Meeting minutes 2020

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There was a meeting of the Love’s Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 17th January 2019 at the St Neots Football Club at 8pm.

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson who welcomed visitors and set out the agenda for the evening. 

We were joined by Jill Gibbs from the Community Fire and Rescue Centre at St Neots. 

There was a break for tea and the raffle.

President Update 

Nikki updated the meeting on:

• Reminding the meeting that membership fees are payable this month – payment by cheque or BACS – see Pat as treasurer for instructions
• Reminding the meeting that we would be voting on the resolutions this evening – report below
• Thanked Gill for the cake for the tea break and asked for volunteers for the refreshments rota for each meeting 
• Thanked the members and their guests for their efforts at the Christmas Fayre; confirming that the total raised for St Neots Acorns was £795.03.
• Confirmed the officers for the 2019 year being:

                     o President – Nikki Jackson

                     o Secretary – Jayne Evans 

                     o Treasurer – Pat Mulgrew 

                     o Committee – Janet Gomm, Lisa Grant, Gill Jackson, Jade Walch, Gemma Wells

• Commended the Federation News as a source of additional events in the area 
• Commended a copy of the new social engagement sheet to the members 
• Confirmed that the date of the Dec Fayre has been set for 1st Dec 2019
• Suggested to the meeting a novel of fundraising and upcycling – A Swap Shop at each meeting – where we bring three items to the evening and swap and pay a £1 for anything we want to take away.
• Resolutions 

                        Content                                                                                                               Vote 

Resolution 1 -  Improving plant security in the UK                                                               0

Resolution 2 - Trees- improving the natural landscape                                                       1

Resolution 3 - Pelvic floor education                                                                                       1

Resolution 4 - Suffering in silence; why we need to end the taboo around
                          menstrual health                                                                                               0

Resolution 5 - A call against the decline in local bus services                                           8

Resolution 6 - Don’t fear the smear                                                                                        9

• Federation Day is in April – Nikki and Gill are going to represent LFLWI – all welcome to join – tickets £14

Secretary Update

Jayne updated the meeting on:

• Checked that the members had received a copy of the last minutes and that they were a true record of the previous meeting.
• Checked that members had picked up a copy of the Federation Newsletter on the way in
• Commended to the members My WI 
• Put to the membership the suggestion of supporting two worth local charities this year – Stars – Supporting Young People Facing Grief and Strong for Sampson – carried by the meeting 
• Correspondence received:

                     o Availability of buying a car park pass for the Fed HQ in Huntingdon

                     o The Federation Produce and Craft Show in September 2019

                     o Premature baby hat knitting pattern for those crafty people interested in knitting for local 

                        baby units

Date of next meeting

Our next meeting is on Thursday 21st February at 8.00pm – Jane will be joining us to teach us sign language 

There was a meeting of the Loves Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 21 February 2019 at the St Neots Football Club at 8.00pm.

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson and Secretary Jayne Evans sent her apologies due to conflicting work commitments.  

Meeting Speaker

Jane Kennedy gave an interesting and informative demonstration on British Sign Language. 

Following the speaker there were refreshments and the raffle. 

Birthday Club

Phyllis distributed the birthday club chocolates and cards.

Update 

The President updated the meeting on:

- Reminder to pay the subs to Pat for the new membership year 

- Commending a copy of the new social engagement sheet with lots of new events for 2019

• Bowling on Thursday 28th Feb
• Brampton WI open meeting 2nd April – Djembe Drums 
• Visit to Hillings 6th April
• Afternoon tea at Poppys 13th April
• 70/80s night at Wyboston 10th May
• Christmas Fayre – date for diary 1st Dec
• 8th June – cake stall and another at the end of June date tbc

- In the absence of the Secretary 

• Checked that all had received a copy of the minutes form the last meeting 
• Advised that a letter of thanks had been received from Bill Fradin from St Neots Acorn Support Group thanking us for our additional donation 
• Advised of one piece of correspondence from National WI in respect of the National Board of Trustees
• Federation Day on 17th April – to be attended by Nikki and Gill – all welcome – tickets required at £14

- Update from the Federation Meeting held 29 Jan 19

• GDPR
• Appeal for new members for sub committees and Trustees at Federation in Huntingdon
• H&P Federation Denman weekend 24-26 July 2019
• Abbotts Ripon open day feedback
• Produce and Craft Show 14 September 2019

- Thanked the meeting for the successful upcycling/recycling exchange this month – if an item circulates unclaimed for three months then it will be recycled to the charity shop.

