Spring Council Meeting In Pictures & Minutes of the Meeting – 19th March 2022

June Spencer accompanied the singing of Jerusalem.  Woodford WI ladies were thanked for supplying the lovely refreshments before the meeting.

Apologies received from past Chairmen Helen Carey and Frances Woollam and past Honorary Treasurer, Diane Coulton.  From the Board of Trustees, Susan leicester and Jean Harding.  Selina Prescott explained why she was taking the meeting.  Jean had sent her some notes in which she had written how devasted she was not to be taking this meeting, the last meeting as Federation Chairman.  Our guests – past Chairmen, Sylvia Batty, Edwina Oldham, Chris Bailey and Margery Hall were all welcomed.

The WI Delegates present were also thanked for their presence.

It was proposed to increase the number of Trustees from 12 to 13 plus 2 co-options. Pages 10 and 11.  Delegates were asked to show their Annual Report and Financial Statement in voting for the amendment.  Carried unanimously.

This proposed change is so that, should it become necessary, ie as with the pandemic, the Federation will be able to hold a hybrid meeting eg Zoom meeting plus Face to Face.

Carried unanimously.

Delegates were requested to show their agreement by holding up their copy of the Financial Statement.  There were no votes against. Selina Prescott signed and dated the Minutes as a true record.

Jean had forwarded to Selina notes which in brief, were:  Thank you to –

Carol Sargent of Woodford WI  for the lovely flowers

To the Board of Trustees and WI Advisers for acting as Stewards, looking after the raffle.

Mary and Selina for organising the raffle prizes.

Ann Beckett and Wendy Morris for organising the publications table.

Jean Wilson, President, Woodford WI for help organising the event and for the refreshments at the beginning of the meeting.

Jane Conde, for all her work in the office and for the help during the difficult times brought about by the resignation of Hazel Fogg, the Federation Secretary.  Hazel had a secured another position nearer to her home.  This has meant that the office in Chester needed cover, which has been done by some Trustees.  Jean made the request that, should a WI have a query, rather than telephoning the House, an answer should be sought firstly from their WI Adviser. 

The delegates for attending, this meeting.

All sub-committee members in particular the Website and Social Media committee for keeping members up-to-date.

Individual WIs Committees and members for keeping things going in trying times.

Pat Sharp and the Cheshire News team for keeping members aware of what is going on and gave a huge thank you to Chris Bailey.  This was endorsed from the chair and Chris was also profusely thanked for her years of hard work as Editor of the Federation magazine.

Jean added a special thank you to Mary Hignett, Vice Federation Chairman, and Chairman of Home and Gardens sub committee as this will be her final meeting as a Trustee. Jean wanted to give special thanks to Mary for the personal support she has given.

The team of WI Advisers were given special thanks.

Finally Jean wrote that it had been a very disappointing centenary year due to the extended pandemic, but looking to the future, other events will be organised for members to enjoy.

Selina showed us the, nearly bare branched, magnolia tree which is to be given to Jean, and also a small arrangement of plants to give colour.  The tree will be her very own Centenary tree for planting in her garden.

Vivien Lee proposed the appointment of Mitchell Charlesworth LLP and Robert Hall as Auditors for 2022/23. Norma Dent, Warmingham & District WI, seconded the nomination.  Carried.

Ann Beckett, Federation Honorary Treasurer, presented the Report and Accounts, and proposed the adoption of the Financial Statement 2021.  Veronica Gough, Lower Peover WI, seconded the proposal.  Carried.

Alia el Asmar and Wendy Morris, Helen Ebbitt and Angela Britland who told members that one pre-formation meeting for a Virtual WI had taken place and the next would be Wednesday 23^rd March.  Details on the CFWI Website.

Veronica Gough, Sport and Leisure, said the bowls and Quiz nights are working well.  The final for the quiz would be 14^th October at Comberbach.

Alia el Asmar – thanked everyone for voting for a Resolution, there would be 2 meetings, 21^st April by Zoom and 27^th April, Face to Face at Fluin Lane, Frodsham

Wendy Morris gave thanks to all who had entered the Virtual Show and those who attended the Federation free Zoom meetings. Coming up, on line, Thursday 28^th April, Gill Cowlam, Engineer.  Also on line meeting Monday 9^th May will be Jackie Weaver, Chief Officer for Cheshire Association of Local Councils.

Angela Britland was presented with her Adviser’s Certificate, this has been the first opportunity to do this although Angela qualified in 2020.

CFWI Plaques were presented to WIs which had celebrated their 100^th Anniversary.  Julie Haighton, Over Peover WI, Rosemary Lomas, Aston and District WI and Jenny Pearce, High Legh WI.  They also received certificates from NFWI.

Professor Teresa Anderson MBE, Director Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Teresa told us of her interest in science from an early age. The question “Why is the sky blue? An early indicator of an inquiring mind.  We were told that sound has colour, we see a rainbow, but there are other colours, infra-red, and ultra violet.  Both Bernard Lovell and Charles Husband were knighted for their roles in creating the telescope, which today is simply known as the Lovell telescope.  When construction was finished in 1957, the telescope was the largest steerable dish radio telescope in the world.  In 2022 it is now the third largest. And lots more …  Masters degrees, PHDs were added to her considerable presence as a Woman in Science.  She was responsible for securing over £3 million for creating the Discovery Centre, and setting up a Laser Projector in the gallery, telling the story of the telescope.

Ann Beckett gave a vote of thanks and revealed a little known gem, that her mum had been Sir Bernard Lovell’s secretary.

Before singing the Anthem, Georgina Denny, Vice Chairman, thanked Selina for stepping in at the last moment and for a successful meeting.

Selina wished everyone a safe journey home.