Greetings to all members of EQI! …
Welcome to the January 2023 edition of President’s Chatter.
…and “Happy New Year” everyone!
But, before I get ahead of myself, let’s take a look at the end of 2022.
Robyn Roberts and I attended the Freemasons’ “Ladies of the South” Christmas dinner on Friday, the 9th. December and had a great night. At this event the Freemasons hold a raffle of different items and EQI donated a quilt. Robyn, (as certified by Vic Quilters) indicated an approximate basic valuation of the quilt, for insurance replacement purposes, and care instructions were also included. This quilt turned out to be greatly appreciated, the star of the raffle items and a wonderful P.R. exercise for EQI.
Our Christmas gathering held on December 14th was another success story! The committee set up the hall the night before which was appreciated by those members present. As usual, the food table was groaning with lots of festive treats, the Christmas “show and tell” was delightful and the activities were embraced by all those attending.
Has anyone else finished the Scandinavian Folded Star ornament, yet?????
One very obvious item that did emerge from the Christmas gathering…EQI needs to ramp up its Christmas decorations in a big way! We have a bit of a miserable selection! More on that to come, with help from you, the members we hope! …And so, to 2023…
On January 11th the committee had a bit of a ‘working bee” cleaning out the EQI storage facility. This was a big job and there are still some areas which will need future “sorting”
Our first activity for 2023 will be held next Saturday, 28th January at the Freemasons Hall. This is the first of our monthly Stitching Saturdays to be held at the hall every 4th Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Members and friends are invited, $10 entry (the EFTPOS machine will be available), byo mug and lunch etc. There will be some activities, a trading table, and door prizes. Both machine (bring your own) and hand sewers are included.
Our first Wednesday gathering is on Wednesday, February 15th. Our two 2023 Friendship/Fellowship activities: The ‘Take a Chance” block program and the first clue of the “Mystery Quilt” will be available.
There is a new monthly item, called “Tool Time” when alphabetically we will present an item (February it is the “Awl”) used in patchwork and quilting and get members’ ideas on how they use it. Should be a bit of fun!
The committee will also be introducing the EQI 2024 Group Quilt entitled (at this time) “Shoofly” based on a quilt made in 1860 in the USA. The original is described as” teeming with vitality-like a swarm of flies around the milk pot”. It is based on a 9 patch and measures as a 6” block finished. More details at the gathering.
We have a theme for our 2023 Quilt-In in August, (and the Vic Quilters Spring Gathering) “Colour Our World” The theme encompasses positivity, vitality, energy, and a bright outlook! Our Guest Speaker: Emma Jean Jansen will be a great addition to the theme on the day.
I believe most members will be familiar with Emma’s work. If not, take a look at www.emmajeanjansen.com.au
Great news about our application for a grant from Moonee Valley Council. It is, as the saying goes “in the bank!” The grant is valued at $1500. This grant will go towards providing for the cost of some Guest Speakers, providing consumables for our special celebrations during the year and one special activity that has been missing from our year…a bus trip to…well, that decision will be up to members. Stay tuned!
The outcome of the Federal Government grant for Volunteers will not be announced until the end of February 2023. We are hoping to receive over $2000, for the 2023-2024 financial year. Fingers crossed.
The committee has had its first meeting for 2023 and it was a busy one. There are a few more changes to come, as post-Covid, has meant that not just our organization, but most others have had to reorganize the way things are done. I did notice that, after reading their newsletter, AQA have had to reorganize their meeting activities etc. As have other quilting groups. We are not alone.
As for this month’s bit of information, I am chatting about committee business and the business of “motions”.
A motion is, in its widest terms, a proposal made to elicit a decision and /or debate. These can only be moved, passed, seconded, voted on and discussed by a committee member, at the committee level.
Sometimes at an AGM or Special Members Meeting, only when the constitutional guidelines are followed. Over the years EQI committees have moved, discussed, and debated many motions. Some remain, get rescinded by another committee etc. The important thing is that every committee should revisit what has come before and update/rescind any motions that have become unnecessary or outdated.
That’s it for now, hope to see you on Saturday for a bit of stitching and a chat!
Kerry Roe
President
Essendon Quilters Inc.