Date of next meeting 

Thursday 21 March 2019  at 8.00pm – in the GREGORY suite, when our speaker will be Ildiko Miklos who will be giving us a talk and a demonstration on Nia – a holistic fitness combining dance, martial arts and mindfulness.   

Loves Farm Ladies 

There was a meeting of the Loves Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 21st March 2019 at the St Neots Football Club at 8.00pm.

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson, who welcomed the visitors to the meeting.

Phyllis undertook the birthday club presentations for the month.   

There were two speakers for the evening; Lynnette Ellison from one of our chosen Charities for 2019 ‘Strong for Sampson’ to talk about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Ildiko Miklos who gave us a demonstration and interactive session of Nia. 

There was a break for coffee, cake and a raffle followed by our meeting business for the evening. 

President Update 

The President updated the meeting on:

• Encouraged the ladies to pick up a new social engagement sheet and sign up for anything they fancy 
• Remarked on how well the trip to the Eat 'n' Bowl had gone in Feb
• Reminded the ladies about Poppy’s afternoon tea on the 13th April and the 70/80’s night in Wyboston on 10th May – see Lisa re payment 
• Reminder that we had been invited to Brampton WI open meeting on 2nd April and St Mary’s WI on 3rd April
• Reminded the meeting about our planned trip to Hillings on 6th April 
• Commended the Upcycling Stall and set out a rule that if items don’t shift to a member by the 3rd meeting they will be recycled to the charity shop by one of the committee
• Website has been renewed for another year – lots of info at Lovesfarmladieswi.co.uk
• St Neots and District Group meeting Monday 24th June 2019 – an evening with Henry the Eighth – should be fun
• Jane Kennedy who gave the Sign Language talk last month advertised a sign language course in Cambourne Village College on 23 March 10-2.
• List of upcoming events in the Federation Magazine and the report from LFLWI meetings at the tail end of 2018 

Secretary Update 

The Secretary updated the meeting:

• The minutes of the meeting held in Feb 2019 were accepted as a true record. 
• Checked that members had picked up a copy of the latest H&P WI News on the way in
• Invitation from the Offords for their open meeting on 9th July 2019 – keep free in the diary
• Federation Produce and Craft Show 14 September – details of classes and entry arrangements in the Federation
• Not in my Name competition aiming to end violence against women 
• A call for input to the Walking Netball feedback process
• Speakers Forum at Fed HQ on 11th May 2019
• History Boys play in Peterborough Key Theatre 22-25 May 2019

Date of next meeting 

Thursday 18th April 2019 at 8.00pm where the speaker will be Anthea Moore giving us a demo of encaustic wax just before Easter.    

There was a meeting of the Loves Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 18 April 2019 at the St Neots Football Club at 8.00pm.

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson, who welcomed the visitors to the meeting.

There was a fascinating and original demonstration by Anthea Moore about the art medium of encaustic wax painting. 

There was a break for coffee, cake and a raffle followed by our meeting business for the evening. 

Phyllis undertook the birthday club presentations for the month; she was thanked by the President for organising this and new members were encouraged to join this bit of fun. 

President Update 

The President updated the meeting on:

• Encouraged the ladies to pick up a new social engagement sheet and sign up for anything they fancy 
• Thanked Gill, Janet and Karen for representing LFLWI at Brampton’s open meeting which was the Djembe Drums demo
• Thanked Gill and Janet for representing LFLWI at the St Mary Afternoon open meeting which involved Ethel Miller chocolates – hardly a chore!
• Remarked on how well the trip to Hillings Residential Home had gone on 6thApril – the ladies had seemed to enjoy our TV themes quiz and afternoon tea. A return trip will be organised for later in the year.  
• Noted what a nice time we had at the Poppy’s afternoon tea on the 13th April 
• Commended the Upcycling Stall and encouraged members to grab a bargain and raise money for our charities at the same time
• Invitations received from Abbotsley WI open meeting on 12th June – Becoming Queen Victoria’ and Offords WI on 9th July ‘Life of a Bomb Disposal Officer’ – sign-up sheets at the back so we can let the respective WI’s know numbers. 
• A reminder of our St Neots and District Group meeting Monday 24th June 2019 – an evening with Henry the Eighth – should be fun – sign-up sheet available 
• Reported back on the Federation Day on Wednesday 17th April – over 250 attendees from all 58 WI Groups in the Federation – Speaker in the afternoon – Simon King who was exceptional 
• List of upcoming events in the Federation Magazine
• o Inspiring Women Lunch 8th July Fed HQ
• o Strictly Murder Mystery 19th July Fed HQ
• o Ceramic Painting in July at Fed HQ
• o Denman Day in September 
• o Produce and Craft Show 14th September at Fed HQ
• o Mama Mia workshop 21st September at Fed HQ
• o Day trip to Lavenham 13th July with pick up at Riverside Car Park 

