February Meeting – AGM and Dogs Trust
On a cold and rainy evening our February meeting began with a choice of a welcoming hot or cold drink, tea, coffee or juice, along with Mars bar chocolate Tiffin.
The meeting opened with official AGM business, starting with reports from the President, Secretary and Treasurer followed by a vote for the 2026 top committees’ positions. Sarah Darbyshire continuing as President and Dawn Walsh as Secretary and welcoming Cath Waller taking over as Treasurer, as Rosie Curtis steps aside. Supported by a strong team of ladies who volunteer to organising a varied and interesting programme for the smooth-running year ahead of Spa Sweethearts WI. We were also joined by our Federation advisors from North Yorkshire West Federation Women’s Institute and enjoyed our usual book swap.
The Dogs Trust representative Sarah Greenhaigh gave us an interesting insight into how this charity operates. The charity started back in the Victorian times, although called the National Canine Defence League at the time, the name change came in 2003. The dogs are temporary housed into one of the twenty-two local centres around the country for several reasons, from abandonment, puppy farms, bereavement, change of circumstances and puppies that are born in the centres too. The best outcome for the dogs is to be adopted into a loving family, 10,467 dogs were re-homed in 2025, but in the meantime, people foster them at home until that happens. While in the centres the dogs have access to veterinary care, grooming, various outdoor play areas and training and some places even have hydrotherapy facilities. Dogs trust also offer free services open to all, as well as dog checks for the homeless and support line for anyone needing advice. The charity is always in need of volunteers and donations.
March Meeting
March meeting brings a visit from Elisa Foyle, aka “Plumb Mum” to shower us with advice and information on our home plumbing. I am sure it should be an interesting evening, with a few funny stories thrown in of Elisa’s plumbing ventures. All members and guests are welcome to joins us on Thursday 12th March, from 7-15pm for a 7-30pm start. Also remember to bring along any books you have read for the book stall and pick up other books that may interests you.