LEWI's Annual Meeting was unable to go ahead in May 2020 as scheduled, due to Covid-19.
However members held a virtual meeting by Zoom on Tuesday 5th May. 25 members took part.
An official Annual Meeting will be held when we can get together again in person. In the meantime the reports cover the period up to May 2020.
The President's Address was delivered by Zoe Higgins, and the Annual Report from Secretary Laura Beardmore. They can be seen below.
The President's Address
Well, this year has definitely been a learning curve as president, ending in a way that no one predicted and having to find a way to keep LEWI going without being able to physically meet.
Leading up to last year’s Annual meeting I was pretty adamant that I would not step up to becoming president if voted for! Having been Vice President for the previous year I knew that it probably expected but felt too busy with work and family life to commit to the role. However, as the time grew closer and as a committee we discussed how to split roles in order to make the role manageable I felt like it was more of a possibility and that if no one else was willing or able to take on the role then I would step up. And that’s exactly what happened! I have to say I did pause for a while before writing yes but it was definitely the right decision and despite feeling snowed under at various points I have loved this year as president. As Laura has highlighted in her report there’s been a lot going on, as there always is.
There is absolutely no way I could do this without the rest of the committee, they are truly wonderful and the fact that everyone knows their role and just gets on with what needs doing is fantastic. Jenny wrestling with banks and scaring the employees into submission! Lynn G being super-efficient making sure the room and speakers are sorted. Madeline carting teabags back and forth doing a brilliant job organising the logistics of the Trent Vale meeting we hosted. Emma looking after our bodies with monthly walks and out taste buds by sorting the LEWI ladies. Janice keeping me up to date on attendance and making us feel loved when our birthdays come round. Lynn keeping on top of the website and making it look amazing. Laura doing something I am terrible at – paperwork – and keeping on top of correspondence and emails. And finally Jo, who basically is my right hand woman and amazing support, I am so thankful that LEWI has brought us together, because despite what may have been thought but some members we are not related and had never met before LEWI!
This year has seen our highest membership late in 2019 but has also long standing members leave LEWI, for various reasons, which is hard. We have members who are new to LEWI and new the WI completely. The absolute best thing about LEWI is the ladies, whether here from meeting number one or one of our newest members, thank you for making LEWI what it is.
As I move into my 2nd year as president, sorry you don’t get to vote until we’re back together so you are stuck with me for at least a while longer, I am excited by what the rest of 2020 will bring. The first part of the year has definitely been surprising so who knows what the rest will bring but I am happy to lead LEWI into the unknown together with all you wonderful ladies.
Annual Report 2019 - 2020
We’ve had a great sixth year, with plenty of fun,
From Detectives to Crafts – something for everyone.
In number we’re 78, from 5 dual, 73 full,
In terms of popularity we still have a pull!
We’ve been lead by Zoe, our president number four
I think you’ll agree from her we could ask no more.
The committee of nine have all worked together
Our meetings have laughs, but sometimes scuppered by weather!
We’ve supported good causes, with tinned goods and cake
Christmas lunches for Canaan Trust, stamp collections to make.
You’ve been so generous both with money and time
The Community Garden now looking so fine!
Our book groups have read many a tome,
Some good, and some bad – but at least we can continue from home!
LEWI Legs have walked footpaths across the region
And have braved the weather from every season!
Brain cells have been tested by pub quiz nights galore
From Tappers Harker to The Mill & Brook we always long for more!
Our year began with Andy: Photography Tips and Tricks,
Our new group photo and ways our snaps we can fix.
We took bakes to the carnival, made with such care
Folks loved eating their cakes as they walked ‘round the fair.
In July we Detected Disasters and learnt quite a lot,
About large scale tragedies, the police and whatnot.
In Summer we picnicked with salads, cakes and tea
We all chatted and laughed and socialised merrily.
In September we heard about Gardening Mishaps & Disasters
From flooding and ladder slips, I hope they’re well stocked with plasters!
For “LEWI Life” four members took to the mike,
To tell us all about things we might like.
From life as a seamstress and swimming the Channel,
India and sky diving, there was no room for flannel!
In November our members again took to the helm
With our Crafty Dabble and a choice to overwhelm!
We created such pretties - rag wreaths and silk painting,
Colouring , beading, origami - they all got high rating!
We also created our stunning Wreath of Remembrance,
Laid down by Norma, who recounted the event with such eloquence.
At a cosy Springfield Hall we met in December
To see if facts about food we could remember!
We tasted Christmas treats, and rated their taste,
With crisps, mince pies and after eights, to leave we were in no haste!
Our party night at the Village was really a hoot
With lots of disco dancing, in high heels and boots.
Our resolution was discussed at our New Year meet,
to make entertainment from smear tests was really a feat!
But our in-house doctor Roxanne took up the task
And told us of history & stats and answered all we could ask.
Ulverscroft Foundation spoke to us, with great sincerity
We had no idea that large print books did so much for charity!
Next SciRecipes came and talked all things rocks
Pulling colourful charts and crystals galore from her collection box.
But for now we have switched to “online only”
We hope it is stopping you from feeling too lonely.
On WhatsApp, Zoom and as penpals we are keeping in touch
Hearing from each of you just means so much.