Secretary Update 

The Secretary updated the meeting:

• The minutes of the meeting held in March 2019 were accepted as a true record. 
• Checked that members had picked up a copy of the latest H&P WI News on the way in and that they had also received the early distribution of the May edition (remember – no magazine next month!)
• Pack received from National Fed re arrangements for the Annual General Meeting in Bournemouth in June – we declined to send a delegate this year 
• Save the date – Climate Lobby 26 June 2019 Westminster 1pm 

Date of next meeting 

Thursday 16th May 2019 at 8.00pm where the speaker will be Emma Saunders of MAGPAS.     

There was a meeting of the Love’s Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 16th May 2019 at the St Neots Football Club at 8pm.

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson who welcomed visitors and set out the agenda for the evening. Apologies were received from the Secretary Jayne Evans.

We were joined by Emma Saunders will be coming along to talk about MAGPAS Air Ambulance. 

There was a break for tea and the raffle.

President Update 

Nikki updated the meeting on:

• Invited Phyllis to undertake the monthly birthday awards
• A call for volunteers and bakers for Cake and bake stall 8th June 10-3pm Market Square 
• Jayne’s Jaunt on 15th June 
• Hillings Residential Home Summer Fair on Saturday 17thAugust [NOTE CHANGE IN REPORTED DATE] – volunteers required for the stall on the day and contributions for the bottle tombola
• Jordans Mill in Biggleswade on Saturday 7th September. 
• Downton Abbey film on Sunday 15th September. 
• Our open meeting on 19th September when we invite members from other local WI groups to join us for the evening. Humour-Columnist and writer will be performing his one man show “Laughter in the Village”. Feel free to bring along your other half, a family member or friend - though no children please. Entrance for non Loves Farm Ladies WI members will be £5 which includes refreshments and a raffle ticket. 
• Christmas Social - Friday 6th December. Venue is to be confirmed but it will be a pub style Christmas meal – venue tbc. We estimate the cost will be between £25 and £35 and we will be running a Christmas Club to start saving for this over the coming meetings.  
• Panto in Stevenage again for January 2020. It will be Beauty and the Beast and we will book tickets for Sunday 26th January. Tickets are £18 a person. Again if you want to book tickets and join the Christmas Club to spread the cost of this then please see Lisa.
• Reported back on the 70s and 80s night at Wyboston Lakes on 10th May was brilliant. Excellent night had by all
• Commended to the meeting the popularity of the Up-Cycling stall which we will continue to raise funds for our chosen charities this year. 
• Invitation from Abbotsley WI to their open meeting on Wednesday 12th June at Abbotsley Village Hall at 7.30pm. Their speaker will be Eve Bacon who will present “Becoming Queen Victoria”. 
• Invitation in from the Offords WI to their open meeting on Tuesday 9th July at Offord Village Hall at 7.30pm. Their speaker will be Lucy Lewis who will be talking about her “Life of a Bomb Disposal Officer”. 
• St Neots & District Group of WI’s meeting this year is on Monday 24th June at 7.30pm. This year it will be An Audience with Henry VIII! 
• A couple of our members have expressed an interest in having a craft group and/or a book club. If you are interested in joining one of these then why not sign up. If there is enough interest then you can decide between you when to meet and what you are going to do. Or if anyone has any other ideas for a sub-group of Love’s Farm Ladies WI then do let one of the committee know. 
• Anthea Moore who gave us the very interesting demonstration on wax art last month has sent us an email to say how much she enjoyed the evening last month and asked me to pass on her thanks to those who bought some of her cards and wax art. She has sent our generous donation of £24.50 to Friends of Hinchingbrooke Hospital.
• Mamma Mia workshop at the WI Centre on Saturday 21st September 10am-3pm. West End performer Nigel Garton and award winning composer John Hogg will be running this workshop. Places are selling fast so do contact the Federation office asap if you would like to go to this.
• Day trip to Lavenham on Saturday 13th July which is open to anyone at a cost of £17 a head. Pick up will be at 9am at the Riverside car park. 
• Advised the meeting that she would not be standing as WI President next year and commended the membership to get more involved in committee activity and consider standing for one of the three Officer Posts.  

