By Ray Duffill
Preston WI has elected its officers for the year at the annual meeting on Tuesday, March 16.
Re-elected was secretary Mary Wood who reflected on an enjoyable and successful past year.
She said: “It included fun-packed monthly meetings with entertaining, interesting and diverse speakers. There were inside and outside activities, events, visits and fundraising opportunities – not forgetting weekly coffee mornings, a craft club, and monthly book, dining and walking groups.”
It was reported that last year members had supported some major community initiatives – an afternoon fundraiser for HER Breast Friends, the provision of knitted and sewn items for cancer patients, and the installation of the Book Hut outside Preston Community Hall. The hut provides a free book swap facility and has proved a great asset and well-used addition to the village and neighbouring area.
From December and throughout this year members are supporting the food bank run by St Augustine’s Church, Hedon, with donations of canned and other food items. A project to provide a Remembrance Day poppy cascade at the All Saints’ Church in the village in November is already under way.
Treasurer Liz Garvey was re-elected and updated the meeting on a successful accounting year.
Preston WI president Linda McGowan scrutinised the voting in of the 2024-25 committee and thanked everyone for their continuing support.
She informed the meeting of the exciting programme for the coming year, including a trip to Scarborough Fair Vintage Museum, one to Whitby Lobster Hatchery and another line-up of speakers to entertain members throughout the year.
Members plan to be involved again in the Preston Show, held this year on July 27.
Secretary Mary Wood encouraged new members to get involved: “Guests are always assured of a warm friendly welcome at meetings held in the Community Hall from 7.30pm every last Tuesday of the month. We can guarantee an opportunity to make new friends and you can participate in the many activities offered.
“If interested, please do come along to our next meeting on Tuesday, April 30, when the speaker will be Sher from Botany Boutique, Hornsea.”
For further information on Preston WI call 01482 897584.
