COMMUNITY: Scotton Women's Institute

The meeting in March began as usual with a welcome from the president, the singing of Jerusalem, the minutes of the previous meeting, matters arising (including presentation of competition spoons to Jean Renton and Pauline Coleman, winners in January and February). '¨It was then time for the annual meeting, beginning with the minutes of the 2015 annual. 2015 had been a very special year for this WI as it marked the 80th anniversary of its formation and also the centenary of the foundation of the very first WI in Great Britain. The financial statement and the various committee reports all reflected just what a busy year this had been, as in addition to the regular monthly meetings there had been no less than 20 celebrations and special events (often involving food) locally, at county level, and '“ for two Scotton members Jean Renton and Karin Clarke '“ the royal WI garden party at Buckingham Palace. As assistant Sscretary Janet Arrand remarked, many occasions with posh hats and cream cakes. Jean Renton, Scotton's president for the past four years, said in her address how much she had enjoyed her time in office, especially the very special year of 2015. It had all meant a lot of hard work, but had given her many opportunities to meet new and interesting people. '¨Scotton and District WI continues to welcome new members, six in the past year alone and is doing well. Jean thanked all committee members for their invaluable help and all the members for their support. She gave her good wishes to the new committee. On behalf of all the members Janet Arrand presented Jean with a Hydrangea plant as a token of appreciation for all she had done while at the helm. The McGlashan Cup was presented to Maureen Webb a very worthy overall winner of competitions over the year. Mary king, Margaret Riding and Mary Smith share the award for the highest attendance at monthly meetings. Denise Butler then outlined the programme of topics and guest speakers for 2016-7 starting with a talk on a Physick Garden on