President Catherine Paterson welcomed the WI advisor Doreen Jeeves to the annual general meeting held at Bromyard Road Methodist Church.

The main items on the agenda were Catherine's retirement and the election of a new president and committee.

In her final presidency address, Catherine thanked the committee for giving unstintingly of their time and talents, and also the members for their support, and said she had thoroughly enjoyed her years in office but was now looking forward to sitting in the body of the kirk'.

The members presented Catherine with a white heather plant, well suited to her Scottish ancestry, and thanked her for the hard work she had put in over the years. Everyone agreed she had been a most enthusiastic and lively president with a good sense of humour, and she was wished a long and happy retirement.

One committee member, Chris, was also retiring after 13 years in charge of the tea and flower rota, was given a framed certificate of appreciation in recognition of all she had done.

Elections then took place, Joan Davies being elected the new president. Doreen invited members to volunteer for committee and found it disappointing that no new names were put forward, so the committee was re-elected.

The sub-committees then reported, Dora on craft and Sue on the reading group, and the meeting concluded with the raffle and refreshments. JOAN DAVIES