RECORD OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING
SATURDAY 29TH MARCH 2025
Selina Prescott, Federation Chair gave a warm welcome to WI Delegates and members, attending The Winsford Academy, for the meeting which had been organised as a weekend daytime meeting, she was thrilled to see everyone and thanked them for joining. Everyone sang Jerusalem, led by Susan leicester, Vice-Chair, with her harmonious intro.
Past Federation Chairmen, Silvia Batty, Chris Bailey, and Margery Hall, were all welcomed, along with former Federation Hon. Treasurer, Diane Coulton. Chris remains a CFWI Adviser helping WIs in her area. Apologies had been received from former Chairmen, Helen Carey and Frances Woollam. On this occasion, guests from other neighbouring Federations had not been invited, and Mike Griffiths, from Mitchell Charlesworth, the Federation Accountant, was not in attendance due to holidays.
The Record of the previous meeting was agreed and signed.
The Chair proposed the Adoption of the Standing Orders and these were approved and adopted by the Delegates, raising their Programme/Financial Statement. No objections were received.
Selina delivered her report, thanking the Trustees for their continued support, with everything they do, always with charm and a smile. There had been changes to attendance at the
Cheshire Show for 2025, thanks went to the Agricultural Society for their generosity and hospitality.
Selina announced the retirement of both Jean Harding and Norma Dent, from the Board of Trustees, she thanked them for their whole-hearted commitment, over the many years, to the Federation. Jean also being former Federation Chair, and taking on several other roles, and Norma, being heavily involved also as a Craft Judge and Judge Co-Ordinator, they will both be greatly missed. Although, Jean was unable to attend the meeting, and gave her apologies, both received a bouquet of flowers, as a token of thanks, after the meeting. They will each continue to be members of Sub-Committees.
Helen Tyrrell, Runcorn WI, was then welcomed to the Board of Trustees, as a full Trustee, after serving as a Co-Option since 2024. Helen is a valued addition to the Board and will also be Chair of Arts & Crafts Sub-Committee. Selina wished Helen well in her new roles.
Publications were available to purchase on the day, Selina thanked Ann Beckett and Clare Cosens, for organising these, along with Susan leicester and Vivien Lee, for arranging the raffle, with all the super prizes. The Winsford Academy was also thanked, although it had not been possible for them to serve tea and coffee, Susan leicester and other helpers, had stepped in at the last minute to ensure members weren’t left thirsty, thanks went to them also. Both members of staff, based at WI House, were praised for their helpfulness and hard work, along with the former Finance Assistant, who attended the day, as a member. The WI Advisers, always working so hard, visiting WIs and giving guidance, were thanked for their involvement, support and commitment. Cheshire News Editor, Pat Sharp and her team, were thanked for producing such an action-packed issue every month, keeping everyone updated with interesting WI news, activities and events. The Website & Social Media Team, were in charge of photos for the day, appreciation went to them, and the Archive Team for being custodians of the WI history. Last but not least, Sub-Committee Chairs were thanked for all their achievements, organising and supporting Federation events. So many ‘thank you’s’ – definitely a sign of good team work!
Wendy Morris, Vice-Chair, proposed the appointment of Mitchell Charlesworth, as Financial
Examiners for the period to 30th September 2025. This was seconded by Ann Pye, Aston & District WI.
Ann Beckett, Federation Honorary Treasurer presented the Trustees Report and 2024 accounts, which will be filed with the Charity Commission and Companies House. Ann reported that charity reserves had increased by £43,832, it is made up of an increase in the value of the investments of £20,239, and an increase in the net incoming resources for the year of £23,593, a result seen as very satisfactory. The Financial Adviser had given assurance that all investments were ethically green. Expenditure had been on WI House, for improvements which covered legislation and policies for a safe environment. Ann thanked the Sub-Committee Chairs and their members for organising events and with the recent addition of online banking, she ran through a few pointers to help with payments.
She also highlighted the Federation pledge of ‘value for money’, where the Cheshire News is still being provided free of charge. Thanks also went to the CFWI Advisers, IFEs and Judges, Mitchell Charlesworth, Karen, Clare and her predecessor, Jane, in the Office.
The Adoption of the Financial Statement was proposed and seconded by Brenda Proudlove, Mossley WI.
To give members an insight into what each Sub-Committee does, each Chair briefly gave an overview of their activities. So many interesting events and new ideas, from craft workshops to fun activities and games, as well as informative events, there is no stopping them. Anyone who is interested in joining a Sub-Committee, are always welcome to get in touch, and attend a meeting to see what goes on first.
Selina expressed her sincere gratitude to all the WIs and members, and without them, the Federation would not be as successful as it is.
The business was concluded.
Dorothy Monks, long standing member of Lower Withington WI and NAFAS demonstrator, came to the stage, to give a fun and informative flower demonstration. By special request from Selina, Dorothy started by arranging a simple bunch of flowers, bought at the supermarket. She gave useful hints and tips, regarding how to cut and place the flowers, in only an inch of water as to not let the stems deteriorate. She then went on to create a lovely tablescape of repurposed jam jars, covered in spring/Easter napkins and ribbon, to arrange the flowers in and create a beautiful table centre. Something that everyone could achieve, quite easily, even working with grandchildren. Afterwards, she was given a lovely vote of thanks by Helen Tyrrell, Trustee.
The meeting broke for lunch at 12.30 pm, where members had brought their own packed lunch to eat, until 1.15 pm, when the meeting resumed.
Starting with the raffle, Selina thanked everyone for their generosity in buying tickets, there were some great prizes, including a cheese board, Prosecco, flowers from the demonstration and many others. Selina also announced those WIs with special anniversaries, this year, 50 years – Higher Walton and Macclesfield, 75 years – Comberbach, Bridgemere, Row of Trees, Norley, and a fantastic achievement of 100 years – Barnston, Barthomley, Waverton. Those WIs who had a representative present and had not already received certificates, were able to collect them at the end of the meeting.
Suzan Holder, the afternoon speaker, was introduced and told us of her early life as a Journalist, in what was then, a very male orientated world, and how she finally got herself noticed and went on to do different vocations. This included an embarrassing meeting with Sir Paul McCartney, which she has never lived down to this day, and travelling to the US on a group tour, only to be left stranded and rescued by ‘Officer Blue Eyes’. She then went on to publish her encounters, with two rom-com novels, and a third has just been released. Suzan is also married to Noddy Holder, famous musician and song writer. Her talk was amusing and showed off Suzan’s lovely personality, which was enjoyed by all. Sue Bentley gave an excellent thank you for coming to speak to us.
Selina thanked everyone for attending the day and hoped that they had enjoyed the meeting, having the opportunity to meet the Trustees, Advisers and other members. She wished everyone a safe journey home.
As a final thank you, Ann Pye delivered a super vote of thanks to Selina, expressing how much she is appreciated for being the Chair of the Federation and all that it involves, on a voluntary basis.
The National Anthem was sung, led by Susan leicester, to bring the meeting to a close.
Suzan Holder was available for book sales and signing.
Karen Monks
Federation Secretary
April 2025
