You are in:  Women's Institute > How to join > Find your federation > England > Leicestershire & Rutland > Annual Council Meetings >

Annual Council Meetings

ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING 2009 
Members flocked once again to the All Nations Centre in Leicester, to attend the 2009 Annual Council Meeting.  After singing Jerusalem, Federation Chairman Rosemary Heyes, welcomed everyone and introduced guests.  Then the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Mrs Manjula Sood, offered the Federation an official and very warm welcome to the City of Leicester, and went on to deliver a stirring address on the importance of women in society and just what we are capable of achieving.

Federation Chairman (left) with Lord Mayor of Leicester
Federation Chairman, Mrs Rosemary Heyes (left) pictured with the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Mrs Manjula Sood.
The Standing Orders were accepted without change, and then the Federation Treasurer, Mrs Glenice Wignall, gave a very clear and concise explanation of the yearly accounts, which were accepted unanimously.

The next speaker was from the Special Olympics Committee who, apart from urging everyone to at least attend an event in July even if unable to commit to a being a volunteer, explained the significance of the Special Olympics and how these games are different to the Paralympics which get so much more media coverage.  Founded by Mrs Eunice Kennedy Shriver (a member of the famous Kennedy family) she stressed how important it is for Leicester to be honoured with these games this year and went on to illustrate how the games are of great benefit to the participants as well as their families.  A truly motivating presentation.

Next came Taylors' Teas representative from Harrogate.  Once again this year, Taylors will be sending a goody box to all WIs in the country.

Federation Vice-chairman, Mrs Ruth Green, reminded members of forthcoming events in the Federation, followed by an animated presentation of the Gifts and Stationery on sale in the entrance hall by Mrs Barbara Rogers, Mrs Glenice Wignall and Mrs Anne Allison.

As ever, lunch break seemed to pass to quickly but the Country Markets stall as well as Gifts and Stationery table both did keep very busy.  Members then settled down to congratulate the various trophy and prizewinners, before the main speaker of the day was introduced.  This was Mrs Sheila Dibnah who gave a vivid description of her all too short married life with the country's favourite raconteur and tv presenter, Fred Dibnah (they were only together for six years before he sadly passed away in 2004).  It was a heartwarming and hilarious tale of a man who seemed to be every bit as eccentric in everyday life as he appeared on television;  as Sheila said "what you saw what what you got with Fred".  She gave unbelievable tales of their courtship when Fred's idea of a romantic Sunday afternoon out was to get Sheila climbing a old chimney with him!!  A wonderful presenter in her own right, possessing a superb sense of humour and with her own stories to tell as well as those of her famous husband.

The afternoon finished off with the raffle, followed by the National Anthem, and everyone went home after a full and satisfying day spent with friends old and new.

ACM 2009 PICTURE GALLERY:

Federation Art Trophy
Janet Garner (left) and Jean Holes (right) joint winners of the Federation Art Trophy 2009
Federation Art Trophy Joint Winners, Mrs Janet Garner of Glenfield WI (left) and Mrs Jean Holes of Peatling Magna WI, following by their well-deserved winning entries into this popular competition entitled this year "A Childhood Memory":
Fed Art Trophy 2009 Joint 1st (2)
Jean Holes' emotive sepia painting 'Outside St Paul's Cathedrail
Fed Art Trophy 2009 Joint 1st (1)
Janet Garner's lovely depiction of her childhood memories 'Playtime circa 1947'

Munro Cup 2009
The Munro Cup 2009 competition was entitled: "A Glimpse of Paradise".  The judges had a difficult decision to make, but the final three placings were as follows:

Munro Cup 2009 1st place
1st place and winners of the trophy were High Leicestershire Group

Munro Cup 2009 2nd place
2nd place was awarded to South Rutland.

Munro Cup 2009 3rd place
3rd place was awarded to Borderland Group.

Margaret Johnson Trophy 2009
The Margaret Johnson Trophy 2009 was something a little bit different, but members still rose to the challenge to write a Haiku - a 17 syllable japanese style verse. 
]Sue Young collecting M Johnson Trophy for winner Sue Wainwright
Mrs Sue Wainwright, member of Thorpe Acre WI, won the trophy which was collected on her behalf by Thorpe Acre President, Mrs Sue Young.

Judges Calendar Cup 2009
Mrs Rhena Sturgess collecting the Judges' Calendar Cup 2009 on behalf of winner Mrs Pat Rees
This year's Cup was awarded to Mrs Pat Rees of Illston on the Hill WI and pictured left is Mrs Rhena Sturgess collecting the award on Pat's behalf.

2009 Membership Bell
The 2009 Membership Bell was won by Botcheston WI:
Membership Bell 2009 won by Botcheston WI
This award is here being collected by President of Botcheston WI, Mrs Marie Saunt (left).

Skittles Competition 2009
As ever, the Skittles Competition 2009 was hard fought, but eventually found a winner and a runner-up:
Winners and Runners up of Skittles Competition 2009
Sue Young, President of winning WI Thorpe Acre (right) pictured with Thurnby, Bushby Stoughton WI President (left) collecting the runner-up shield.
The following images give a flavour of some of the many attractions taking place at the Annual Council Meeting 2009:
Members of Nanpantan WI organised and managed the raffle
Nanpantan WI who skilfully organised and ran the raffle table...
Denman Dip Table ACM 2009
Liz Muston in deep concentration at the ACWW Table...
Country Markets at 2009 ACM
The Denman Dip where you could take a chance on winning a weekend at Denman College...
Country Markets at ACM 2009 (Crafts)
The ever-popular Country Markets stand with their sumptuous foods...
... and exquisite craftwork.

SEE WHAT YOU MISSED IF YOU WEREN'T THERE...? 
SEE YOU ALL IN 2010 !!

BACK TO TOP >