Thanks to every one of you, from the committee all
Hopefully it won’t be long, until we’re back in May Hall.
However members held a virtual meeting by Zoom on Tuesday 5th May. 25 members took part.
An official Annual Meeting will be held when we can get together again in person. In the meantime the reports cover the period up to May 2020.
The President's Address was delivered by Zoe Higgins, and the Annual Report from Secretary Laura Beardmore. They can be seen below.
The President's Address
Well, this year has definitely been a learning curve as president, ending in a way that no one predicted and having to find a way to keep LEWI going without being able to physically meet.
Leading up to last year’s Annual meeting I was pretty adamant that I would not step up to becoming president if voted for! Having been Vice President for the previous year I knew that it probably expected but felt too busy with work and family life to commit to the role. However, as the time grew closer and as a committee we discussed how to split roles in order to make the role manageable I felt like it was more of a possibility and that if no one else was willing or able to take on the role then I would step up. And that’s exactly what happened! I have to say I did pause for a while before writing yes but it was definitely the right decision and despite feeling snowed under at various points I have loved this year as president. As Laura has highlighted in her report there’s been a lot going on, as there always is.
There is absolutely no way I could do this without the rest of the committee, they are truly wonderful and the fact that everyone knows their role and just gets on with what needs doing is fantastic. Jenny wrestling with banks and scaring the employees into submission! Lynn G being super-efficient making sure the room and speakers are sorted. Madeline carting teabags back and forth doing a brilliant job organising the logistics of the Trent Vale meeting we hosted. Emma looking after our bodies with monthly walks and out taste buds by sorting the LEWI ladies. Janice keeping me up to date on attendance and making us feel loved when our birthdays come round. Lynn keeping on top of the website and making it look amazing. Laura doing something I am terrible at – paperwork – and keeping on top of correspondence and emails. And finally Jo, who basically is my right hand woman and amazing support, I am so thankful that LEWI has brought us together, because despite what may have been thought but some members we are not related and had never met before LEWI!
This year has seen our highest membership late in 2019 but has also long standing members leave LEWI, for various reasons, which is hard. We have members who are new to LEWI and new the WI completely. The absolute best thing about LEWI is the ladies, whether here from meeting number one or one of our newest members, thank you for making LEWI what it is.
As I move into my 2nd year as president, sorry you don’t get to vote until we’re back together so you are stuck with me for at least a while longer, I am excited by what the rest of 2020 will bring. The first part of the year has definitely been surprising so who knows what the rest will bring but I am happy to lead LEWI into the unknown together with all you wonderful ladies.
Annual Report 2019 - 2020
We’ve had a great sixth year, with plenty of fun,
From Detectives to Crafts – something for everyone.
In number we’re 78, from 5 dual, 73 full,
In terms of popularity we still have a pull!
We’ve been lead by Zoe, our president number four
I think you’ll agree from her we could ask no more.
The committee of nine have all worked together
Our meetings have laughs, but sometimes scuppered by weather!
We’ve supported good causes, with tinned goods and cake
Christmas lunches for Canaan Trust, stamp collections to make.
You’ve been so generous both with money and time
The Community Garden now looking so fine!
Our book groups have read many a tome,
Some good, and some bad – but at least we can continue from home!
LEWI Legs have walked footpaths across the region
And have braved the weather from every season!
Brain cells have been tested by pub quiz nights galore
From Tappers Harker to The Mill & Brook we always long for more!
Our year began with Andy: Photography Tips and Tricks,
Our new group photo and ways our snaps we can fix.
We took bakes to the carnival, made with such care
Folks loved eating their cakes as they walked ‘round the fair.
In July we Detected Disasters and learnt quite a lot,
About large scale tragedies, the police and whatnot.
In Summer we picnicked with salads, cakes and tea
We all chatted and laughed and socialised merrily.
In September we heard about Gardening Mishaps & Disasters
From flooding and ladder slips, I hope they’re well stocked with plasters!
For “LEWI Life” four members took to the mike,
To tell us all about things we might like.
From life as a seamstress and swimming the Channel,
India and sky diving, there was no room for flannel!
In November our members again took to the helm
With our Crafty Dabble and a choice to overwhelm!
We created such pretties - rag wreaths and silk painting,
Colouring , beading, origami - they all got high rating!
We also created our stunning Wreath of Remembrance,
Laid down by Norma, who recounted the event with such eloquence.
At a cosy Springfield Hall we met in December
To see if facts about food we could remember!
We tasted Christmas treats, and rated their taste,
With crisps, mince pies and after eights, to leave we were in no haste!
Our party night at the Village was really a hoot
With lots of disco dancing, in high heels and boots.
Our resolution was discussed at our New Year meet,
to make entertainment from smear tests was really a feat!
But our in-house doctor Roxanne took up the task
And told us of history & stats and answered all we could ask.
Ulverscroft Foundation spoke to us, with great sincerity
We had no idea that large print books did so much for charity!
Next SciRecipes came and talked all things rocks
Pulling colourful charts and crystals galore from her collection box.
But for now we have switched to “online only”
We hope it is stopping you from feeling too lonely.
On WhatsApp, Zoom and as penpals we are keeping in touch
Hearing from each of you just means so much.
Thanks to every one of you, from the committee all
Hopefully it won’t be long, until we’re back in May Hall.