Bright sunshine greeted members as they made their way to the Hall for Cornwall last Wednesday 23 October, for the 2024 Annual Council Meeting, which opened in the traditional manner with the singing of “Jerusalem”
Helen Kestle, in her last address as Chair, welcomed all invited guests, speakers and members to the meeting, and gave apologies from those who could not attend.
The formal business was conducted efficiently, and the meeting then moved on to the first speaker – Matthew Kenworthy-Gomes, CEO of Cornwall Pride, who gave a thought-provoking and honest account of his life experiences in Cornwall, and how, despite good progress, we need to continue moving forwards with inclusivity.
Members were then treated to a rousing musical set from Bryhers Boys, singing a mix of shanties and traditional Cornish songs, complete with plenty of audience participation, and finishing with “Trelawney”.
After a lunch break, the Mayor of Truro, Cllr. Carol Swain presented the various WI trophies and prizes awarded throughout the year. The winner of the Blaikley Salver, Pauline Champness of Stoke Climsland WI then read out her winning poem.
The sub-committees went through their activities over the past 12 months, with a mixture of light-hearted and more serious messages.
And then on to our Guest of Honour, Esme Young from the Great British Sewing Bee, who gave the audience a glimpse of her life in fashion and design in the 1980s and ’90s, and how she still teaches and supports students in fashion today. Her dry sense of humour was much in evidence, as she answered questions from the audience afterwards, and then got stuck in to draw the raffle tickets. The lucky winners took away hampers of goodies, ranging from beverages to toiletries, plants and stationery.
The final formalities were completed and then all sang the national anthem to close the meeting.
Afterwards, Esme was available in the foyer to sign copies of her book.