Secretary Update

In the absence of Jayne, Nikki:

• Reminded the meeting that there were no newsletters to be distributed this month having had an early distribution last month.
• Checked that the members had received a copy of the last minutes and that they were a true record of the previous meeting.

Date of next meeting

Our next meeting is on Thursday 20th June at 8.00pm – Bramble Lodge Alpacas will be giving us a talk about Alpacas.

There was a meeting of the Love’s Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 20th June 2019 at the St Neots Football Club at 8pm.

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson who welcomed visitors and set out the agenda for the evening. 

We were joined by Nicki and Anne from Bramble Lodge Alpacas, who gave an interesting and amusing talk about the trials of managing their Alpaca flock.  

There was a break for tea and the raffle.

After the break Phyllis undertook the presentations for the months birthday club

President Update 

Nikki updated the meeting on:

• Reminding us about her forthcoming personal move at the end of the month and the impact on the Committee/Officers for the next year and the call for additional volunteers for committee or tacking on tasks that help the meeting/business run smoothly. Vicky agreed to take on the upcycling stock. 
• Advising that in an aim to save a few trees – we will start to email the Social Engagement Sheets instead of printing many copies. If you need a hard copy – ask at the meeting or email Jayne. Reminder that it is always published on our website.
• The events that comprised cake sale that was held on 8th June in almost hurricane environment at the Volunteer Day on the Market Square 
• Reviewed Jayne’s Jaunt on 15th June – the walk to the River Mill pub in Eaton Socon – all enjoyed and a request to repeat in Sept/Oct 
• Reminded the meeting about the tombola at Hillings Summer Fair on Sat 17 August – please bring your spare bottles of anything along next month
• Planned trip to Jordans Mill on 7th Sept
• Downton Abbey Film on 15th Sept in town 
• Our open evening on 19th Sept – Bob Harding – performance poet – Laughter in the Village 
• Christmas Social – 6th Dec – pub meal somewhere in town – tbc 
• Panto in Stevenage Jan 2020 – 26th Jan – Beauty and the Beast
• Up-cycling is still going well – easy way to raise some money for our chosen charities and get yourself a bargain for a £1
• Abbotsley WI open meeting went well on 12th June 2019 – ‘becoming Queen Victoria’ – went extremely well
• A reminder about the St Neots and District Open Meeting 24th June 7.30pm – an Evening with Henry VIII
• A reminder about the Offords WI open meeting on Tuesday 9th July – Lucy Lewis and her life as a bomb disposal officer 
• Proposal to start both a craft group and a book club as sub- groups – see committee for detail 
• Trips on offer in Federation magazine on page 6
• Reminded the meeting of her ensuing move out of the area and therefore the intention to leave the LFLWI at the end of the year. A need for members to step forward and volunteer to take on some tasks, however small, or to volunteer to join the committee for the next year. 

Secretary Update

Jayne updated the meeting on:

• Checked that the members had received a copy of the last minutes and that they were a true record of the previous meeting.
• Checked that members had picked up a copy of the Federation Newsletter on the way in
• Commended to the members My WI 
• Denman Day visit on 28th September 2019 - £60 including coach travel, 2 course lunch, guided tour and Floral demo – closing date 18 July 2019
• All Saints Church Ellington – Flower Festival – 29th & 30th June 11-5

Date of next meeting

Our next meeting is on Thursday 18thJuly at 8.00pm – Mo Pickavance will be joining us to talk about Women’s Health  

There was a meeting of the Loves Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 18th January 2018 at the St Neots Football Club at 8.00pm. 

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson who indicated two immediate matters of importance; Treasurer had sent an email after Christmas to advise that membership fees due by end of Jan 2018 and that there would be an opportunity to vote on the five proposed WI resolutions later in the meeting. 

An interesting and extremely local talk was given by Liz Davies from St Neots Museum on ‘Celtic Loves Farm 2000 years ago’ followed by the tea break and the raffle.

