Nutfield WI Annual Report 2024

The Nutfield branch of the WI was founded in 1929. Following a short stretch when our group was known as the Nutfield Gals WI, we reverted back to our original name of Nutfield WI in 2022.  In March of this year, at the Surrey Federation of WIs Annual Meeting, Nutfield WI was awarded a certificate celebrating 95 years as a WI group.

Our membership continues to flourish and we currently stand at 53 members with plenty of room for more.

In December 2023, we celebrated Christmas with Prosecco and nibbles followed by a quiz to challenge the brain cells and an hilarious game of Bingo!

In January 2024, our first speaker of the year was Officer Daniel Sykes who gave us an insightful guide for our personal online safety.

February brought us an introduction to gentle chair based yoga run by yogi, Sally Harper, who has since set up a weekly chair yoga class in South Nutfield, which some of our members attend.

Our March meeting brought a visit from a representative from Fine Cell Work, who are a charity that work with prisoners teaching them the contemplative craft of needle work.  The work is then sold with the proceeds reinvested in the enterprise.

April gave us a fascinating talk from Mary Florenza who spoke about inspirational women from history; Rosa Parks and Marie Stopes to name but a few.

In April, we also voted for the NFWI resolution, ‘Dental Health Matters’.  Whilst individual votes made in January from our group were spread across a number of different shortlisted resolutions, this was the one that the majority of WI members across the country preferred.  Nutfield WI passed the resolution which was later carried at the NFWI Annual Meeting in June.

In May, our speaker, April Lewis, took us on a journey through hundreds of years during which many wise and good women were persecuted for Witchcraft.

Our June meeting welcomed Juliette Richardson, a local nutritionist, who gave us a talk entitled ‘Eat Well to Age Well’ which included a section on the consequences of eating too much Ultra Processed Food.  Food for thought indeed.

For our July meeting we were lucky enough to have a talk from Iain Barker from the Environment Agency and, incidentally, Ruth’s husband, on Water Pollution: Citizen Science. Members were able to investigate water samples from local rivers and ponds for the aquatic plants and mini beasts that live in these habitats.

On a warm August evening we spent a convivial evening at Debbie’s house and had a very enjoyable time in spite of the rain.  We also held a raffle and drew our 100 Club competition which was won by Jean (and drawn by Sue but not a fix, honest!).  We also asked for donations for local foodbank – Open Hands Foodbank.  This was very successful and we decided to continue with a donation box at our monthly meetings going forward,

September brought us the return of our ever popular craft evening.  The crafts available to have a go at were macrame necklaces, wine glass charms and nail wraps.  There was also a Craft Stash table where members could buy craft projects donated by other members.

For our October meeting, we enjoyed a talk from volunteer guide Roger Thomas who enlightened us on the life and history of Gatton Park.

Our Interest Groups continue to keep us occupied on a monthly basis, with a lively Book Club meeting at the Queens Head discussing everything you can think of, even including the current book!

The Quizzers also meet monthly at the Queens Head for Simon Bull’s quiz.  We can usually fill at least one table of six and managed to make it to an historic third place a couple of months ago!!  

Movie Night members have had a change of venue due to the Harlequin closing and they have had a number of visits to The Light in Redhill which is proving popular.

Food with Friends is now meeting every month at lunchtimes, visiting one or other of our lovely local pubs and restaurants.  A memorable visit to Worthing in September was greatly enjoyed, particularly by the intrepid ladies who also took a brisk dip in the sea!

Crafternooners continues to meet monthly at the Merstham Mix Café and the members were instrumental in organising last month’s Crafting meeting.

The Rambling Roses have been on some fantastic walks this year with Ruth ringing the changes with a different route each month, including to Gatton Park for the snowdrops in early Spring and a walk to visit one of the Tandridge show gardens in May.

As ever, we continue to meet up weekly at either Priory Farm Café or Christ Church Sunflower Café for Tea & Tarts. This is a wonderful opportunity to really get to know each other and these sessions are increasingly popular.

Many members have taken part in the trips we’ve organised this year, including to the Silent Gin Distillery, the Royal Albert Hall & Hyde Park, a trip to the British Wildlife Centre in South Godstone, an outing to see Made In Dagenham at The Hawth in Crawley, plus a visit to the Tate Gallery.   In the summer, eight members visited the Hampton Court Flower Show, whilst others enjoyed an evening’s entertainment of Midsummer Night’s Dream at Reigate Castle Grounds.  Several of our members also helped with the Nutfield Litter Pick and others have volunteered with local charity Stripey Stork.

As you can see, we are a thriving group with lots going on every month.  We are delighted that so many of our members actively engage in many of our events and meetings.

Our committee members work hard to ensure a busy and vibrant timetable and, as in all things, there are changes from time to time.  This November, we have to announce that Lucy Austin, after five years of sterling work as our Treasurer, is leaving the committee.  However, we are delighted to hand over the job to Helen Everton, who is eminently qualified to take over what is probably one of the more onerous jobs.  Debbie Clarke is also stepping down from the committee, whilst, after eight years, Jan Cornwell is handing over her title of Honorary Secretary to Jean Hogwood.  Jan will remain as part of the committee.  Many thanks to Lucy, Jan & Debbie for all their efforts and hard work over the years and a big welcome to to Helen as our new Treasurer.   Thanks are also due to Jean for taking on the job of Secretary.  The remaining committee members – Debbie McAdam, Sue McBain, Clare Campbell, Jean Hogwood, Ruth Barker have all agreed to continue.  The position of President is up for vote later in the meeting.  Sandra Fine has agreed to continue in the post if that is the wish of the membership.

We are looking forward to 2025, as we hope you are.  There is lots planned for everyone to enjoy, take part in and maybe learn something new.  We hope to see you there!!

November 2024

Jan Cornwell,  Secretary 

Sandra Fine,  President