Hoath with District WI 2007
Hoath Women's Institute meets in Hoath village hall on the third Thursday of the month (except August) at 7.30 p.m.
Our meetings cover the minutes of the last meeting, correspondence received, forthcoming events, social activities and reports from the Treasurer and other sub-committees. Members whose birthday falls within the month are presented with birthday posies which are made by Committee Members.
Delicious refreshments are provided by members, on a rota basis, each month, and we support the Fairtrade products as much as possible. This is when we can catch up with friends and have a good chat. There is also often time for a quiz provided by one of our members.
Our guest speakers have included talks and slide shows on the Wildlife of Tazmania, God’s Wonderful World and Hallsands; The Village that fell into the Sea. We have been told about the Day in the Life of a Makeup Artist, how a couple survived Six Days on a Raft in the Atlantic Ocean, the History of Walking Sticks and the life a Pantomime Dame. These have all been very interesting indeed.
Every month we have a competition and usually the theme had something to do with the Speaker’s topic. These have been photographs, a necklace made of beads, a walking stick, an interesting piece of wood, a favourite piece of jewellery. Members composed some excellent limericks about Pantomime Dames.
We also have a craft competition each month when members can show their skill at such things as making cards, painting, flower arranging, cake decoration, knitting and making biscuits and chutney.
We have had some great Dabble Days at a member’s house when we have been able to have a go at patchwork with the help of some skilled members.
We have some good days out together, some organized by us, some by the East Kent Federation. Recently, on one of the best days for weather, some of us went, by coach, to Bodiam Castle and Great Dixter.
One of our members, Mrs Gill Conneely, is the Area Organiser of the WI Emergency Group. We have been asked to carry out such tasks as providing tea, coffee, biscuits etc and TLC to survivors and rescue workers should an accident occur locally. We are also recruiting volunteers to carry out tasks such as registration, administration or driving duties to assist health and other emergency staff if and when there is Flu Pandemic. Gill and Betty Wigley have been to lots of training days and it is good to know that such comprehensive planning for emergencies is in place.
We learn from our speakers and also have our own Denman College, which runs residential courses in a wide variety of subjects. We have a ‘Ladies who Lunch’ group when many of us meet together, at a pre-booked venue, once a month to socialize.
Our June meeting is an open meeting when members are encouraged to bring their husbands and friends along.
The meetings at Hoath WI are always lively and very enjoyable, where we share friendship, good company and laughter and where we can always be sure of a sympathetic ear if we need one.
Do come along and join us, you will be made most welcome.
WI meeting notes for February 2008