The South Yorkshire WI Spring Council was attended by four representatives from High Levels WI, Sandie Andrews, Jayne Dance, Helen Mayfield-Ella and Catherine Watson. It was held on 14th March at the Cutlers Halls, Sheffield. Set in the heart of the city centre this Grade 2 listed building was a most prestigious venue for such an occasion. The meeting opened with a spectacular rendition of Jerusalem. Janice Langley, NFWI Chair since 2013 was the first guest speaker. She spoke about her role as the NFWI Chair, comparing how the first time she had to stand up and speak was as nerve wrecking as her first day at school. She stands on many committees and has met people as diverse as the Wombles to the Prime Minister. After lunch David Gray, the Master Cutler welcomed us to his Halls. A short presentation was given about the Cutlers Company which was established in 1624. The afternoon guest speaker was Harry Gration MBE, a journalist and broadcaster in Leeds, a. very entertaining character mentioning some of the programmes he had covered and stories relating to the money he had raised for charity with Amy Garcia, Amy shares the sofa with Harry when presenting the BBC Yorkshire regional magazine programme Look North. The final speakers were Lucy Addlington and Meredith Towne, they a fascinating historical presentation of women during World War One by showcasing their stories..... And their clothes.

Excellent speakers for the Centenary Year. The National Anthem brought the meeting to a close.

Jayne Dance, High Levels WI President. 2015.