Cheshire Federation was very well represented at the 2019 NFWI Annual Meeting in Bournemouth on Wednesday 5th June at Bournemouth International Centre when they heard the Rt Hon Lord Bradley of Withington give an update on the Care Not Custody Campaign which was launched 10 years ago. He was followed by Maggie Philbin OBE, broadcaster and CEO of the award winning organisation Teen Tech. Maggie talked about her TV work, notably on Tomorrow’s World, as well as her work with young people and women in science and technology. Both resolutions were passed: Save the Buses with 96% in favour (for 5729: against 262) and Don’t Fear the Smear with 97% in favour (for 5788: against 194).
Members of the Federation have now returned from Bournemouth where they attended a most interesting and inspiring NFWI AGM which was expertly lead, as always, by Lynne Stubbings NF Chair. The content of the meeting was xcellent which lead to an extremely informative and enjoyable day.
As Chairman I was so proud when Dorothy Monks, Lower Withington WI, was presented with the Huxley Cup, The Huxley Cup is a prestigious award by NFWI for flowering arranging and the competition is open to all Federations who can send one representative. The member chosen is given the theme, flowers etc on the day and has to then produce an exhibit. Dorothy successfully fought off the competition to bring the Trophy to Cheshire. Congratulations and thank you Dorothy.
The next proud moment was when Sheila Knott of Disley WI took to the stage to propose the Resolution ‘Don’t Fear The Smear’, which she did with sincerity and clarity. All the hard work put into formulating this Resolution, and believe me it is very hard work, resulted in the resolution gaining a 97% majority! What an excellent result for all concerned. Congratulations and thank you Sheila. My thanks also go to Mary Hignett and Hazel Fogg for the superb travel arrangements, together with all Cheshire delegates who travelled on the coach, we an extremely enjoyable couple of days. I enjoyed meeting old friends and making many new ones, everyone was so friendly and it was lovely to chat with members whilst in the hotel. Members from Cheshire who didn’t travel on the coach also came forward to talk to us once we were in the venue, all were saying how much they were enjoying the atmosphere of the day.
Plans are all ready underway for next year when the meeting will be held at the Royal Albert Hall, details will be forwarded to WIs later in the year.
Thank you again to everyone who contributed to making this an extremely special event.
Look forward to seeing you at the Cheshire Show.
Jean Harding