REPORT ON THE YEAR 2021/22 OF BEARSTED & THURNHAM WI
During the ravages of lockdown and the pandemic we maintained contact with our members through ZOOM, letters, emails and phone calls. Although through Zoom we linked to on average 35 members each month when we had a speaker; through the Book Group, Craft Group, Art Group and Walking Groups we were in contact with many more members which was encouraging. The Art Group set up a WhatsApp group which undertook a project each week and covered over 40 topics and this resulted in an exhibition at the October Meeting. The 3Bs Book Group also had a WhatsApp group which met every Friday to support members. Once we were able to meet in the fresh air both the Craft Group and Book Groups met on The Green and the Walking Group arranged opportunities to walk together. The Craft Group exhibited the items they had made during lockdown at the November meeting and were praised for their expertise. A number of members also participated in the on-line Denman at Home talks and activities which took place every day.
We started back in the WI Hall in September when 31 people attended with 4 visitors. It was a joyous occasion and each member had a heart on their chair with ‘Welcome Back’. All of these were made by the Craft Group who were thanked for their thoughtfulness. Two members from Bearsted Green WI joined us.
We were still able to support local projects such as the Holy Cross Bazaar by making cakes, donating food to the Salvation Army at Christmas and collecting for the Homeless Shelter through Barty House. We also collected £70 for Ukraine in March.
Our Christmas celebrations were scaled down and was organised in conjunction with Carols on the Green with wine and cake afterwards in the WI Hall together with quizzes and games. We held a Fish & Chip Supper in February to welcome new members with games and quizzes. Our Programme Planning Group has organised really interesting speakers including the Vita & Harold’s Sissinghurst and History of the Houses of Parliament via ZOOM and back in the WI Hall, the work of the Maidstone Hospital Research Team and the Work of a Buddhist Chaplain. Another year of exciting topics is planned for 2022/23.
The Gardening Group have consistently worked hard to keep our WI garden looking tidy and we have all enjoyed the spring flowers which have come to full bloom.
Our WI Hall is 100 years old in August and plans are in hand to celebrate this occasion. Our Craft Group are beavering away making pom poms to decorate our bench on The Green in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee.
Thank you all for supporting us over the past difficult two years.
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