Chairman’s column

Hello everyone
It was lovely to catch up at the annual meeting in Skegness – wasn’t Annie Gray fantastic.
We have had so much positive feedback about her talk and about the day as a whole; I am so pleased it was all enjoyed.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a few thank yous.
To Horncastle WI members for running the raffle, to Owmby, Normanby & District members for running the Gifts to Go stall, to Angela Jacklin for being our official photographer, to Kathy Crust and her team of stewards, to Linda and Linda for manning the events display, and to other members of the events committee who sold the paper quizzes.
We have also passed on our thanks to Ben and Sally from the Embassy team who are always extremely helpful, making sure speakers can be heard and images viewed.
Finally, thank you to all the trustees for their input and to all those members who came along to be part of, what is, our Federation Day.
Sutton on Sea WI collected their centenary certificate and my fellow trustee Paula Burrett and I were delighted to go along to their celebration tea at the beginning of April.
It was extra special for Paula, as she got to meet member Kay Raby, who, at the age of (then) 96, was our oldest – and most consistent – ‘Zoomer’ during the time we were unable to meet face to face.
Paula had been the ‘master controller’ of our Zoom sessions, so had spoken to Kay many times, so two years on they were delighted to meet up and have a good old natter.
Thank you to all at Sutton on Sea for their hospitality.
Take care, as always

Dianne

Inside the May Newsletter

Page 2: Chairman’s column
Page 3: Events coming up
Page 4: Your News
Page 5: News & Notices
Page 6 & 7: Picture Gallery from the Federation Annual Meeting
Page 8: Events Calendar

Chairman’s Column

Hello everyone

Another month has passed – where has the time gone? I really can’t believe how fast 2023 seems to be moving.
Easter is fast approaching, with its images of lambs and eggs to represent new beginnings, and that is what we have in the Lincolnshire North Federation this month.
A new federation board of trustees is beginning its new term of office and we have, of course, recently welcomed Jess Rawdon as our new federation secretary.
We thank the outgoing trustees – Sue Bradley, Sara Carter and Jean Burgess –  for their commitment over the years, along with federation secretary Sue Bain, who has been the constant presence in the office dealing with a variety of matters on behalf of members.
I am pleased to say, Jean Burgess will be an ex-officio member of the trustee board, as she has been re-appointed as chairman of the Events Committee.
The past few weeks have also been tinged with sadness, as three Wis have suspended – Faldingworth & District, Spilsby and The Keals.
Thanks go to all the members who have supported their WI over the years and taken on officer roles. I know a number of the members are looking to continue their WI ‘life’ by joining neighbouring groups.
A great joy in March was visiting the celebration put on by Sutton on Sea to mark International Women’s Day and also their 100th anniversary. (pictured right)
A great deal of effort had gone in to creating timelines for the WI as an organisation and landmark moments for women over the same period., as well as highlighting Inspiring Women from all walks of life across the decades.
I am pleased to say, the event was packed out with people going along to see the exhibition – well done to all.

Take care as always

Dianne

Inside this month’s issue

Page 2:
Chairman’s Column

Pages 3, 4 and 5
What’s coming up?

Page 6: 
Your News from Around the Federation

Page 7: 
More news & events

Page 8: 
Events diary

Click here to view or download the full Dec/Jan issue as a PDF

Chairman’s column

Hello everyone
This month has seen the Climate Coalition’s #ShowTheLove campaign and I was delighted to be able to team up with the library and Old Station Group at Market Rasen to raise awareness.
As you can see, the library put together a fantastic display of books and green hearts, crafted by the Old Station Group and the library’s craft groups.
I know many of you also did something to promote the campaign and I look forward to seeing pictures in next month’s WI News.
WI annual meetings are in full swing now and thanks go to everyone who has agreed to take on committee roles.
As you all know, WIs cannot run without people coming forward in this way. It seems this year has been particularly difficult for some WIs, but by working together we can all get through and continue to enjoy the friendships our WIs bring.
Talking of annual meetings, the Federation Annual meeting at Skegness is fast approaching. It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get together, find out first hand what is happening in our Federation and meet other members, as well as enjoying a fabulous speaker. It would be great if we have a good representation from each WI in the federation. I look forward to seeing you there.
Ahead of that, there is of course the coffee morning at WI House on Wednesday March 15, from 10am to 2pm, to mark International Women’s Day, and the Spring Extravaganza at Market Rasen on Saturday, March 25.
There is so much going on this year, thanks to our hardworking events team, so that is why the centre pages of this month’s WI News lists all events, so you can get planning.
Take care as always
Dianne

