From the 16th July 2009 meetings have been held in the Clubroom, Main Road at 2.00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month
New members are always welcomed
For more information please contact:
Valerie Brock - Secretary Filby WI
Phone 01493 720014
Women's Institute Reports
This page carries the Secretary's monthly reports on the institute's activities for 2015.
The latest reports will be found on the W.I. main page or by following the link at the top to Village Voice.
- the W.I. reports for 2009 and 2010.
- the W.I. reports for 2011.
- the W.I. reports for 2012.
- the W.I. reports for 2013.
- the W.I. reports for 2014.
7th December 2015
Several members had Christmas Lunch at Gunton Hall Holiday Park followed by an excellent 'in house' pantomime 'Cinderella'.
Thanks to May Wanlass for organising this outing for us.
Birthday cards have been given to Margaret Coe and Valerie Brock who are celebrating their birthdays this month.
Merry Christmas to all our WI friends.
23rd November 2015
The Annual Meeting was held in the Village Hall on 19th November. President Jan Howard chaired the meeting which started with the singing of Jerusalem. A minutes silence was observed in memory of former member Lois Duncombe who passed away on 19th October. Lois was a member from 2000 to 2013 and was a dear friend to us all.
Minutes of the previous minutes were read, approved and signed. Lyn was thanked for organising the tickets for the visit to John Innes Institute which was very interesting. Lyn thanked members for contributions to the Mary's Meals Back Pack project. £37 had been given instead of exchanging Christmas Cards and this will be donated to Mary's Meals. 19 sets of jumpers and hats and 8 hats were handed in for the 'Fish and Chips' Babies in Africa project. These are for really poor babies who are sometimes sent home wrapped in newspapers which is why they are called 'Fish and Chips' babies. A substantial amount of knitted blue squares have been done for the Noah's Ark project being done by the disabled young people at John Grooms Court in Norwich. During the year 36 pairs of snuggle squares and 6 blankets have been taken to the Neo Natal Clinic at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
Birthday cards or posies were for Lyn, Chris, Angela Beeston, Doreen Holliday and Margaret Coe.
After tea break with mince pies made by Diane Smith the official business took place.
The Treasurer gave everyone a copy of the Financial Statement and gave a verbal report. Committee's Annual Report was read out. Jan gave her President's report thanking everyone who had supported her in the year. Vote of thanks to the President was given by Lyn. Vivien read out the programme for next year. May gave a report on the Bring and Buy Stall.
The Committee remains the same with the addition of Kate Foster.
Gifts were for Lyn, Valerie and May for the extra work they do on the Committee.
Raffle winners were drawn with a free draw won by Doreen Thompson for a special book detailing the History of the WI.
The afternoon ended with every member being given a Christmas present and as this was the last meeting of the year, members sang 'We wish you a Merry Christmas'. Next outing is on 3rd December to Gunton Hall for Christmas Lunch and in house pantomime 'Cinderella'.
Next meeting 21st January 2.00pm in the Village Hall when subs will be due.
9th November 2015
Some members recently attended the funeral of Lois Duncombe. Lois was a valued member of Filby WI from 2000 to the end of 2013. She served on the Committee and ran our successful Bring and Buy Table. She was a dear lady always helping others and served in the Sue Ryder Shop in Caister and in the MIND reception office in Yarmouth up to her late eighties. A charming lady who will be greatly missed.
The next meeting of Filby WI is a Social Afternoon with the Annual Meeting on 19th November at 2.00pm in the Village Hall.
Please bring your £7 for the Coach trip in December. If you haven't paid for your next year's Gazette please bring £3. Also any blue squares you have knitted for the Noah's Ark Project.
There will be a box available for donations to Mary's Meals instead of members exchanging Christmas Cards.
This is our last meeting of the year. Christmas Lunch and Panto on 3rd December at Gunton Hall, Corton.
20th October 2015
It is with sadness that we have to announce the death of our dear friend Lois Duncombe. Lois was a member for several years, being on the Committee and running the Bring and Buy stall. She left at the end of 2013 due to ill health, but always showed an interest in what we did.
October meeting - President Jan Howard welcomed members and guests to this month's meeting. Before the meeting a minute's silence was held in memory of our dear friend Monica Betts. Monica had been a member since 1967 leaving at the end of 2014 due to ill health, but coming with her daughter Diane when she could.
A donation was made by the member's to the Royal British Legion - Caister branch in her memory.
The speaker for the afternoon was David Morton talking about and showing pictures of The Tower of London. A very interesting talk. He was thanked by May Wanlass.
After refreshments the Minutes were taken as read with no matters arising.