President Update  

The President updated the meeting on: 

• Suggestion for nominated charity for 2018; following suggestions to the committee and further research, it was suggested to the meeting that we should support St Neots Acorn Cancer Support Group – agreed.
• Sunday 29th April 2018 – Loves Farm House 2.30-5.00 – afternoon tea – call for bakers and volunteers
• Sunday 9th Dec 2018 - Loves Farm House 2.30-5.00 – Christmas Bazaar complete with Father Christmas – again call for bakers and volunteers
• Website under development and should be operational soon.   

Secretary Update  

The Secretary updated the meeting: 

• The minutes of the meeting held on 16th November 2017 were accepted as a true record.
• Checked that members had picked up a copy of the latest H&P WI News on the way in
• Gave notice of receipt of documents from Fed HQ to publicise and offer for sale merchandise to celebrate the Federation 100 Years – mugs, wine, and prior notice of tea towels and other items.  Details follow in later correspondence.
• Correspondence received from Fed HQ notifying arrangements for Federation Day on 5th April in St Ives; Nikki and Gemma W to attend from committee plus any other interested members.
• 4th Feb – Key Theatre in Peterborough – 11.30 – special showing of the film ‘Suffragette’ 
• Coffee morning for Denman at Fed HQ on Saturday 17th Feb 10-12.30
• Prior warning – Science Lunch – 16th March – 10.30-2.15 – further details in next months Federation newsletter.   

2018 Resolution Vote President and Secretary took the meeting through the 5 resolutions for vote: 

1. Positive body image in a digital age
2. Stop female genital mutilation
3. Raising awareness of modern slavery in the UK
4. Mental health matters
5. Healthier mouth, healthier body 

Whilst it was agreed that all resolutions were worthy of our support it was item 4 that gained the majority support – summary voting slip forwarded to Fed HQ.   

Event and Social News 

• Full list of events in Federation Newsletter at page 6 – suggested that we get together a couple of teams for the jigsaw race on 29th March at Fed HQ.
• New LFLWI Social event sheet
• Kirsty made suggestions for other outings planned besides those already listed – feedback to Kirsty for inclusion in future programmes  

AOB  

• Flyers available for those streets not yet delivered too
• Rota for baking for future members meeting required – see Gill or the two Janet’s
• Nikki and Jayne to be interviewed on the Huntingdon Community Radio on 7th Feb 7-8pm. 
• Congratulations to Emma – our first LFLWI baby is on the way!
• Janet asked that we all help collect ring pulls from drinks cans and plastic screw tops from milk cartons for charity.  

Date of next meeting  

Thursday 15th February 2018 at 8.00pm where the speaker will be from Body Shop – items will be for sale during the coffee break.

There was a meeting of the Loves Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 15th February 2018 at the St Neots Football Club at 8.00pm. 

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson, who welcomed the visitors and thanked Pat for making cakes for the tea break at the meeting.    

There were two speakers for the evening; firstly Bill Fradin and his wife Margaret from St Neots Acorn Cancer Support Group followed by Yvonne Ashpole and Claire Martin from Body Shop @ Home.  

Bill and Margaret gave an interesting insight to the good works undertaken by the cancer support group and explained how monies raised this year by LFLWI would be put to good use. 

Yvonne and her colleague Claire demonstrated some of the Body Shop products, talked about how the Body Shop was founded and run and outlined how it supported various the charity projects, specifically in respect of a schools project in Uganda that Claire had visited.  Body Shop products were available for sale during the tea break followed by the raffle. 

President Update  

The President updated the meeting on: 

• Reminded the meeting of the planned cinema trip later in the month and the jigsaw race at Federation in March 
• Birthday wishes to Jackie and Mary 
• Contact had been made with the Hillings Residential Home to plan a members visit to entertain the residents
• Website is now up and running; Lovesfarmladieswi.co.uk 
• Smart day on Loves Farm coordinated by the Community Chaplin; suggestions of a work party to assist and to do our bit for the Keep Britain Tidy campaign started by the WI in the 50’s 
• Ramble planned for WI Sports week in September – more details to follow  
• Reported back on the interview on Huntingdon Community Radio
• Update on the officers meeting at federation on 30th Jan; centenary events listed in our LFL Upcoming Social Events Flyer 
• Requirement for volunteers for making our ‘ladybird’ into a mosaic as a contribution to the centenary mosaic at Federation
• Federation on the lookout for committee members if anyone is interested 
• Coffee morning on 17th Feb at Federation for Denman funds 
• Abbots Ripton Hall open weekend 30th June/1st July – volunteers required for the Federation refreshment tent 
• Federation weekend at Denman 23-25 Nov   

