Audlem and District WI AGM Report

Audlem WI November AGM – Fun, Foliage, and Fantastic New Committee Members

Over 30 members packed the room at Audlem WI's November AGM, proving that even an AGM can attract a lively crowd when the promise of tea and an interesting speaker is on the table! Typically, AGMs aren't renowned for their massive turnouts, but Audlem WI bucked the trend with this impressive attendance. After all, there's nothing quite like a healthy dose of community spirit, and maybe a bit of gentle arm-twisting, to bring folks out in numbers.

Our President Brenda dazzled us with her yearly update (including some 'interesting events'), whilst our Secretary Doreen's detailed notes captured every moment of the past year. But all applause goes to Lin, our superstar Treasurer, who somehow balanced the books! Thanks, Lin--our finances are safe... for now!

The main event kicked off with a round of applause for several brave members who, to everyone's delight, agreed to join the WI committee. Their mission? To maintain the WI's enduring sparkle and ensure everyone still has someone to complain to about the annual tea rota! The newly minted committee members are poised to keep Audlem WI humming smoothly and they can look forward to wielding their newfound influence in deciding, amongst other things, which chocolate biscuits are truly necessary for a WI meeting.

Then came the highlight, a demonstration by Cath Kelly, a mother of six who clearly knows a thing or two about making things work (and work quickly).

Cath had never had the time, money, or--let's be honest--patience to fiddle with willow branches until the world came to a screeching halt thanks to Covid. But then, lo and behold, her wonderful mum came to the rescue! She handed her £100 for her birthday, with strict instructions to 'spend it on herself'--because, apparently, 'putting it towards the electric bill' was not acceptable.

So, after some 'extensive research' (okay, she binge-watched YouTube tutorials in her pyjamas), her first batch of willow arrived. Now, picture this, grown adult, in the doorway, clutching sticks with the sort of excitement that should be reserved for winning the lottery.

After poking and prodding these twigs for a while, she began crafting animals and whimsical figures to entertain her nine grandkids (and, let's be real, her inner child). Soon she was handing out willow creatures as gifts to unsuspecting family and friends. Some said 'thank you', others simply looked baffled!

Then came the pièce de résistance, a full-sized unicorn. That's right, folks--an actual unicorn, as realistic as one can get whilst still being made out of sticks. She posted a picture of her majestic creation on a willow enthusiast page, expecting a polite 'good effort' at best. To her surprise, people loved it!

And as if her unicorn dreams couldn't get any wilder, she received a message from a TV researcher who asked if she'd like to apply for a new program, 'Make it at Market.' Since then, she's been busy with willow everywhere! She's even got some soaking in her bath (not appreciated by teenagers!). She's looking forward to a sustainable and productive future!

By the end of her talk, many of us were tempted to give wickerwork a go ourselves--though Cath made it look so easy, we suspect ours would likely resemble an oddly shaped bird's nest.

The celebrations continued with three birthday bouquets, each one lovingly arranged by Anne Poole, our resident florist extraordinaire. Rumour has it her bouquets might even rival Cath's wickerwork in terms of skill and artistry (a WI rivalry may be budding here!).

A special moment came when Judith Harding was presented with a beautiful wickerwork heart, crafted by Cath herself, filled with heartfelt messages from all WI members. Judith and her soon-to-be husband, Rob, also received a card and bouquet to mark their upcoming nuptials. The heart was a touching tribute from all of us to celebrate a member about to embark on a new chapter of her life.

After the laughter, flowers, and gentle prodding for committee roles, members left feeling energised, ready to take on another year of WI activities with renewed enthusiasm. Here's to a fantastic year ahead, and to making every meeting as memorable as this one!

How do you know when a WI meeting is getting really wild?

When they bring out the extra-strong tea and let the biscuits go unsupervised!