AGM 2020

Our AGM is usually held at the end of March, it was delayed as our weekly meetings were postponed in March due to Covid-19 guidelines. On 5th December we held an online AGM via Zoom. We sent reports out in advance and asked for responses and nominations for election by email.

The AGM covers the period from March 2019 to March 2020. The group has grown by 50% during that time, we now have over 30 members. This caused us to need a bigger venue, we moved to Chalkers, Pool & Snooker Club. We thank Chalkers for allowing us to use the room free of charge, which enables to keep our running costs down. The function room we use is much bigger, we are pleased to be able to accommodate many more members. We would like to thank First Steps Nursery for hosting us for almost two years and the ongoing provision of creche for members.

Christmas Tree Festival and table arrangement workshop

We had several focuses throughout the year including mental health, the environment, charity and community work, fund raising events and skills/craft workshops. We ran a packed schedule of events over the year and were able to support more women than ever. Following member feedback we remained opened throughout the summer holidays for the first time in the group's  history, to help combat isolation and provide on-going support.

Group remains in a strong financial position due to fund raising efforts and grants received. We would like to thank the following organisations and businesses for supporting us.  Co-op and their customers (who chose us as one of their local causes) Foundation Derbyshire, Visit New Mills, Thermatic, Bele Bakery, First Steps Nursery, Clear Bliss Therapy, Chalkers Bar and Snooker Club, Rubies Rags.

These are the are the new positions from the committee election. Sarah Wigley and Sarah Watts are continuing as co-chairs, Natalie and Gemma are co-treasurers, Tiffany is the secretary, Katie and Corinna are committee members. 

The committee will meet in the new year to discuss how group can run within the current guidelines. We look forward to reopening at Chalkers and welcoming new members. We have held our first zoom craft workshop which was well attended and enjoyed by all.

The full AGM reports with details of our activities and fundraising can be downloaded below:

Agenda

Minutes from 2019 AGM

Chair's Report

Treasurer's Report

Minutes from 2020 AGM

Book, Clothes and Recipe Swap

In February we had a very successful clothes, book and recipe swap. As part of our effort to reduce waste and recycle more, members brought in items they no longer need.Anything leftover was donated to charity shops. We invited New Mills Wives group to join us, they are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. We hope to still be meeting in 50 years!

We also planted local snowdrops in First Steps Nursery garden, snowdrops are one of the first food sources for pollinators. We've got lots of flowers and veg planned for the nursery later in the year.

Our New Venue Chalkers

We are very pleased to announce we are moving to a bigger venue. From 7th November we will be holding our Thursday meetings at Chalkers Pool & Snooker Club.
Due to unprecedented growth of the group this year, we have had to temporarily close to new members. Our current venue is at capacity for safety and comfort.
Chalkers has just undergone a major refurbishment, we will be making their lovely function room our new home. There is plenty of space for  new members and for our activities. Creche will still be provided at First Steps Nursery which is a short 3 minute walk away.

Edible Planters at First Steps Nursery

We are working with Incredible Edible New Mills grow to vegetables at the nursery. We have grown a variety of fruit and vegetables from seed and planted them up in large containers for the children to tend. We hope to inspire the children with a love of nature and gardening, as well and learning about where food comes from. Later in the summer the children should be able to help harvest the produce and enjoy the fruits of their labour.