Blakedown WI

Blakedown members gathered for their A.G.M. this month. Doreen had provided a spectacular flower arrangement which she kindly donated to the raffle.

The President thanked June for organising a tea party celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday. Thirty-three members attended and an array of beautiful hats were worn. A memorable occasion.

Jan gave us an update on the Produce Show to be held on 20th August. The Norman Dawson Trust has made a generous contribution to the funding of this event. The President thanked the Trust for their support.

The Lunch Club meet next on May 26. The venue will be Bodenham Arboretum.

Two byelaws were introduced regarding the size of the committee and the ability to engage an external independent financial advisor if necessary. Members approved of both.

Moving to the A.G.M. Nominations for the new committee were circulated. Ann Hingley proposed that they should be voted for en bloc; Naomi Taite seconded this proposal. A vote for President was then taken and a delighted Christine Rostron was re-elected.

A ploughman's supper and wine were served. After which we addressed the two resolutions to be discussed at the National A.G.M. The first was presented by Diane Harrison regarding food waste. It was followed by a lively discussion. The outcome was to give our delegate discretion as we felt there were two issues i.e. the role of supermarkets and personal responsibility. Ann Hingley presented information covering the need for carers of patients suffering with dementia to accompany them when admitted to hospital for other health reasons. Again a very detailed account including information about local resources, particularly the Newhaven Unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital. Members voted in favour of this resolution. Our thanks to Diane and Ann for providing such thought provoking presentations.

On a lighter note our annual baking competition. Members were asked to make a drizzle cake of their choice. Wendy from 'Crumbs' was our judge. The winner this year was Chris Burt with a lime/elderflower drizzle cake.

On June 8 at Blakedown Parish Rooms 7.30pm, the speaker will be Ray Sturdy Malvern's Memories and Marvels. There will also be a competition entitled, Photographs of Blakedown.