THANKS were due to everyone who had played a part in guiding the club through a second year without a president, members were told at the annual general meeting.
Acting president Rosemary Bell said for the last year the club had also been without a secretary.
“We’ve adapted and survived,” she said. “And with our fortieth anniversary coming up it will hopefully bode well for the future.”
Christine Wilkes reported on the success of projects undertaken in the past year. These included raising awareness of the issues affecting women in prison that were flagged up at a meeting with the police commissioner Simon Hayes, violence against women with the distribution of 750 bookmarks to local youngsters, and 21 backpacks sent to Malawi for the charity Mary’s Meals.
Donations of food were made to Fareham basics bank and 15 quilts given to children at the local women’s refuges.
A successful litter pick took place on the beach at Hill Head, a tea party was held for elderly people with little or no contact with their families, and a visit to Manor Farm was arranged for children at Fareham and Gosport women’s refuges.
Ann Pibworth was re-elected treasurer and Tracy Gardiner and Audrey Welsh were elected as regional representatives.
Members of the executive who will take turns as president of the month were elected as follows: Stella Astbury, Rosemary Bell, Pat Caulton, Rosemary Coward, Wendie Douglas, Kathleen Durning, Julie Francis, Tracy Gardiner and Audrey Welsh.