AGM 2026

There was an upbeat and well attended Annual General Meeting for Abingdon Fitzharrys WI on 11 March.  A new committee was elected with some old and some new faces.  The treasurer’s statement on the year’s finances was encouraging.  The secretary delivered a fascinating report on all the numerous and various activities which had taken place over the year, including those where torrential downpours had failed to dim members’ enthusiasm.  The president made sure that the many members who contributed to the success of Abingdon Fitzharrys in all their different ways were acknowledged and thanked.  And the ever popular fruit and vegetable raffle, made possible by the generous donations of members, ensured that the lucky winners would be sure of getting their Five a Day this week.

In addition to the AGM business, Val, Abingdon Fitzharrys member and convenor of the Jubilee Group of WIs gave an interesting talk on the history of this group of local WIs who arrange meetings together twice a year with speakers or entertainment which might be beyond the means of the individual Institutes.  She encouraged members to buy tickets to their meeting in April when they were trying out an afternoon event for a change.  Entertainment will be provided by popular Wantage band ‘Pandemonium’ and there was promise of some afternoon tea style refreshments. The event takes place at Drayton Village Hall on Tuesday 28 April at 2pm and tickets cost just £3.

Finally, Jane Finnerty, who is the ACWW representative at the Oxfordshire Federation of WI’s, gave us an overview of what the WI”s sister charity, Associated Countrywomen of the World, is all about. For almost 100 years, ACWW has been campaigning for rural women’s rights, bringing rural women together and supporting them in building stronger communities.  WI members can help with fundraising by contributing loose change, coins and notes which are no longer legal tender and foreign coins and notes.