Despite the weather and seasonal ailments, more than forty members and one visitor attended the meeting on 9 January.  The President wished them all a happy New Year.

After the usual business of the meeting, it was time to select the Resolution to be debated at the AGM in June.  This year, there were only two proposals; one concerning the decline of our high streets and town centres, the other resolving to keep young people suicide-safe online.  The proposals were outlined in more detail and then the vote was taken.  The town-centre proposal received the most votes, although the result was close. The votes of all WIs will be combined, the eventual winner will be debated in June.

Members' attention was drawn to the March meeting which is Members Day.  Volunteers were called for to run this event which is usually very interesting and very well-attended.

The speaker at the January meeting was Mr Neil Stevenson (and not Mr Hare-Scott as advertised) who talked about finance in later life.  He gave us a lot of useful information about such matters as inheritance tax, gifts to family members, and equity release.  His talk was interesting and amusing.  Most of us learned things.

The competition, which was for a 'favourite kitchen gadget', was won by Lilian Pedrick who entered a metal bottle/jar opener which had been in her possession for forty years.

After tea and biscuits, Birthday flowers were presented to two members, and details of the next meeting were announced.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 13 February at 2pm.  The speaker will be Ms L Allen on "The Highs and Lows of a Stuntwoman's Life".  The competition is for a limerick.