The Northern Region is large, and, on 17th March 2018, we travelled to our most westerly local association, Liverpool. The weather was not good and the forecast for the rest of the day threatened snow, so travelling arrangements were watched carefully. Nevertheless, nineteen members attended the Region’s AGM which was held in New Brighton. Grateful thanks must be extended to Angela Jones, Evelyn Campbell-Smith and the Liverpool Association for welcoming us and hosting the day so efficiently.
Jasmit Phull (Regional Representative and Lincoln) chaired the AGM and began by paying tribute to Sally Johnson who had done so much for the Federation in the London office. She then reported on the Executive Meeting which had been held the previous weekend. Gill Ramsay (North Eastern and Constitutional Advisor) spoke about the Resolutions which will go to the BFWG Annual General Meeting, all of which are Domestic Resolutions. Of particular interest to the Region was the proposal that there be just two Regions, North and South. There will be an opportunity for members attending the
AGM in July to discuss this prior to the official session. Local Associations reported on their activities. In later discussion, the situation with regard to State Registered Nurses (qualifying prior to university degrees) was raised and there was unanimous agreement that they should be allowed to join. Monica Dodds (VP and Independent) reported on the successful African Schoolgirl project which many of the Northern Associations and Independent members support financially and spoke of the change to a new school in a poorer area. Funds are distributed via the Diocese and its links in Tanzania.
Jasmit closed the Business Session with a short discussion on recruitment and retention of members. In the afternoon, we were joined by Diana Goodier who gave a fascinating talk on Viking Women and their considerable influence within their own society. Dressed in Viking robes, she talked of their way of life, the settlements on the Wirral and some quite dramatic episodes in their history. After a busy but happy day, members departed home and those crossing the now snowy and rather treacherous Pennines managed to return safely, if rather more slowly, than they came.
Catherine Pinion, Independent
