Hello friends
Apologies for the lateness of this newsletter, which should have gone out on Thursday. I would like to be able to give you a compelling reason for my tardiness but the truth is that I just forgot! Wishing a very happy Easter to all who celebrate it though. Go easy on the chocolate (that’s a note to self, really).
Meeting Thursday April 13th. Doors 7.30 for an 8pm start
Our AGM has rolled around again – I swear time is speeding by faster and faster. We’ll be choosing the charity for the next twelve months, looking back at our last year, reviewing our finances and voting for a new president. (Any offers? Don’t rush forwards all at once!) It won’t be all business though as we’re going to be having fun with some team competitions, quizzing, and competitive Union Jack trifle making and eating (the making is competitive, the eating won’t be. We are not Americans)
New venue
This month will be our second meeting at the Trinity Methodist church. The address is Argyll Road, Westcliff, SS0 7HL but the entrance is on the London Road. It’s only a short walk from the car park at the top of Hamlet Court Road, or there’s parking in the nearby streets.
Last month the general feeling was that it would do for us but I know a few people who were sitting near the kitchen said it was chilly. This month we’ll try keeping the serving hatch shut to see if that helps but you might want to wear layers.
The biggest disadvantage of the hall, as far as I’m concerned, is that we have to set up and take down all the tables. The committee are happy to get the hall ready for you all but we really need everybody to help put down their table and pack away their chair at the end of the meeting. Many hands make light work and all that.
Next month’s Meeting
Our May meeting has a Great British Sewing Bee flavour with a Transformation Challenge. (Sneaky preview; those of you who are Sewing Bee fans will be delighted to know that early next year we have one of the semi-finalists coming to talk to us!)
Swapsies Table
I bought a book in for the table last month and was absolutely delighted to exchange it for the latest book by the same author! If you have anything you think somebody else would like, please do bring it in with you. (I could do with some more books please – nothing nasty!) Rather handily, Trinity has a charity shop, so anything that doesn’t get immediately snapped up can be left for the shop.
Windsor Trip Saturday June 10th. Free transport!
This month’s meeting is your last chance to reserve a place on the free coach. If you want a castle ticket, transfer £26 (with the reference ‘Windsor Trip’) or pay by card in person. Bank details are below. After this we’ll see if we have any spaces to offer out to friends and family.
Essex Federation County Annual Meeting Tuesday June 27th 2023.
This year the Essex meeting is at the Cliffs Pavilion with Gregg Wallace speaking and music from Danny Foster from The Big Soul Corporation. The early bird rate if you book before April 30th is £16, and after that it will be £20. Hopefully lots of you would like to come and join in the fun. The link for tickets is www.ticketsource.co.uk/fewi
Renewals
It’s £46 this year ( £22.60 for dual members who pay the full whack at another WI) and subs are now due. Bank transfers are infinitely preferable, as this saves long queues and extra work for the treasurers, but if you can’t do online banking we will accept a card payment. No cash though.
Please could you let us know if you aren’t planning on renewing as it saves Mandy having to chase you up and it means we can offer your place to somebody on the waiting list.
Think that’s everything
Much love
Vanessa
ps Bring your mug!
