Our November meeting, the AGM, opened with president June Lloyd welcoming Suzanne Owen, a WI adviser who would oversee the elections. She also had the pleasure of welcoming two new members to our group. It really is encouraging to see our numbers creeping up. We were told that CD’s recorded by Prince Henry’s music department had sold well at our recent group meeting following the appearance of their excellent Barber Shop group. Their performance had been much enjoyed and funds raised by CD sales would help fund a trip to Italy. The financial statement for the year was presented by treasurer Val Witts. Although we are in a sound position at present, fundraising will be required in 2011 to cover rising costs. Val is retiring after serving as treasurer for three years and all the members are grateful for her careful and conscientious service.

Secretary Mo Simmons has also served for three years and it fell to her to present the review of our very special 60th year as one of her final tasks before retirement. What a year it has been with many special events including a garden party and our official 60th birthday party. We are very thankful for all Mo’s hard work in organizing events and inviting numerous guests, she really does deserve a rest. The president concluded this part of the meeting by thanking all the members for their support and participation in 2010.

The election proper followed and the committee will remain unchanged apart from the inclusion of new member Margaret Dalton in place of the retiring Mo Simmons. June Lloyd was elected as president for a third and final year (the maximum continuous length of service permitted by our by-law). She has put so much effort, imagination and creativity into making our 60th birthday a success that I am sure members will wish to show her the same level of support in 2011. Suzanne Owen then gave a brief address, congratulating Littletons WI on another successful year and going on to talk about National Federations list of possible resolutions for 2011. Members will be required to vote for their choice and voting slips will appear in the November edition of WI Life.

A serious meeting concluded on an amusing note with a group of members performing an entertaining sketch based on the story of Snow White, a version that was rather different to any seen before and which lead to considerable hilarity.

The next meeting will be the Christmas party with entertainment and musical quiz by Paul McGuire, 6.30 for supper at 7pm on December 14. The competition will be ‘a Christmas parcel in Eco-friendly wrapping’.