We had an invitation from Hemsby to join them on a visit to Bury St. Edmunds on 27th Nov.
Lyn Ridpath was thanked for organising the lovely meals at Buttonwick Bakery.
Some members had served refreshments to the parents of the children taking part in the Harvest Service at Filby School recently.
Names were taken for the Harnser Meeting on 28th October at 7.00pm in Fleggburgh Village Hall.
Reminder to bring items for the Bring and Buy Stall there.
New knitting project for the John Grooms Court Home for Disabled Young People in Norwich. They are doing a Noah's Ark and want 6" knitted blue squares and knitted animals no taller than 8".
Christmas Fair Federation Office 26th November.
Gunton Hall Christmas Meal followed by in house 'Pantomime' Cinderella 3rd December.
Birthday posies were for Molly Dorrington, Janet Laxon, Linda Palmer and Elaine Ellis.
5th October 2015
It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of our dear friend Monica Betts. Monica joined Filby WI in 1967 and was a loyal member from that date to the last meeting she attended in May this year. She had been President and Secretary during some of those years.
Next meeting 2.00pm in New Village Hall on 15th October. Speaker is David Morton 'The Tower of London'.
£16.00 is due for the meal and panto at Gunton Hall.
The Harnser Group meeting is on 28th October at 7.00pm Fleggburgh Village Hall. The speaker is Ben Potterton 'The Green Land I Enjoy'. Members £2.00 and guests £2.50. Put name down with Secretary.
21st September 2015
President Jan Howard welcomed members and guests to the meeting on 17th September. This was an occasion to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Womens Institute. We started the meeting with Fish and Chips followed by an assortment of fruit pies and cream. We all sang Happy Birthday before the speaker, Colin Smith, spoke about how he started being a Stonemason. His talk was very informative and amusing. Vote of thanks was given by Vivien Moore.
There was a break for refreshments and members had the chance to look at the display of WI memorabilia. Also the table runner made by Margaret Riseborough and President's badge made by Stella Cotton for the Tomorrow's Heirlooms competition. Also on display was a scrapbook made by Sylvia Cushing with photographs of her day in London when she went to the WI Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The winner of a competition raising money for MacMillan Nurses was Gail Armstrong.
Members were told the subscription for 2016 is £37.50.
New project knitting jumpers and hats for babies in Malawi along with ongoing back packs for 'Marys Meals'.
Lottery Bonus Ball winner was Angela Beeston.
Birthday posies were for Jan, Doreen Thompson and Amanda.
Every member was given a pen with the words 'WI Anniversary 1915 - 2015'. A lovely afternoon ended with the singing of Jerusalem.
8th September 2015
100th Anniversary Lunch on 17th September starting at 1.00pm in the Village Hall. Fish and chips have been booked. Please bring plate, knife, fork and spoon and drink. Parking through the gates on the Playing Field. Disabled Parking through the gate at the side of the Club Room outside the entrance to the Village Hall.
Due to illness there is a change of speaker. Now Colin Smith 'Tales of a Stonemason'.
Please bring money for the lunch at Buttonwick Bakery.
Usual Lottery Bonus Ball, Trading Stall and a competition to raise money for MacMillan Nurses on the 17th.
27th August 2015
President Jan Howard welcomed members to the first WI meeting in the new Village Hall.
Speaker Ruth Smith gave her talk entitled 'Nanny knows best' which was very interesting. Vote of thanks was given by Pam Pritchard.
May Wanless was thanked for organising the visit to Wells and to Mrs Savidge's house.
Margaret Coe was thanked for hosting a swim and lunch at her home which was enjoyed by everyone. Margaret organised a Mystery Auction and gave the proceeds to be put towards a lunch out for members. This has been arranged on 2 dates 6th and 13th October at Buttonwick Bakery.
We have given donations to Filby in Bloom and the new Village Hall fund.
Orders were taken for next year's diaries an calendars.
Members were reminder about the Marys' Meals Back Pack Project we are doing for children abroad.
Used stamps, foreign currency, old jewellery and old mobile phones are needed by Fed. Office for re-cycling to be taken to the Autumn Council Meeting in Scratby.
Copy of forthcoming events was given to every member. There will not be a meeting in December, instead we are going to a lunch and panto at Gunton Hall on 3rd December.
Auditions Day - Pam Pritchett gave a report on a recent Auditions Day and told members what happens at these events.
Lottery Bonus Ball was a rollover.
Birthday posy was given to Kate Foster and a card sent to Caroline Nicker.
11th August 2015
Reminder to members that meetings will be held in the Village Hall from 20th August 2.00pm when the speaker will be Ruth Smith 'Nanny Knows Best'.
