WCE Organisation

Just a brief outline of 'how we work'.

We have an Executive Committee who meet three times a year to administer the overall running of West Country Embroiderers, covering such areas as our Annual General Meeting, insurance, preparation of an annual programme, twice yearly newsletters and residential courses. A Capitation Fee, decided at the AGM each year, is collected from each member to cover the cost.

We then have groups throughout the West County, each managed by their local committee which would normally consist of a Group Representative, Deputy and Treasurer. Subscriptions are set by the individual group but do have to cover the running cost of the group plus the Capitation Fee which has to be submitted to the WCE Treasurer. Groups are free to organise their meetings and finances in whatever way suits their individual means. Any tutorials arranged are listed in the annual programme and any member of WCE can apply to attend by telephoning the appropriate Group Representative.

Cornwall, Devon and Dorset groups each appoint a 'County Co-ordinator' to convey the views of their members to the Executive Committee. The Group Representatives from each county group meet with the County Co-ordinator two or three times a year We have one group each in Somerset, Hampshire and Wiltshire and for the present they are represented by the County Co-ordinators for Devon, Dorset and Dorset respectively. The intention is that this method of communication from the membership to the Executive Committee ensures that their views are taken into account with any decision affecting WCE.

We have a twice yearly Newsletter distributed direct to all members. This keeps us up to date with all that is going on within WCE and also any other events our members are involved with.

Residential courses are held at The Kingcombe Centre in Tollor Porcorum, Nr Dorchester, in February/March and October and at Treloyan Manor in Cornwall in May. The events are advertised in our Summer and Winter Newsletters.

One point which is perhaps worth mentioning - all the above is organised by volunteers who can claim reimbursement for cost of travel and stationery, etc. We have no paid officers and the smooth running of WCE is a result of many people putting in a great deal of effort to ensure everyone can enjoy their membership. We think it works!!!