It is with sadness that I commence this report with sad news. The death of Geraldine Scott, the past National President came as a great shock to all of us. Our sympathy goes out to her fellow League members and especially to Terry who was such a friend and companion to Geraldine for many years.
� Also I extend my sympathy to the family of Noeline De Courcy who was a very loyal member of League both in Dunedin and in the Christchurch area where she lived for the past few years. Noeline wrote two books “The History of Women’s League in NZ” and “Pioneer Women of NZ.” She will be well remembered for her contribution to League.
� At this time I extend to all members who have suffered the loss of a loved one my deep sympathy.
� Congratulations are also in order. It was great to see Terry Scott, who has been involved in League for so many years receive her Papal medal for her contribution to League and to other organisations. She well deserved it.
� This past year has been a real learning curve for the three of us. I am grateful to the support I have received from my secretary Mary, my treasurer, Liz and indeed all members of the Board.
� I felt very welcome in all your Diocese for your Diocesan Conferences. I was amazed at how different they all were. Each group brought a different dimension to their Conference. Each Conference had a speaker or speakers on the Theme and these were very diverse. I can’t help wondering why we go outside our members of Women’s League to get speakers. I feel that within our groups there is a wealth of knowledge and experience that could be used at our Conferences. It would be interesting to survey the members who attended a Conference to find out what they got out of it and what they found most valuable. It might be quite revealing.
� It was disappointing that, with all the problems currently to the fore in the media and so obvious in our communities, there were so few remits. This is something I think we need to address.
� Our social concerns officer continues to address issues that are brought to her attention by NCW or by members. We need to be seen to be involved in these issues.
� On a brighter note the membership seems to be holding steady in spite of some groups going into recess. I still feel, as I have stated before, that these groups may have been able to stay afloat if they had just been a little adventurous in their thinking and looked at other options to keep going.
� When I was travelling around the country it was heartening to receive the support of the Bishops of each Diocese. I believe they really do value our contribution and it was great to personally receive their affirmation for the work we do. I sometimes wonder if we downgrade our importance to the work of the church in NZ.
� I look forward to the planning and organisation of the next National Conference in Hamilton next year and I wish the organising committee good luck with their venture.
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Tui Pasco National President CWL NZ.