Back21st July 2015
On a very hot 16th July President Jan Howard welcomed members to the beautiful gardens of member Caroline Nicker's home for a strawberry tea, very much enjoyed by everyone.
Minutes of the previous meeting were taken as read.
Lyn took orders for next year's Diaries and Calendars.
Sue Smith had brought home made jams and gooseberries which were sold for our funds.
A big raffle made up by the sale of scones totalled £50 and was given to Caroline for hosting the afternoon and which she is passing on to the British Heart Foundation.
Vote of thanks was given by Linda Palmer.
Lottery Bonus Ball was a rollover.
Birthday posies or cards were for Betty, Pam and Sue.
Jan presented Caroline with a garden voucher as a thank you from us all for allowing us to use her lovely garden.
25th June 2015
President Jan Howard welcomed members and new members Amanda Dobson and Judith Barfield to the June meeting in Filby Club Room.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read, approved and signed. No matters arising.
Speaker for the afternoon was Kay Jepford with her subject 'No turning back'. Vote of thanks was given by Sue Smith.
Iris Bourne, our Link Delegate at the Annual Meeting, gave her report. The resolution 'Failing to care - the assessment of need in long term care' will not proceed to a campaign.
Invitation was accepted from Hemsby WI for their party on 8th July. The Autumn Council Meeting will be at Scratby on 22nd September. Details were read out of the Fun Day in Caister on 31st August on the Playing Field.
Margaret Coe has invited a dozen members to her home on 12th August for a swim and lunch.
Lottery Bonus Ball Winner was Valerie Brock. Birthday Posies were for Sue Dawes and Judy Farrimond.
7th June 2015
Next meeting Filby Club Room at 2.00pm on 18th June. The speaker will be Kay Jefford 'No going back'.
Please bring payment for outings as mentioned at the last meeting
26th May 2015
President Jan Howard welcomed 28 members and new member Judy Farrimond to the May meeting in the Club Room.
After the singing of Jerusalem the minutes of the previous meeting were taken as read.
We were celebrating the 70th Anniversary of V.E. Day and the minutes of Filby WI dated 17th May 1945 and 20th September 1945 were read. These were very interesting with the mention of the return of Mrs Tuck's son who had been a Prisoner of War. In the September minutes it was noted that Mrs Tenant had heard from her husband who had been a Prisoner in the Far East. The WI then organised 2 Victory Teas, one for the children with a Punch and Judy Man to entertain them and Mr Sidney Grapes was going to entertain the Pensioners.
Our present day speaker was Gail Bradley with her talk about her 'WI Travels' and the Associated Country Women of the World. Gail was hoping to raise £1000 for ACWW by giving a minimum of 30 talks in 30 days and she had chosen us as one of her venues. She had given us a surprise visit last year when she was on her travels in her trusty camper van and we were very pleased to see her again. Her talk was very interesting with lots of humour.
Vote of thanks was given by Jan.
After a piece of traditional WI Victoria Sponge and a cup of tea the business took place. We had been invited to join Caister WI on their visit to Springfields in June and to join them on their holiday later in the year.
All members had been given a list of forthcoming events and were asked to make sure they put their names down if they were interested.
Details of the resolution to be discussed at the AM in London 'Failing to care - Assessment of need in long term care' were read out and discussed. All were in favour of the resolution.
Valerie Brock gave her report on the Annual Meeting in Norwich.
Lottery Bonus Ball was a rollover.
Birthday posies or cards were given to Stella Cotton, Margaret Riseborough, May Wanlass and Monica Betts.
10th May 2015
Next Filby WI meeting 21st May 2.00pm in the Club Room. Speaker Gail Bradley - WI Travels.
This is the Resolution meeting to discuss and vote on «Failing to care - Assessment of need in long-term care». Please see notes on this subject in the April edition of WI Life. Also please bring your diary there are several events to make a note of.
19th April 2015
President Jan Howard welcomed 24 members, new member Judy Farrimond and guests from local WIs to Filby WI's 81st birthday in April.
Minutes of the previous meeting were taken as read with no matters arising.
May Wanlass was thanked for organising the visit to the East Coast Restaurant which everyone had enjoyed.
2 WI rose bushes have been set in our flower bed on the Pound at Filby to celebrate the WI Centenary this year.
A delicious buffet, and desserts bought in from Buttonwick Bakery, was enjoyed by all.
The entertainment was provided by a young blind man who played the Classical Guitar beautifully with a wonderful selection of music from Minuets, Theme from The Godfather and Cavatina to name just a few.
Jan gave the vote of thanks.
The raffle was drawn with several prizes.
Lottery Bonus Competition was a rollover.
Birthday posy was for Janice Green and a card for Diane Smith.
