DESPITE being the AGM, most members attended the November meeting, including a possible new member.

Welcome Margaret.

Apologies were received from Val Stafford whose birthday it was that month.

The meeting was opened by June, the outgoing President and Minutes of October meeting were approved.

The Treasurer Gill gave a resume of the Financial Report and she was pleased to report that we have £700 in our bank account which is an increase on last year.

Fund raising for the year had totalled £186.84 and membership now stood at 30.

She announced that subscriptions for next year would now be £36.00 and asked for these to be paid at January meeting, either by exact cash or cheque enclosed in an envelope with the members name.

Chris gave the Secretary’s Annual report and gave details of the various speakers and activities, including our annual outing which this year was to Berkeley Castle.

At the end of her report, she said she would be standing down as Secretary and Press Secretary due to now living in Leonard Stanley where she had now joined various organisations, including Leonard Stanley WI.

She would however be a joint member for 2015 and still come to Stroud Shambles WI.

She thanked the President and committee for all their hard work over the year and to the members themselves who had regularly attended meetings whatever the weather, and said without them – there would be no WI.

The President’s report followed and the election of a new President was discussed.

As no nominations came forward, an ex President and member for over 30 years Joan Nelson stood up and gave an impassioned view of the WI and said that rather than let Stroud Shambles finish, she was willing to put herself forward as President but stressed members should be aware that she was not in good health, had poor mobility and no PC skills but was willing to chair meetings and committee meetings.

Her appointment was proposed and seconded unanimously.

As Chris as Secretary and Maureen as Vice President were standing down, Lorraine and Shirley very kindly put themselves forward for the committee.

It was hoped that the position of Secretary could be shared out with Val who has PC skills and the committee.

After a welcome cup of coffee and chat, June organised a quiz based on local areas.

It certainly stretched our brains and you could almost hear the wheels turning with Table Two being the winners.

Members were reminded that December 10 was the Christmas Party with the committee providing refreshments and ‘Four of a Kind’ being the entertainment and who will do their best to have us singing along and feet tapping.

Visitors and new members are always welcome to our meetings on the second Wednesday of every month, 10.30am, at the Congregational Church Hall, Bedford Street, Stroud.

Why don’t you come along and join us?