New president takes over the reins at Stokes Bay WI

By Pam Marsden

PREPARATIONS paid off for members of Stokes Bay WI as they undertook a Presidential Handover Day earlier this week with smiles and a few emotional moments; the group paying tributes to President Angela MacCallum after eight years on Tuesday (May 19).

Angela is not leaving the group and will now enjoy being relaxed a ordinary member at meetings after starting the role in 2018; her eight years being far longer than the planned three years. She had plenty of experience as she was a retired Headteacher of a large local infant school.

Those skills came to the fore with her teaching of crafts from household recycled items, which have been the source of many laughs and memories for members. The group will now think twice before throwing things away and save everything; who knew what they could make from yoghurt pots and toilet rolls!

The displays for our King’s Coronation party received special commendation and the St Mary’s Christmas tree festival in Alverstoke always features a Stokes Bay WI fir tree with a hundred (to represent our 100 members) decorations crafted by members under her guidance. The group have also experienced fascinating meetings, exciting outings, innovative fundraising, stunning events and amazing quizzes during her tenure.

As leader of the ‘ship’ at Stokes Bay WI, Angela has been a steadying and encouraging point of influence and members were effuse in their praise of her undoubted skills. However it is time to move on, and Tracey Whatley now takes over as President for the next three years until at least 2029.

Tracey has shadowed Angela for a year and is ready to move us forward with an interesting programme to come. Stokes Bay WI has just sponsored a beautiful tree at the Parish Centre in Alverstoke in recognition of our meeting place being freshly renovate, which proved a fitting place to pass on the baton to Tracey and for our group to continue growing and thriving.

Stokes Bay WI meet in the Parish Centre Alverstoke on the third Tuesday of the month, with each session running from 10am to 12pm with interesting meetings, outings and special events. Readers can see more information on membership or arranging a visit by clicking www.stokesbaywi.co.uk.

PICTURED BY STOKES BAY WI: New President Tracey Whatley (left) with outgoing President Angela MacCallum at the handover event held on Tuesday morning.