MESSAGE TO MEMBERS FROM THE COMMITTEE

In this time of uncertainty we have one clear message. That is that the Masonic Centre will be closed to all their members until January 2021. A major part of that decision is the vulnerability and age of their members. Whether they will hire their Hall to regular groups such as EQI or Lowther Hall for exams prior to this, is an ongoing discussion and would have to meet State health requirements. For example, if a cap is put on numbers, say thirty, it would be very difficult for the committee to work around that. All this means that EQI is very, very unlikely to meet again as a group before 2021.
Given that, it has been decided that if you were a paid up member of EQI as of February 2020, you will remain a financial member for 2020-21. There will not be an AGM in October, but if conditions change enough to hold one earlier than October 2021, then that could be done.

Apart from the rental for the Hall our major expense is insurance and our funds can cover that. In this time, when change is the new normal, we can’t give a definite future date for the workshop that was planned for early April. The Paint Chip Challenge will also need to be postponed and Robyn has indicated she will contact participants.

It has been a real pleasure to see the photos of what our members have been making and now some of the quilting will give way to mask making. The committee encourages you to put up your work to share with others. Seeing a lovely quilt (or a homespun, hand knitted jumper) can be a bright spot in an otherwise cloudy day. The need for charity quilts is as great as ever so if you can, sew a QFO for later distribution.

Let me repeat - change is the new normal. We have to take things day by day. It is too early to make any firm decisions about anything really. We are still on this roller coaster until the community transmission recedes and we feel safe to go out again. Be assured that as any more information comes to hand we will keep you informed.

“ Creative clutter is better than idle neatness”  that’s my favourite quote at the moment.

Stay safe, stay well, stay warm, stay connected.

Heather Bonney on behalf of the Committee.