Invitations were accepted from South Walsham, Acle and Gt. Ormesby. Four members are going to the Auditions Day at Federation Office on 19th June. Four members are going to Poringland WI to see a Link showing of the Annual Meeting from the Royal Albert Hall on 4th June. Sylvia Cushing is going to the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 2nd June.
22nd March 2015
President Jan Howard welcomed members to the March meeting in the Club Room. After the singing of Jerusalem, Minutes of the previous meeting were read approved and signed.
Speaker was Malcolm Tagg talking about and showing films of the Childrens Charity 'Mary's Meals'. Started in 2002 by a Scot who had visited Malawi and Liberia and noted that, although some of the children went to school, they were too poor to have proper meals. It costs £12.20 per year to feed one child. Most of the money raised goes to do this. There is also a project to send filled backpacks with educational items, towel, shorts or skirt, T shirt or dress, flip flops or sandals, soap, toothbrush, paste and spoon. This is a project we will be joining in over the next few months.
Vote of thanks was given by Valerie Brock.
Business:- A large selection of knitted triangles and blankets had been taken to the N & N Neonatal Clinic for the new babies. Their next intake of items is after July.
Invitations were accepted from Caister and Winterton WIs for their parties.
One of our members will be going to the WI Centenary Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in June. We look forward to hearing about the day.
Lottery Bonus Ball Winner was Chris Martin.
Birthday posy was given to Tricia Gillett.
9th March 2015
Next meeting 19th March 2.00pm in the Club Room. Speaker is Malcolm Tagg «Mary's Meals».
Please bring £6.50 balance of lunch money also £6 for April party.
Harnser Group meeting 25th March; £2 for members £2.50 for guests.
We have been allocated one ticket to a WI Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 2nd June at a cost of £35. If you wish to put your name into a draw please bring your cheque book to buy ticket, also you will have to make your own arrangements to get to London.
23rd February 2015
President Jan Howard welcomed members and guest Judy Faramond to the February meeting in the Club Room.
The speaker was Chris Unsworth who talked about, showed slides and film show of 'The Herring Girls'. He made the subject very interesting with members also telling stories that they knew about 'The Herring Girls' when they came to Yarmouth.
Vote of thanks was given by Stella Cotton.
With refreshments, slices of cake made by Diane Smith were sold for our party funds.
Invitation to Rollesby WI's party was accepted.
The next Harnser Group meeting is on 25th March, 2.00pm at All Saint's Hall, Scratby.The entertainment is by singer Kitty Collins.
Members were given copies of a sheet with details of all events we have organised for them during the year.
Birthday posies were for Ann Chapman, Vivien Moore, June Pratt and Helen Scott.
Members were asked if anyone was interested in going to Wells next to sea for the day in August, specifically to visit Mrs Savidge's house. Also going to Gressenhall in July to see the WI Centenary Exhibition.
9th February 2015
Next meeting 19th February at 2.00pm in Filby Club Room. Speaker is Chris Unsworth on 'The Herring Girls'.
Please bring deposit of £5 for lunch at East Coast Family Restaurant on 26th March.
20th January 2015
President Jan Howard welcomed members to the first meeting of the year.
Best wishes were sent to new member Julia Mannell who is recovering from a recent operation.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read, approved and signed.
Speaker Stephen Docwra told us about the history of sugar and his family history with regard to the start of Docwra's Rock making business in Great Yarmouth. We also enjoyed samples of the traditional pink rock.
Vote of thanks was given by Sue Smith.
Invitation to Sea Palling WI's party was accepted.
Members were told of the exhibition at The Forum, Norwich from 14th to 22nd February with pictures of the past, present and future of the WI. This is the start of the Centenary events during the year.
It is hoped to have a lunch at the East Coast Restaurant on 26th March.
Birthday posies were for Rita, Sylvia, Angela Pacey and Elaine Henwood.
5th January 2015
Happy New Year to you all. The next meeting is on 15th January at 2.00pm in the Club Room.
Speaker will be Stephen Docwra with the subject 'Rock'.
Tea Hostesses are Linda Palmer, Janice and Sylvia. Subs for the year are due at this meeting. Please also bring completed Resolution Form out of the latest WI Life Magazine. There are several important Resolutions to choose from.
For more information on the Filby and District Womens Institute go to: Additional information
For details of officers, meetings, subscriptions etc. go to: Additional information
Details of our past programmes can be found at:
- The 2010 programme of meetings and events
- The 2009 programme of meetings and events
- The 2008 programme of meetings and events
- The 2007 programme of meetings and events
You can contact us by email at webmaster@filbyvillage.org.uk
Revised & Updated 12th October 2016
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