Annual General Meeting 2018
The 77th AGM was held on Thursday 22nd March 2018 in the Stormont Hotel, Belfast – a new venue for this year. The proceedings were chaired by Federation President Lady Anthony Hamilton and the Stormont’s ballroom was filled with over 400 members who were keen to learn of the ongoing work of the six Sub-Committees, listen to detailed reports from Federation Chairman Elizabeth Warden and Federation Treasurer Elsie Loughlin, reflect on the WI’s many great achievements over the past year, voice their opinion on a total of 4 Resolutions, congratulate all the talented prize winners, view the various stalls and craftwork by members on display and, of course, catch up with friends from across the province – certainly an action packed day!
This was also a particularly important AGM as the new 2018-2021 Executive Members were introduced to the audience and each of these 21 ladies representing their respective Areas are extremely excited for the next three years ahead. There are some familiar faces carrying on for another term, as well as several new ladies who have been appointed to the Executive Team for the next three WI seasons. The outgoing 2015-18 Executive Members were sincerely thanked and warmly congratulated for all their hard work and devotion to the WI over their past term in office, some of whom had served on the Executive for 3 years and others for 6.
Another very exciting part of the day, which certainly drew in the crowds in the afternoon, was the enthralling presentation by the extra special guest speakers – the real life ‘Calendar Girls’ – Tricia Stewart and Angela Baker (widow of John Baker), whose true story inspired the classic British film. This dynamic duo held the audience captive with tales of their experiences over the years since their iconic calendar was produced back in 1999. Their story was a nostalgic and emotive one, as the idea for their now famous Rylstone & District WI alternative calendar was originally inspired by Angela’s late husband John’s battle with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and was created to raise funds in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. Sadly, John passed away in 1998. However, despite the serious side to the backstory, much of their presentation was interspersed with great humour and raw honesty, as they described specific details of their participation in producing the calendar, drawing sporadic bursts of laughter from the crowd and holding everyone’s attention throughout. ‘Miss February’ and ‘Miss October’ were exceptionally entertaining and two truly inspirational ladies!
Overall, the 2018 Annual General Meeting was a very enjoyable day and the proceedings, of course, concluded in true WI spirit with everyone joining in the of singing of A Countrywoman’s Song.
The 2015-2018 Executive Members with Federation President Lady Anthony Hamilton at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
The new editions to the 2018-2021 Executive Committee, pictured with Federation President Lady Anthony at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
Special guests at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
Special guests and the special guest speakers at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
Federation Chairman Elizabeth Warden and YFCU President James Speers, pictured with ‘Calendar Girls’ Tricia Stewart and Angela Baker at the AGM.
The fabulous guest speakers at the AGM – ‘Calendar Girls’ Angela Baxter and Tricia Stewart.
WI ladies at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
Having fun at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
Catching up at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
WI ladies outside the Ballroom at the Stormont Hotel.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
Ladies inside the ballroom, excited for the AGM to get underway.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
Happy smiles at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
Magazine and Leisure Sub-Committee members Evelyn Armstrong and Lynd Roper manning the sales table at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
Faces in the crowd at the AGM.
*Photograph courtesy of Clifford Donaldson.
