The April meeting of East Markham WI marked the start of the WI year, with memberships renewed and new members and visitors welcomed. It proved a busy evening for the treasurer, who processed 35 renewals and enrolled five new members. WI business included discussion of future County-arranged events, advance notice of the Annual Meeting in May, committee nominations and the Poppy Project.
President Alena announced that, being on holiday at the time of the Annual Meeting, she would deliver her President’s Address that evening. In a brief speech, she reflected on the Institute’s successes over the past year, expressed her gratitude to the committee and members for their support and friendship, and confirmed her intention to stand for the new committee.
Alena then introduced Eddie and Verity from the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, who delivered an illustrated talk on the history and work of the organisation, which is funded solely by donations from business and the public, receiving no government or NHS subsidy. It costs in the region of £13 million a year to operate the service. Based at its own specialist facility opposite RAF Waddington, the service operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, covering Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The proceeds of the raffle, together with a donation in lieu of a speaker fee, were presented to Verity and Eddie to assist the continuing work of this vital organisation.
At the Annual Meeting on Tuesday 20th May, reports for the previous year were received and the audited accounts approved by members. County officials Jane Jefferson and Chris Bacon oversaw the election of the committee and President. Presentations were made to the retiring committee members and to the County officials. WI business then covered future events, with sign-up boards made available. After refreshments, members enjoyed games of Bingo.
Upcoming events
- Tuesday 17th June: Recycling is the topic for the evening, when a representative from Veolia will explain what may and may not be placed in the blue bin – and why. A visit to the recycling centre at Mansfield has been arranged to follow this talk.
- July: Rosemary Pike will speak on The Magic of Stained Glass.
- August: Poppies will be the theme, with members preparing work for display at the War Memorial in time for Remembrance Sunday in November.
Visitors (£6.00) and new members are always welcome at the monthly meetings. For more information, contact 07971 231883 or 07802 225999.