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I began 2018 with one resolution – not to make any resolutions. Last year I made three of them and ended up not sticking to any. So this year I just said to myself, ‘Go with the flow, and enjoy yourself’. And a big part of my enjoyment is my participation in Doveside WI.
We have had three busy first months, and the, not so delightful weather, could not stop us in our tracks. We have been exercising our grey matter, first at our ‘in house’ quiz, then some of us went to the Staffordshire County Showground for the county quiz. We have had a Valentine lunch, followed by the classic film ‘Some like it hot’, as well as a shopping trip to McArthur Glen, and a cheese and wine tasting afternoon. We have played Bingo and consumed scones with jam, proof that women can multitask.
Paul Laffey, from the YMCA in Burton, came to talk to us about how the charity focuses on empowering young people to find their place in the world, helping especially the homeless and running a successful Food Bank.
Another, just as inspiring and humbling talk, was delivered by Marian Askew. In her retirement she has started to volunteer for a charity her friend Kelly established in the Shimba Hills of Kenya: The Footprints Orphanage. With pictures running in the background, she described the wonderful work Kerry and her volunteers are doing to ensure the children have a safe place, food and medical care to grow up healthy, an education and most of all happiness.
Our social afternoons have seen some of us playing Scrabble and Rummikub, while others have been creating Valentine and Easter gifts.
The March meeting included our Annual General Meeting, where roles of the committee members are confirmed. This year we needed to elect a new president, as Elspeth stood down after having done a sterling job over the past two years. We thanked her for her admirable commitment, where a lot of the hard work often goes unnoticed. She will stay on the committee and carry on to offer her valuable support. Our newly elected president is Leanda Philliskirk. Leanda has served on the committee for some years, and we are very pleased that she will bring her engaging and infectious energy to her new role, as well as plenty of new and thrilling ideas.
We meet once a month, on the third Friday at Rolleston Club form 9.45 until 12pm.
Our social afternoons with games and crafts take place on the second Thursday of each month between 1.30 and 4 pm.
You can contact me for more information on 07375474523, or e-mail me at
imnn.waller@sky.com.
We have a lot of exciting things to look forward to; why don’t you come and see
for yourself what a group of lovely ladies we are.
Michaela Waller
Vice President
This time of year, just before Christmas, I always get a bit sentimental, and today even more so than normal. At the Doveside WI at Rolleston Club, we had our last meeting of the year 2017, followed by a Christmas fuddle. Additionally to our normal agenda, opened as always by the singing of an inspiriting Jerusalem, and delightful, ‘Christmassy’ anecdotes by our speaker Audrey Hall, we enjoyed plenty of festive food, listened to merry music, laughed at piquant poems and consumed scrumptious sherry and sparkling prosecco.
I realised today, more than ever before, what I love most about the WI.
Yes, I enjoy the talks, the social aspect, all our outings, making new friends, and the craft and games group, which is a particular favourite of mine; but it is the women themselves that really inspire me and give me so much joy.
It seems such an obvious thing to say, but it was truly brought home to me today.
We often make the mistake of judging people, especially the older generation,
by just what we see. We ignore the years of experience and worldliness, the
lifetime of adventures and happenings, and the existence of knowledge and wisdom
that every single woman brings into our meetings and shares with all of us.
I feel privileged to be part of this inspiring community.
Why not try it for yourself?
We meet once a month, on the third Friday, at Rolleston Club from 9.45am until 12pm. Our craft and games afternoons take place on the first Thursday of each month between 2-4pm. You can contact me for more information on 07375474523, or e-mail me at imnn.waller@sky.com.
Michaela Waller
Vice President
Last updated: 19 May 2018