Secretary Update  

The Secretary updated the meeting: 

• The minutes of the meeting held on 18th January 2018 were accepted as a true record.   
• Checked that members had picked up a copy of the latest H&P WI News on the way in 
• Invitation from Abbottsley WI for their open meeting 14th March 2018  
• Email from Federation advertising discounted tickets for BBC Countryfile Live 2-5 August 2018 at Blenheim Palace – use the offer code WI for 10% discount by 30 April 2018  

Event and Social News 

• Full list of events in Federation Newsletter at page. 
• New LFLWI Social event sheet
• Thriplow Daffodil weekend 17 March 
• Bowling at Eat’n Bowl – June 6th  
• April 29 and Dec 9 – dates for diary for fund raising events      

Date of next meeting

Thursday 15th March  at 8.00pm where the speakers will be our own Christy and Kirsty – giving us a chocolate explosion demonstration ready for Easter.

There was a meeting of the Love’s Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 15th March 2018 at the St Neots Football Club at 8pm. 

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson who welcomed visitors and set out the agenda for the evening.  

There was an informative and amusing easy-to-follow demonstration by Christy Fowler and Kirsty Knox on how to build a ‘chocolate explosion’.  

There was a break for tea and the raffle. 

President Update  

Nikki updated the meeting on: 

• Arrangements for the trip to Thriplow at the weekend 
• Was sorry to report that Kirsty and Christy had resignation from the Committee but thanked them for all their help.  Nikki also thanked Janet Gomm for volunteering to join the Committee 
• Distributed the ‘Birthday Club’ chocolate to those deserving it!
• Thanked Gemma Wells for securing the speaker for our open meeting in September – Mark Edgerton – The Haunted Histories of Huntingdonshire.
• Reported on the Open meeting in Abbotsley the previous evening – a good evening had by all who attended.  
• Hilling’s Residential home response to our offer to run a mobile ‘afternoon tea’ – likely to be a couple of dates later in the year. 
• The LFLWI Afternoon Tea and Spring Fayre end of April – requests for help and donations. 
• Reminded the meeting if anyone ever needs a lift to the meeting or wants some company to walk up when the nights are darker – just shout and we will do our best to accommodate.  

Secretary Update 

Jayne updated the meeting on: 

• Checked that the members had received a copy of the last minutes and that they were a true record of the previous meeting. 
• Checked that members had picked up a copy of the Federation Newsletter on the way in 
• Commended to the members My WI
• Advised for the need for volunteers for the Abbots Ripton Hall Garden Party - Afternoon Tea at the end of Jun – sign-up sheets at the back 
• Stop Press articles from Federation  
• Notes of last Federation Annual Day in 2017 
• Diary orders for 2019 
• Southwold and Aldeburgh Summer Theatre programme summer 2018   

Treasurers Update  

Pat updated the meeting on both the Federation Financial position and the financial position of LFLWI.  

National and Federation News 

Nikki commended the events in the Federation newsletter; highlighting: 

• My WI workshop – Monday 30th April at 7pm 
• Jigsaw race 28th March 2018 – we have a team attending  
• Nikki and Gemma W are taking the mosaic project forward and may attend a workshop on 21st April   

Upcoming Social Events 

• New Social Events sheet for collection at the back 
• Thriplow this coming weekend
• Cour de Plume burlesque workshop to be arranged shortly 
• Bowling in June 
• Mama Mia in July/August when released 
• 25th June – Group meeting – Peterborough Gospel Choir – all to make effort to attend  

Date of next meeting 

Our next meeting is on Thursday 19th April when Jan Clarke who is a WI member at another branch, will be talking about Diabetes UK and her role in the service.

There was a meeting of the Loves Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 19th April 2018 at the St Neots Football Club at 8.00pm. 

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson who welcomed the visitors and members, whose attention was drawn to the updated Social Engagement sheet available at the meeting and invited questions about it over the tea break.

Meeting Speaker Dr Jan Clark from Diabetes UK gave an interesting and thought provoking talk on her work in the research into the differing types of diabetes and its treatment and prevention.

Following the speaker there were refreshments and the raffle.  

