SWWIC welcomed nearly 40 guests to our Spring Breakfast and AGM, bringing members and supporters together to reflect on another fantastic year.
It was a lovely opportunity to look back on everything the SWWIC community has been part of over the past 12 months. From site visits and networking events to golf, walks, runs, learning opportunities and celebrations of powerful and influential women, it has been a year full of connection, friendship and shared experiences.
Thanks to the continued support of our members and guests, we have also been able to contribute more than £4,000 to each of our nominated charities, RSPCA Little Valley and Jeremiah’s Journey, during their time with us. We are incredibly proud to have supported both charities and grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.
During the AGM, we heard from members of the SWWIC committee, who spoke about the wonderful community of friendship and support that has continued to grow over the year. We also took the opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of SWWIC, whether by attending events, renewing memberships, supporting fundraising or simply helping make our network such a welcoming space.
The event also marked an official goodbye and thank you to Emma Martin as Chair. Emma has done a fantastic job over her two-year tenure, helping to shape and strengthen SWWIC with energy, commitment and care. We were also delighted to officially welcome Emma Preston as Chair for the next two years, and to welcome Kat Archer back on a temporary basis.
Guests also heard an impressive and energetic pitch from three of Niki Read’s students from City College Plymouth, who are managing a brilliant project at Martins Gate Garden. The students are looking for support in all shapes and sizes, and it was fantastic to hear from the next generation of construction professionals as they shared their plans and ambitions.
Looking ahead, we are delighted to announce our two new nominated charities, as chosen and voted for by our members: Trevi and Children’s Wishes Plymouth. We are excited to support both charities over the next two years and are already looking forward to getting involved with events including the Waarrior Walk and the Smyths lockdown.
There is also plenty coming up in the SWWIC calendar. On 3 June, we will be hosting golf with Hannah Bladon at Boringdon Park Golf Club, with booking opening soon. On 9 June, we will be visiting Meadowview thanks to Carla Wilkinson and Devon Contractors, with booking already open.
As usual, we will slow down a little over the summer, but we intend to host a summer drinks event and another family walk or beach trip. Looking further ahead into autumn, we will be bringing the impactful talk, Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen, to Plymouth following its recent success in Exeter. We will also be hosting our annual Women With Influence Lunch in the autumn, followed by our much-loved Christmas quiz in December.
A huge thank you goes to the committee, who work so hard behind the scenes to make these events happen. Thank you also to the team at The Dock Café, who were brilliant hosts, and to everyone who has supported SWWIC over the past year.
Our events are open to everyone, regardless of background, gender or membership, and we look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
