News

HAWKINGE ACRISE
AND PADDLESWORTH WI - NOVEMBER MEETING

November; the month of Gunpowder, Treason and Plot, which leads me nicely into our monthly meeting – the Annual Meeting at which the new committee is elected. 

This year three committee members decided not to stand for re-election; Gillian Philcox, Pauline Hart and Ruth Prior. I would like to thank them o­n behalf of the members for all the hard work they have given that has contributed to making our WI so successful. As we work o­n a committee strength of ten, this gave rise to the need to find others willing to take their places. Regrettably not an easy task, which I guess is where the "plot" bit comes in. However, prior to the meeting Hettie Quinn declared her willingness to join the committee so it now stood at eight and during the course of the meeting Carole Seabrook came forward, so we will start the year with a committee of nine (seven old and two new hands). Should there be a member willing to stand it is not too late, please let either the secretary or myself know and we will "co-opt" you.

We started the afternoon with a minutes silence for Queenie Jones who passed away o­n Saturday 30 October. Until earlier this year Queenie was a very supportive member who was always willing to help and who had run the Flower Fund for many years. We will miss her. Jerusalem was sung in her honour. Birthday greetings were then accorded to Mesdames Readman and Palfreyman and ordinary business dealt with. It was then time for the business of the Annual Meeting. We were informed by the Treasurer that our funds are in good shape, this being the case there were few questions regarding the Financial Statement and it was adopted unanimously. The Secretary then gave a review of the year’s activities, I am amazed at how much has been packed into this last year; we have enjoyed various trips together including Buckingham Palace and Clarence House, been to Canterbury Cathedral for carols, taken cream teas and enjoyed a wonderful garden party in o­ne our member’s garden, been entertained by some very good speakers and our own drama group, taken part in quizzes and competitions and survived two jumble sales, well the list is endless. I do urge you to come along and participate in all these activities, meet new friends and broaden your horizons. This Annual Report was also adopted unanimously. The President then thanked everyone for their help and support during the previous year. After the committee was announced I felt very privileged to be re-elected as President.

After all that a little light relief was needed and Brenda Smith showed us an array of her home made cards and gave us tips o­n how to achieve them. After tea Daphne Hitchcock and Ruth Prior teased the brain cells with a form of "Kim’s Game", did Daphne have any socks o­n – or not?! The monthly competition of "Shortbread" was won by Wendy Bell.

Our next meeting is o­n Tuesday 6 December when Mr Paul Harris will be giving us a talk o­n the History of Pantomime (oh yes he will!). The monthly competition is for a Pantomime Poster (designed and made by yourself). We start promptly at 2pm in the Village Hall, aiming to finish by 4.15pm and would like to welcome any new comers. Please contact Christine Allard our Secretary o­n 863146 for further information.

Ladies, I would like to draw your attention to the Carol Concert that is taking place o­n Monday 5 December in St Luke’s Church between 10am and 12 noon. This is a WI Group activity with members attending from Alkham, Capel-le-Ferne, Elms Vale & Maxton, River, Temple Ewell and Whitfield. Lots of traditional carols to sing followed by coffee and mince pies. Do come along and help us entertain our visitors.

I look forward to seeing you all in December, remember the WI has lots to offer, we may not always go off with a BANG, but there are lots of sparklers and so far no o­ne has come to a sticky end!

Linda Barnes

President