Fiona welcomed 78 members. Before the business of the AGM and a very informative and interesting presentation from Katharine about her recent visit to Chernobyl, Fiona invited Dr Nihara Krause, to say a few words about our chosen charity for 2020, stem4. In 2010 a 16-year-old teenager, who lived in Merton, died after battling with anorexia nervosa. Dr Krause was involved in supporting her school, family and friends in grieving for her loss, and saw this as the impetus to set up a charitable organisation that would provide accurate, user-friendly psycho-education to young people, their families and carers and schools. stem4 was formed in June 2011 with a group of six volunteers who owned a range of skills and who all shared in their commitment to making a difference. stem4 is a charity that promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them including their families and carers, education professionals, as well as school nurses and GPs through the provision of mental health education, resilience strategies and early intervention. Now, in 2019, stem4 has 6 staff, 8 trustees, 3 contractors, 8 volunteers – all still very committed to making a difference. This is primarily provided digitally through their innovative education programme, pioneering mental health apps, clinically-informed website and mental health conferences that contribute to helping young people and those around them flourish. Visit https://stem4.org.uk/ for further information.
Wimbledon Foodbank: Wimbledon Foodbank has recently moved premises and are very short of space and due to Harvest Festival donations and the run up to Christmas their stocks are currently very high. It was suggested members may like to make a monetary donation this month that could be used in purchasing more storage boxes. Wimbledon Foodbank would like to thank members for their generosity as slightly over £130 was raised at Monday’s meeting which was amazing and should buy them about 8 storage boxes.
Remembrance Sunday and Poppies: A few of us attended the Remembrance Service on Sunday 10th in Wimbledon Village when Fiona and Lorna (SW19 WI) represented the WI and joined the dignitaries and laid a wreath at Wimbledon War Memorial. A cheque for £364 has been sent to The Royal British Legion for the poppies we made and sold on their behalf. Thank you to all the lovely ladies who help make the poppies and to all of you who bought one.
Walk – Friday 22nd November 10.20am – The City of London Liveries: Liz will lead a walk through the western side of the City taking in many of the Livery Companies along the way. The walk is approximately 5 miles long. Meet at Blackfriars Tube/Rail Station north side entrance at 10.30am. There are several places in the area to eat at the end of the walk. Contact Liz if you would like to join the group.
Wimbledon Crafty Ladies: The next Crafty Ladies meeting will be held on Friday 6th December in the upper restaurant at Ely’s Department Store in Wimbledon from 2.30pm to approximately 5pm. Members are welcome to come to every meeting or just to attend now and again.
Social Events: There are still spaces available for:
Christmas Dinner at Taste Restaurant, South Thames College, Thursday, 5th December 6.30 for 7.00 £2
Tour of Wimbledon Tennis Grounds by Blue Badge Guide Friday, 17th January at 11.00 am £17.
Cinema Museum, Friday, 21st February, £7 http://www.cinemamuseum.org.uk
As usual please let Gillian know as soon as possible if you would like a place. /
