The annual HCFWI Spring Council Meeting was held at Portsmouth Guildhall this year, after a hurried change of venue when the ceiling collapsed at Winchester Guildhall, the planned venue.

Evelyn, Kim, Jackie and Maureen represented Brockenhurst WI, and we met members from other WI’s there, ladies we see at the Group meetings and events as well as those from further afield.  We went on the train and the 8.33 from Southampton Central should have been renamed WI Express as there were so many members on board!

Those who couldn’t travel to Portsmouth were invited to Julie’s house for a watch party.

The first part of the morning was taken up with the business side, voting on Resolutions, Trustees, appeals for Trustees, details of upcoming events and future strategies.  It was stressed that members’ ideas for events, activities and resolutions are always welcomed.

Members were also encouraged to visit WI House, and consider getting more involved with the running of Hampshire WI.

Members were asked to sign up for WI4U, a new way for Hampshire WI to update members of events, taking some pressure of our hardworking Secretaries. You can sign up here.

The first speaker was Dr Mark Aldridge who entertained us with details of the life of Miss Marple, and in parallel that of Agatha Christie, both as mysterious as the murders!

Nelly Ghaffar, who had taken part in the Great British Bake-off was interviewed by Jackie Carver,  This surprising lady inspired us and had us in tears with her life story, which has not always been an easy one! Her parting message to smile and engage more with people is one that we should all take up.

After a break for lunch, we had a presentation from Esme Young from the Great British Sewing Bee with history of her career in fashion from the 70s and her Swanky Modes brand with its connections to the music and film industry.  Esme was on stage as she is on TV, blunt and funny.

Bursaries were next on the agenda, and we were thrilled that Kim’s application for a bursary was successful.  Kim worked hard to putting this together, and we look forward to hearing more soon.

Next years Spring Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 24th March 2026 at Central Hall, Southampton.

Thanks go to Evelyn for writing a report of the day.