Over 700 members attended the SFWI Spring Council held at the County Showground on Tuesday 17th March. It was Sheila Moulton’s first Council meeting as our new Chairman and her Chairman’s address was warmly received. Christine Hill, the new Federation Treasurer, outlined the state of SFWI Finances, which are currently in good health. Christine also spoke about the new ACWW project supporting disabled women in Kenya.
The morning speaker was Sameena Ali Khan who told us all about her life and career pathway culminating in her present role as a Central T.V. News presenter. Our two newest advisers Helen Mancey and Suzanne Sheldon wielded placards, and told us in an informative and entertaining way about their role as advisers. Members had once again knitted hundreds of baby clothes and these were handed over to the Premature Baby Unit at the Royal Stoke University Hospital. Members were also encouraged to knit baby blankets as these too are very useful to ‘swaddle’ the very tiny babies.
In the afternoon, three ladies who had each been a WI member for 70 years, and So-Sew WI were amongst those receiving certificates. Sheila then welcomed actor Tom Owen (of the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ fame) to tell us all about his career and following in the footsteps of Compo (his father Bill Owen), before closing the meeting – inevitably with one or two of her jokes!
Old and New – S0-Sew WI receiving their formation certificate, and other members and WI’s receiving long service awards.
The fabulous speakers Tom Owen and Sameena Ali Khan and our two of our amazing WI Advisers Helen and Suzanne!
The Staffordshire Federation of WI's 