Botley WI Secretary’s Annual Report March 2022
Following last year’s interrupted activities owing to the global Coronavirus Pandemic and Government imposed restricted social interactions this past year has been much more positive for everyone including Botley WI. We started slowly utilising the virtual technology zoom for our annual meeting in March 2021 and for several meetings thereafter. We were joined by Laura Schneider from America who spoke to us about her experience of Ovarian Cancer; the NFWI’s chosen resolution for this year and on another occasion by John Anderson from the High Legh Community Observatory who told us all about five women who were historically very important in the astronomy field.
Our July meeting was split into two sessions, an afternoon and evening, we met in the carpark of the WI Hall under gazebos to dodge the rain and our very own Bess Harris generously told us twice all about her super collection of Teddy Bears.
In August with thanks to Anne Paver for the use of her garden, lots of us relished the opportunity to come together for an outdoor afternoon tea, and events finally seemed to return to normal with meetings in the hall from then on. We enjoyed a mixture of speakers both in person and on zoom on as diverse subjects as Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit, Everlasting Flowers, Jenny Mallin’s ancestral grandmothers’ lives in India, and a relaxed December meeting with entertainment from the Mother Folkers singing group who used our hall to practice. In January Tess Taylor spoke to us all about The Tap Social project which is just down the road from the hall and last month we enjoyed a great presentation about colour in art by the art educator at the Ashmolean Museum, Lizzie Rowe.
Our competition in August was to choose members photographs for the first Botley WI calendar.
Of the Botley WI subgroups the Walking group was the first to get going again this year, they have walked nearly every week enjoying regular trips to Farmoor Reservoir, Blenheim Palace, The Hirst, and University Parks as well as special trips to Bluebell Woods and Witney Lakes to name a few.
The Book Group have read titles chosen by the library as diverse as ‘A Small Island’, ‘H is for Hawk’ and ‘Treasure Island’.
The Greenish Fingers ladies have enjoyed several trips including The Botanical Gardens in Oxford and Bampton Nursery.
And the Music Group have enjoyed concerts, recitals and shows including The Pirates of Penzance, Piano works, Fascinating Aida, Madame Butterfly, The Jersey Boys and My Fair Lady.
As well as the afternoon Tea in August social events this year have included: Last night of the Proms, a quiz night and a skittles evening as well as the regular craft, cuppa and chat sessions once a month.
We have also had the opportunity to take part in Workshops on Paper Flowers, Pottery Painting, Christmas Flowers and Stained Glass.
On a more sombre note our President Alison Jenner was able to lay a wreath on our behalf at the annual Remembrance Service held in the Commonwealth Wargrave Cemetary over the road from the hall which was open to the public again this year. We also provided the usual tea and biscuits in the hall after the event.
Fundraising events this year have included a tea & cake stall for Seacourt Hall reopening day, car boot sales, stalls at the Saturday Botley Farmers Market and a Christmas Sale.
Finally, I cannot round up this year without mentioning the Botley WI Centennary Hall Extension Project. After delays for covid-19 and much work by Liz Manson it is great to see the entrance hall taking shape. This project includes a ramp for disabled access through double doors and a disabled toilet as well as a store room which be a lasting legacy for future generations who use the hall and we look forward to the official opening in May 2022.
Deb Fairclough
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