Minutes
Highfield WI May members’ meeting 2019
Monday 20th May 2019
22 members joined us for our AGM. On arrival members signed in, bought raffle tickets and started to fill in the Feedback sheets at their tables.
Julia welcomed everyone before Cath gave out the usual monthly notices; she asked for a couple more members for the HamWIc General Knowledge Quiz, reminded all that Southampton in Bloom application forms were on the Info table along with New Forest Show details. She also asked for a couple of washer-uppers. Then members were asked to consider their voting preferences for the 2 top 2019 Resolutions. There was some discussion around this but in conclusion members chose to vote for both Resolutions; ‘A call against the decline in local bus services’ & ‘Don’t fear the smear’. This result will be forwarded to our Link Rep to take to the AGM in June. Julia then gave members details of upcoming HamWIc events and an update on the Refuge make-over. The ‘Kids Out’ charity have provided funds to buy astro-turf, decking, loungers, table/chairs etc for the Refuge, which Clare & Julia saw last week when delivering the first of our donated planters. They were very impressed with the transformation. Members to deliver their pots to Clare or Julia over the coming weeks.
Cath then explained that Angie was not able to attend this evening but that she had forwarded her usual slides to cover the financial requirements of the AGM, and Liz – who was ably manning the IT desk in Clare’s absence – was able to read notes Angie had provided to explain the slides. Cath requested adoption of the Financial statement, Liz seconded the adoption and Julia asked for a show of hands, which was given. The committee answered a couple of questions regarding the finances. Hard copies of the statement will be made available at our June meeting.
Cath then presented the Committee’s Annual Report, covering the usual round-up of meetings/activities. This was followed by the President’s Address: Julia thanked her Officers who are still all in post after 8 years and gave her fellow joint President’s apologies as Clare is away with family in Ireland. She thanked other committee members; Maureen, Laila, Liz & Helen Simonds plus all members new and old. She finished by looking forward to another successful year of ‘Women in Common’ and proposing adoption of the Annual Report with a show of hands, which was given.
Having already been asked to consider in previous weeks, Cath asked members if anyone wished to propose themselves or anyone else for the Office of President/Joint President – no response. Therefore, Cath proposed Clare/Julia remain in office for another year, Clare Price seconded this. Julia finished by asking for some new committee members.
This concluded the business part of the AGM for 2019. Special thanks to Liz for stepping in to manage the powerpoint presentation and for covering off the main points of the Treasurer’s Report in Clare & Angie’s absence.
Attention then turned to Clare Price as she explained the Committee Cup entry she would like us to put forward for the 2019 New Forest Show; the theme for this category is ‘May Day or May Pole celebration’ WI Tent. This entry is voted for by the public; and is a group effort. She showed members our 2 previous entries. Members got to work creating their own May Pole ladies with Clare’s help during the ‘social’ part of the evening, as well as enjoying cheese and wine provided by the committee.
Helen Simmonds & Sarah Mumby won the raffle prizes. £38 was collected. The evening came to a close at 10pm.
