A NEW president was was elected and new faces were welcomed at the latest monthly meeting of Droitwich’s SPArkles WI.
Claire Packer took over at the helm and has already been ensuring members continue to get together – via Zoom because of the Covid restrictions.
Environmental biologist and co-founder of Plastic: Unwrapped Milly Clover gave a presentation on the group which aims to find people creating a solution to plastic pollution.
In recent months the group has also organised socially distanced walks, craft club and knit and natter sub-group meetings, along with a socially-distanced cookery club where participants whipped up a pavlova among other tasty treats.
For World Mental Health Day the group planned a walk and a small gathering outside to provide much needed social interaction for members.
Claire said: “I am really proud to become President of SPArkles although the pandemic has provided lots of challenges particularly reaching out to our members who struggle with technology and those who miss the face-to-face meetings over a cup of tea and cake.”
Newsletters, ‘meetings in a bag’ which include chocolate and tea bag as well as paperwork, regular e-mails, the offer of home visits are all things aimed at keeping members in touch.
Claire added: “We did plan to meet in our new home, the Emmanuel Church in Blake Avenue, this month but the new restrictions meant we still have to meet on Zoom.
“But this meeting saw two visitors from other WIs and a new Member!
“We are encouraging other WI members to join in with our meetings too as we all need to pull together in such times and it’s great to see new faces.
“Of course non-WI visitors are always welcome to see what SPArkles is all about!”
Next month sees a talk by Worcester University lecturer Darren Oldridge on Gunpowder, Treason and Plot, which will be held at 7.30pm on November 5 via Zoom.
There will be breakout sessions so members can socialise in smaller groups at the start and end of the meeting and a raffle
For more information about visiting the meeting e-mail [email protected] or click on sparkleswi.co.uk or follow the group on Facebook and Instagram.
