Women’s Group AGM
The Group had a good turnout of 20 members but as noted in the General Report, the average attendance over this last year has reduced to 18. On some occasions this has been very disappointing, especially when welcoming speakers from outside the area.
The Minutes of the AGM in 2025 were read out, approved and seconded before the General Report reminded us of last year’s events. We welcomed 6 visiting speakers, had the ‘Annual Day Out’ in June to Cromford Mills, the ‘Annual Meal Out’ in November, again at lunch time to Chesterfield Golf Club, and the ‘Christmas Celebration’, when all 3 St John’s Clergy were able to join us. In addition, the Group hosted a very successful Coffee Morning in November.
Following the Treasurer’s Report, we had the Election of the Committee. As previously, the present Committee of Trish L, Marilyn J, Janet McG, Kath J. and myself, were hoping for at least one other lady to join us, especially knowing that Marilyn has been very unwell in recent months and is still unable to join us. I’m afraid, no other names were forthcoming on the evening, but we did have a few suggestions from members for future outings. The new programme for this coming year 2026/2027 had been put together and was available for all to see.
Under A.O.B., the present admission fee of £3 was to be kept, to include a raffle ticket and refreshments, also helping towards the cost of hire of the Parish Room, and speakers’ fees and donations. Having hosted the monthly Coffee Morning in November, it had been agreed to do the same this year to help Church Funds. It was noted that the Church has just received a Faculty from the Diocese to enable work on the roof to finally begin in April, which is great and longawaited news.
Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 1 April when we will welcome a speaker from ‘Mary’s Meals’, who provide lifechanging school meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest communities.
Finally, it was pointed out that if there are no offers to join the Committee, then the present Team feel reluctant to carry on after next year’s AGM. This decision had been taken bearing in mind the dwindling number of members attending each month – there were just 14 at last month’s meeting – which
can be quite disheartening for both the Committee and for the speakers coming along to talk to us.
The meeting closed at 8pm, after which all were able to enjoy Cheese and Wine refreshments provided by the Committee.
Wendy Drake