November 2014
We thanked Wendy P for her long service as a committee member and welcomed Hazel and Molly G onto the committee.The Federation representative at the annual meeting in November 2013 was Brenda.(WI Advisor)
The number of members has now reached 40. This does not include the four members who are no longer with us. Sadly after only being a member for a year Sue DB passed away in January. In March, Audrey T, who was one of our founder members passed away. In July Betty passed away, who was also a founder member but only returned to us in the last few years. We also said goodbye to Bernice who has moved to Devon to be near her family. Over the year the attendance at meetings has ranged from 23 to 34.
Thanks go to Ute aided by Sue, who have arranged an entertaining program of accomplished speakers who have captured our interest and entertained us throughout the year. None more so than Dawn Gracie who made our birthday meeting in June a happy event and set us in the mood for a light heart birthday lunch at Camillia Botnar’s.
Also in June, Doreen B organised an enjoyable trip to the Capitol Theatre, following on from that success there is another trip to the theatre planned for December.
In August most members shared the hospitality of Rosemary and Arthur for a spectacular “Afternoon tea”. Catering was by a small group of talented volunteers, lead by Linda to provide an afternoon tea to rival the best of local establishments.
Throughout the year there have been regular meetings of activity groups.
A small number of members have enjoyed successful meetings of the Book Club at the Pretty Things Tea Rooms supported by Hazel.
Craft group has met at Rosemary’s home to share ideas and skills to challenge us, to make varied items, some of which have been sold in order to supplement WI funds. A special mention goes to Hazel who has made a huge contribution by making items to sell, using materials donated by generous ladies.
Members have continued to knit for the Neonatal unit at East Surrey Hospital, who have expressed their appreciation in letters of thanks. We also took advantage of the wool vouchers redeemable in Hobbycraft from WI Life to boost our supplies for neonatal knitting. Thanks also go to Linda for ensuring the knitted items are regularly delivered to East Surrey Hospital.
Members of the Scrabble group have hosted regular meetings and this group continues to be popular.
Thanks to Daphne, who has continued to organise, when the weather permitted, walks to different parts of the Horsham District. Also the walk in April, in support of ACWW raising £49-50
A small but faithful group of ladies regularly attend the Chanctonbury WI Science group to listen to the range of specialist talks which have been organised, with regular feedback from Wendy.
The Walnut tree planted in 2012 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, is regularly checked by visits from members, continues to thrive and we look forward to seeing it’s continued growth and development.
Several members have taken advantage of activities organised by the federation, ranging from crafts, skills, enhancing our knowledge and pleasure trips, to challenging the brain at the County Quiz, in which we entered two teams, ably backed up by the last minute stand ins.
We have continued to support the Weald group of WI’s at the half yearly meetings and particularly enjoyed the very successful March meeting where Jonathon Pratt gave an interesting talk (this later lead to a trip to Bellman’s Auction Rooms in July) with donations given to MacMillan Cancer Care.
We have also shared the success and involvement of members; Hazel with her prize entry and Doreen B and Linda’s entries in the South of England show, photograph entries for the 2015 Calendar from Diana H, Doreen B and Sue who had a photograph used in the calendar,
It has been a very busy and successful year, reflected by our increasing numbers. The support, enthusiasm and willingness of our members to make Horsham Normandy what we want it to be and continue to make it the friendly and welcoming WI that it is.
The committee encourage and welcome your suggestions and ideas so that we can continue to Inspire as we plan ahead for our part in the WI Centenary celebrations.
Horsham Normandy W.I. 