President Update  
The President updated the meeting on: 

• Phyllis had volunteered to run the Birthday club; new members encouraged to give their birth date and to receive birthday chocolate in due course on the appointed date.  Chocolates were distributed to those participants for April 
• Afternoon tea and Spring Fayre 29th April – final arrangements for volunteers, donations and bakers. 
• Two dates for Hillings visits this year; 29 Sept and 17 Nov – volunteers needed to provide a mobile afternoon tea and entertainment for about 20 residents over a couple of hours.  
• Full list of FEDHQ events in Federation Newsletter at page 6 
• Reported on the jigsaw night at Fed HQ in March – good time had by all 
• Call for volunteers at the Fed HQ refreshment tent on 30 June and 1 July at the Abbots Ripton Hall Garden Show  
• Reported back on the Federation Day on 5th April – attended by Nikki, Gill and Gemma W.  Big thank you to Gemma W and Kim Brown for the foundations of the banner, completed by Nikki, Gill and Jade over Easter.  Pictures of the Parade of Banners on the Facebook page. At the Federation Day a call for volunteers to help children practising reading at school – further details see Nikki  
• Headlines from Social Engagement sheet
• Open meetings invites; lists for sign up at the back
• Bowling in June – needs paying for in May
• Cake and Bake 23 June Loves Farm Great Get Together  
• 25 June – Group Open Meeting – 7.30pm
• 8th July – Kimbolton Fayre and Classic Car Show – trip out 
• Prior notice – WI Sports Week in Sept – 15th Sept – Ramble to Paxton Pits  
• Christmas night out – 14 Dec – Wyboston Lakes – deposits needed by May meeting  
• Panto in Stevenage – 27th Jan 2019  

Secretary Update  

The Secretary updated the meeting: 

• The minutes of the meeting held on 15th March 2018 were asked to be amended in respect of the paragraph thanking Kirsty and Christy for their service and subsequent resignation from the committee; otherwise they were accepted as a true record. Amended record to be circulated with these minutes.
• Checked that members had picked up a copy of the latest H&P WI News on the way in 
• Gave notice of receipt of documents from Fed HQ, including bulb ordering catalogues; details in respect of the AGM in Cardiff in June along with briefing notes on Mental Health Matters and toolkits on Campaigning and Food Poverty  
• Correspondence from St Neots Cancer Support Group about the Lions Sponsored Walk at Grafham Water on 13th May 2018 – asking for support if there were volunteers to undertake the Safari Walk.    

Date of next meeting  

Thursday 17th May 2018 at 8.00pm where the speaker will be Tracey Sealey who is a doula (professional birth partner) when she will be talking about modern midwifery and the WI’s influence in the campaign for more midwives.

There was a meeting of the Love’s Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 17th May 2018 at the St Neots Football Club at 8pm. 

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson, who welcomed visitors and set out the agenda for the evening.  A special welcome was given to Josette and Sally from Federation. 

Apologies were received from our Secretary, Jayne Evans. 

Meeting Speaker was Tracy Sealey who is a Doula who gave an interesting, informative and amusing talk about her role as a Doula. 

Following the speaker there were refreshments and the raffle. 

President Update: 

The President updated the meeting on: 

• Birthdays.  Phyllis handed out cards and presents to all those with birthdays in the next month.   
• Reported back to the members about the success of the Afternoon Tea & Spring Fayre on Sunday 29th April.  Over £600 was taken on the day.  A big thank you to everyone. 
• Discussed the plans for the Christmas Fayre on 9th December.  Nikki called for volunteers and donations.  The donations will be collected from our next meeting until the event .  There was a lively discussion about the event.  Josette from Federation kindly offered to put on a felt craft morning in preparation for the event and also wanted to have a on 9th December too. 
• Reminded members to check the new Upcoming Social Events Sheet.  Nikki also asked that if members do sign up for anything that they add a phone number to the sheet in case of any last minute changes.  Also do indicate if you would like a lift. 
• Reminded members that we have been invited to some other WI groups open meetings so do go along if you are interested.
• Reminder of the Bowling on Wednesday 6th June. 
• Reminder of the Cake and Bake stall at Love’s Farm Great Get Together on Saturday 23rd June.  Nikki asked for volunteers to bake and help on the day. 
• Reminder of St Neots & District WI Group Open Meeting on Monday 23rd June at 7.30pm.  Peterborough Community Gospel Choir will be there.
• Reminder to sign up for Holly Jolly night at Wyboston Lakes and pay your deposit. 
• Reminder to sign up for the pantomime in Stevenage on Sunday 27th January next year. 
• Reported that we had heard back from Diabetes UK thanking us for Dr Jan Clark’s donation of her speakers fee after our meeting last month. 
• Reminded members to have a look at the Federation Newsletter and highlighted that volunteers were still needed for Abbots Ripton. 
• Pointed out that the Meet the Federation meeting was in St Neots on Monday 11th June at 7.30pm at St Neots Voluntary Welfare Association in Church Walk. 
• Reminded members to have a look at the Federation social events and book in the usual way. 
• LFLWI were mentioned in this month’s magazine and they have kindly also published one of our photos in Around the WIs (pages 8 and 10). 

