THE President, Ann Evans, welcomed members to our Annual General Meeting on October 8, along with Suzanne Owen, who was present as our W I Adviser.

There were a few items of business prior to the AGM. The bi-monthly lunch club would be starting with a visit to the Queen’s Head at Salford Priors in November. Later in November we would be having a guided tour of the Tudor House in Worcester. The skittles team would be participating in the Group Skittles contest later in October.

Ann Evans then handed over to Suzanne Owen, who gave a brief introductory talk before going on to conduct the AGM. She told a little about her own background and her involvement with the WI over a number of years, and went on to tell us that the Centenary Committee were planning several activities for the WFWI Centenary in 2018. Many were still in the planning stage, but included a wine specially produced at the Vineyard in Fernhill Heath. There would be a special Carol Service on 9 December 2018.

We then heard the Annual Report from the President and the Financial Report from our Treasurer. Those members willing to remain on the committee were re-elected en bloc. Ann Evans expressed her willingness to act as President for the coming year and was unanimously elected.

On behalf of the members Ann thanked Suzanne for her assistance.

The president then introduced Jean Lewis, who had brought along an array of beautifully wrapped parcels in various styles of wrapping to show us. She demonstrated the wrapping of two different shapes of gift, giving us tips as she went along. Amazingly no Sellotape was used! Jean also had lots of ideas on how to decorate parcels, including making her own individual gift tags. The parcels were then raffled off, so that the winners could take them home and dismantle them to get a good idea of how to replicate the wrapping. Jean said that there was a small surprise in each one. The money raised from this raffle would be going to Clic Sargent. Pam Wills gave the vote of thanks to Jean on behalf of members. It was then time for a cup of tea and the drawing of the raffle. The competition for ‘Something beginning with O’ was won by Nicki Woodcock with her woodland Owl tableau. Overall, the entries seemed to involve a great many Owls, but second place was taken by an Opal ring.

Our next meeting will be held on 12 November and we look forward to hearing from Vince Williams about the WI at War.

Visitors are always welcome at our meetings at the Hampton Guide and Scout Community Hall on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm.