OUR secretary Angela Joyce welcomed members and visitors to the June meeting.

The minutes were read and the correspondence dealt with.

We were reminded of forthcoming events. On July 11, there will be another garden visit to The Elms at Seisdon, and our summer garden evening is on August 3 at our secretary’s home – something for everyone who wishes to take part.

Joy Evans, our representative at the national AGM in Liverpool, reported on her visit.

“Our national chairman Ruth Bond welcomed members to the Echo Arena. She reminded everyone that next year, 2012, would be the WI’s 100th anniversary and it was to be WI Archive Year.

“The national treasurer reported a healthy financial postion. She spoke about the abolition of cheques, stating she will be sitting on the Payment Council when a final decision is made in 2016.

“Until then, banks will continue to process cheques.

“There were several interesting speakers. Erwin James, a member of the Prison Reform Trust, gave a very personal account of how he had turned his life around from crime to becoming a journalist and author. He was an ardent supported of prison reform.

“The two resolutions were then debated: 1. The closure of public libraries. Anne Major, chairman of library professionals spoke against, while Anne Keith spoke in favour. 97.97 per cent were against closure. 2. The proposed mega farms. This was debated for and against by Helen Browning, director of the Soil Association, and Peter Kendal, president of the NFU. It was put to the vote and carried “The were two other speakers – Dr Rita Gardner, director of the national Geographic Society; and Sir Steve Redgrave for Fairtrade.

“The national chairman thanked everyone for coming and wished us a safe journey home.”

Angela introduced our speaker for the evening Suzanne C Morgan, who kept us well entertained telling us of her life, including being a lady pawnbroker.