The May meeting and AGM of West Buckland WI included a talk on the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Here is the full report from Cheryl Bailey (secretary) …
Following a warm welcome to the meeting by President Christine and the singing of Jerusalem, guest speaker Susie, a volunteer with the air ambulance, received donations collected by members throughout the year, together with proceeds from raffles and a tabletop sale.
Susie explained to members how air ambulance started in 2000 with a small daytime operation team flying one week a month to now being an advanced and professional medical aviation operation.
Volunteers spreading the word about its work means that more money can be raised to help in emergency situations.
At a previous Glastonbury Festival, a 24-hour sortie was successfully trialled, and it was hoped this could be introduced in future years.
Funds are are also currently being raised for a second helicopter.
Susie explained how the system worked when a 999 call was made to the Control Centre in Exeter, including how one of the two critical outreach cars can attend incidents instead of a helicopter.
Crews always carry two 15kg medical bags (Red for blood circulation, and Blue with airway and ventilator support).
The crew have to be physically fit as they sometimes need to carry these heavy bags long distances.
In 2023-24, 42 lives were saved and, as each mission costs £3,500, Susie thanked everyone for supporting DSAA.
A vote of thanks was given by committee member Enid Halliwell for the fantastic work and concluded that, if she won the lottery, she would buy them a helicopter – with a positive round of applause!
Somerset Federation WI Advisor, Lynn Page, then opened the AGM.
Secretary Cheryl Bailey gave a summary of the WI’s year, illustrating the variety of interesting speakers’ topics and social events. New members had been welcomed and membership totalled 47.
Highlights of the year included an Afternoon Tea to celebrate 110 years of the WI with a celebration cake and Mastermind Quiz about WI along with the traditional West Buckland WI Christmas get-together with buffet and entertainment by Wellington Operatic Touring Group.
The monthly extra activity groups were acknowledged and coordinators thanked.
Carole Smith, treasurer, presented a summary of the audited accounts which were unanimously approved.
Committee members were then voted in ‘en-bloc’ and Christine Wombwell was elected president for her final year.
Christine thanked the committee and members for their ongoing support and said members could look forward to the events and activities planned during the year for the 90th anniversary celebrations.
Members then had time to socialise over a cup of tea and biscuits provided by the hostess of the month and her team. The business part of the meeting then followed.
The annual presentation of cup and trophies were awarded as follows:
- Heather Bubb won the Bill Giles Cup for her winning entries in the monthly competition.
- Christine Wombwell was awarded the indoor kurling trophy.
- Carole Smith won the cup for board games.
- Jane Taylor the Elsie Purchase Cup for going above and beyond for WI, having organised the WBWI weekly walks for more than 20 years!
Our monthly raffle was drawn and the winners for the monthly competition for an object item or collectable in the colour of the month, which for May was green, was chosen.
Visitors are very welcome to come along to our monthly meetings, which are held on the second Tuesday in the month, 7pm for 7.30pm at West Buckland Village Hall, TA21 9NA.
Our next open meeting is on Tuesday, June 9th, when we will hear about All That Glitters by Jo Jeffrey.
If you would like to join us at West Buckland WI please come along one Tuesday evening, please speak to Christine on 01823 652863, email cmwombwell@gmail.com, or contact Somerset County Federation of WIs for details of WIs in your area.