Audlem WI November report

President, Lin Nicholas, welcomed members and visitors to the AGM meeting on Thursday 7th November 2019.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Stephanie Richardson since our Secretary Jackie Creber was unable to attend. Despite her illness, Jackie still provided the beautiful table flowers and birthday flowers. Joyce Clydesdale reported on forthcoming activities, including 'The Clink' Afternoon Tea on 14th November, visit to Attingham Hall on 12th December, and the Group Carol Service at 7.30pm on 2nd December at Nantwich Methodist Church.

Our resident poet, Jessica Trudgill, read out her poem 'Man in a Purple Shirt' which was inspired by an encounter on holiday. Joy Taylor gave us an amusing account of the CFWI Autumn meeting where the highlight was the Reverend Kate Bottley and her hilarious stories of her life as a priest, wife, mother, family member and her hobby (wild, naked swimming).

Our Annual Meeting commenced with our Treasurer, Anne Hollins, taking us through the Financial Statement, which in spite of our Centenary celebrations still shows a healthy balance. Stephanie Richardson read out the Secretary's Annual Report. Lin Nicholas, our retiring President, made the President's address and thanked each member of the Committee for their hard work and support. Particular acknowledgement was given to Stephanie Richardson and Jean Cook, who are both standing down. Trixie Bonell and Janice Jackson were both voted in. Anne Hollins presented Lin with a gift to thank her on behalf of all members for stepping in to the breach and for being such a wonderful President.

Our speaker was Geoff Pike, a Tai Chi and Qigong instructor. Goeff explained some of the many benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong including lower blood pressure, enhanced heart health, better balance, calming of the mind and strengthening of the body. Members participated enthusiastically in the Foundation Qigong breathing exercises. Geoff went on to demonstrate both the 8 Form and 11 Form of Chen Style Tai Chi and the Fan Form. Geoff briefly touched on the martial side of Tai Chi and passed around his sword and sabre. The vote of thanks was given by Lin Nicholas.

The competition of a poppy was won by Val Butler. Dates of the various clubs were given out and members were reminded that our next meeting is the Christmas Party and that donations for the Malbank Foodbank would be welcomed.

Who would have thought that an afternoon could be so diverse as to include poetry, poppies, moving meditation, swords, sabres, fans and, of course, tea and biscuits. Just goes to show that you never know what to expect at a WI meeting.

Chris Rhodes

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