Inside the March newsletter

Page 2:
Chairman’s Column
Page 3:
Events on the horizon
Page 4 and 5:
Full year programme 2023
Page 6:
Norfolk trip poster
Page 7:
Around the federation reports
Page 8:
Events and more

Chairman’s column

Hello everyone – and a Happy New Year.
I hope you all had the Christmas you were hoping for – and managed to stay away from the raft of germs that seemed to be floating around.
Our Christmas was very quiet, just as we planned, with a visit from my two sons and our ‘grand-dog’ Big Phil. Those who know me well will be well-versed in Big Phil’s antics and any excuse to show a picture is always welcome, so here he is in one of his Christmas presents – which he was very grateful for in the recent cold snap.
I can’t believe we are approaching February already – where did January go?
The 2023 programme of activities being organised by our fantastic events team is underway, with lots to look forward to.
Make sure you book on to events you want to attend as soon as possible, so we know they are viable.
Like everyone in these times, the federation has to watch the pennies and certainly cannot run any event at a loss.
While we have been having a bit of a New Year clear up, we have come across a lovely cut glass trophy bowl engraved ‘The Ruby Finch Flower Award’. We believe this has come from one of our closed WIs, but would love to know more. If you have any information, please get in touch.
I am pleased to say plans are progressing for the Lincolnshire Show 2023, which we are again organising with our friends at the Lincolnshire South Federation.
A copy of the schedule has been emailed with this month’s newsletter and there is more information on page 7.
Ahead of that, we have our Spring Extravaganza on March 25 – and just a few days later, we have our annual meeting in Skegness.
I travelled to a neighbouring federation last year, along with one of my fellow trustees, where Dr Annie Gray was a guest speaker. Her enthusiasm for her subject – along with her vast knowledge – was so engaging, we felt sure Lincolnshire North members would enjoy her talk.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the extravaganza and the annual meeting.
Take care as always
Dianne

Inside the February newsletter

Page 2: Chairman’s column & 50/50
Pages 3 & 4: Forthcoming events
Page 5: What’s been going on
Page 6: Resolutions and Public Affairs
Page 7: Around the Federation news and Lincolnshire Show 2023
Page 8: Events Diary and how to book

Chairman’s column

Hello everyone
I have had the great pleasure of visiting couple of WIs recently, taking along the Gifts To Go stall with me.
At Tealby, I ended up being the stand-in speaker when their plans fell through due to illness and at Manby & Grimoldby I had great fun joining in their craft evening,
making angels plus an origami star – which it is probably best not to talk about, as it proved trickier than first imagined. .
Both these meetings were very different, but they had one thing in common – the friendship the WI brings. It was a chance to chat and relax in good company. As we all know, those couple of hours can make a big difference can’t they.
As we approach the festive season we are all aware for many it will not be a time of joy.
As a federation, I know we are always supportive of good causes and many members – either through their WI or on a personal level – are supporting foodbanks, women’s refuges, the homeless and refugees.
During the pandemic the message was to be kind, but that is something the WI didn’t need to be told as that is what we live by – and long may it continue.
Best wishes for the festive season go to all and I look forward to catching up with lots of you in 2023 at the events that are being planned.
Until then, take care as always
Dianne

Inside the December / January Newsletter

Page 2: Chairman’s column
Page 3: Science Day
Page 4: Gardening on the menu report
Page 5: Cathedral font; Ghost walk
Page 6: Around the Federation
Page 7: Your Pictures
Page 8: Calendar of Events