Village news from Helen Price – 9/4/18

Village news from Helen Price – 9/4/18

Published 16 April 2018

Kings Bromley WI
Our postponed AGM was held in April and we also had a fascinating speaker in Rowena Lovatt, who gave us an entertaining talk on the life of a lingerie designer. Rowena wasn’t really sure what she wanted to do when she left boarding school but her father had other ideas and arranged an interview at a mill in Leek. The company was called Lux Lux and they designed and made items of nightwear and lingerie. She was sent to Art school and attended a day release scheme to gain a City and Guilds qualification in dressmaking. The company was very keen for their staff to gain lots of experience and Rowena was allowed to visit relatives in America as long as she brought samples back with her and was able to stay for two months.
On her return she made her way to the Design room, which was where her creative flare and skills at pattern making came into play. The company had large accounts with Debenhams and Littlewoods. Rowena’s talk was entertaining and funny and we could all see how proud she was of her achievements.
We continued the meeting with a cheese and wine buffet and then the formal business of the AGM. Sue Penfold shared her memories as President during the year and Pauline Greatrex read out the Annual Report highlighting the year’s events and achievements. The financial report was read and the accounts look to be in a healthy position. The committee were all given a gift of a bottle of wine from Sue as appreciation of their hard work and a raffle was held. Sue is in office for another year and the ladies are grateful for her commitment to our Institution. A unique rag doll of a WI lady was presented to her and also to Viv Leyland who has supported us for many years as president and on the committee.
Our next meeting will be in the village hall on 3rd May when we will look at the National Federation’s resolution on Mental Heath Matters which needs to be discussed and voted on for the National AGM in June.