Secretary Report 

Nikki gave the Secretary report in Jayne’s absence: 

• The minutes of the meeting held on 19th May 2018 were accepted as a true record. 
• Reminded members to order bulbs before 1st June. 
• Ask members to vote on whether you support the resolution going to NFWI 2018 Annual Meeting or not (Mental Health Matters).  The vote was taken and counted by Pat Mulgrew.  Filled in form was handed to Sally Dally to take back to Federation office. 

The President asked if there was any other business.  There was none. 

Date of next meeting 

Thursday 21st June at 8pm where the speaker will be Sian Fox.  Her talk is “It shouldn’t happen to a home economist”. She is a National Food Demonstrator and has, for example, worked with Jamie Oliver on campaigns.  This talk will be linked with the WI Healthy Living and Wellbeing Week

There was a meeting of the Love’s Farm Ladies WI on Thursday 21st June 2018 at the St Neots Football Club at 8pm. 

The meeting was chaired by the President, Nikki Jackson who welcomed visitors and set out the agenda for the evening.  

Linked with the WI Healthy Living and Wellbeing Week, there was an interesting, amusing and informative talk by Sian Fox – ‘it shouldn’t happen to a home economist’ recounting her time as a National Food Demonstrator.

There was a break for tea and the raffle. 

President Update  

Nikki updated the meeting on: •

• Tracking down the LFLWI aprons that went awry at the Spring Fayre.  
• Birthday club cards and gifts were awarded to the ladies with birthdays this month 
• Drew attention to the upcoming social events sheet – new dates to note; 22nd  July trip to the cinema to see Mama Mia 2 and our planned afternoon tea on 6th Oct at Poppies.   
• Congratulated those who attended the bowling night on a fun couple of games  
• The planned bake sale on 23rd June at the Loves Farm Great Get Together – call for bakers and volunteers 
• The planned Group Open Meeting on 25th June at the Reform Church  
• Early Birds invitation to their Open Meeting on 9th July 
• Reminded of the date of the Christmas Fayre on 9th Dec   

Secretary Update 

• Jayne updated the meeting on: Checked that the members had received a copy of the last minutes and that they were a true record of the previous meeting. 
• Checked that members had picked up a copy of the Federation Newsletter on the way in 
• Commended to the members My WI  
• Advised for the continued need for volunteers for the Abbots Ripton Hall Garden Party - Afternoon Tea at the end of Jun – contact Fed HQ if available and to commend the Garden Show for those who just wish to visit  
• Stop Press articles from Federation 
• Note of Fenstanton open gardens 23/24 June  
• Invite from Bretton Belles Tai Chi Session on 10th Sept 
• Request from Fed HQ to participate in some independent research by Dr Naomi Griffin   into veganism  
• Dr Dolittle at Hilton Village Green on 30th June 
• Report from Rosemary Parsons from Brampton WI as delegate at 2018 WI AGM in Cardiff 
• Fed HQ trip to see A Christmas Carol in London on Weds 12 Dec 
• Invite from Stageworks in respect of the Cambridgeshire Youth Ballet company performance of Alice in Wonderland on 27/28 Oct at Hinchingbrooke PAC  

National and Federation News 

Nikki commended the events in the Federation newsletter; highlighting that we had been asked to decorate the table in the Federation Office Foyer in November – suggestion for themes gratefully received. 

Upcoming Social Events 

New Social Events sheet for collection at the back  

Date of next meeting 

Our next meeting is on Thursday 16th July when the speaker will be Iona Clarke – sugar craft demonstration.  Note = change of room for next meeting – we will be in the big room.