Wells WI had its first ever online meeting this month using Zoom.

Twenty-six members attended via their phones, tablets and computers. Having missed a couple of months, everyone was delighted to see their friends' familiar faces.

First we thanked our president Jane Pyatt, who is stepping down after several years leading Wells WI.

It's been a time of great ideas, wonderful work and brilliant fun, that has seen membership growing to record numbers.

We welcomed our new president Anne Wilson, known to many members from one of our book groups.

We look forward to helping Anne as she brings fresh ideas and energy to lead Wells WI into the next chapter.

Elections to appoint members to supporting committee roles will be held when we are able to meet in person to vote. Until then, the current team are continuing their duties.

We had an update on the situation regarding resolutions. Groups have not been able to meet to vote on shortlisted resolutions, and the cancellation of the national conference prevents further debate.

Therefore, the National Federation of Women's Institutes trustees have decided that the two resolutions that had gained most support nationally from the shortlisted five - with more than 70 per cent of votes - will automatically become the next national campaigns. They are:

• increasing the number of people registered on the UK stem cell registry, to provide potentially life-saving treatment to people of all ages with certain blood cancers and reduce numbers dying whilst waiting for a match; and
• ending modern slavery by raising awareness, protecting victims and helping them rebuild their lives.

Local yoga teacher Carolyn Smith then joined us to lead members through a half hour yoga practice.

Carolyn, a former manager of NHS mental health services in Somerset, became a full-time yoga teacher after discovering the benefits for herself.

Her knowledge and skills mean she specialises in teaching yoga with an emphasis on improving mental health and addressing stress and anxiety.

Since lockdown, Carolyn has switched from teaching in village halls to offering virtual classes online, a model that is proving very popular.

We began by concentrating on our breathing, before being guided through some stretches, balances that are beneficial for bone health, and a whole-body relaxation. Members enjoyed joining in at home, and many expressed an interest in doing more yoga.

We talked about ways we had been using the opportunity of lockdown to be creative or learn new skills. Members have been resourceful.

Achievements included upcycling furniture, studying a new language, learning how to play the piano, sewing and crafting, and making art including painting and collage. Anne showed us some photos of the results from her computer.

We aim to repeat this successful experiment next month. In the meantime members will continue to receive regular newsletters by email, and our Facebook page will be updated with news and interesting items.

by Veronica Howe