questions were answered at length before Mary gave a vote of thanks and presented Vicky with a small gift in appreciation of her talk.
Curling was planned for February with members competing in teams. Not quite the Winter Olympics, but good fun. The March meeting will be the Birthday Dinner, celebrating 73 years of the WI in East Markham. This will be earlier than the normal meeting, with arrival at 6.15pm for serving at 6.30pm. Members will be welcomed with a drink and once seated a carvery meal will be served, followed by a choice of dessert, tea or coffee and chocolates. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by local vocalist Jessica Mary Brett. The Birthday Dinners for 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to Covid, so there is much to celebrate with a good party.
The programme for 2022-23, starting in April, is almost complete with a wide range of speakers and events, including something special to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. April is the start of the WI year when membership fees are due, this year the fee fixed by national is £44.00 for a guaranteed eleven meetings.
New members and visitors (fee £4.00) are always welcome; please email eastmarkhamsec@nottswi.org.uk or phone 01777 871567 for more information.