Hi, from Rhonda Porter, incoming president.
Welcome everyone to the New Year at NCEATA.
Thank you to Wilma Simmons and Suzanne Russell for nominating me and thanks to all members that voted at the meeting. I hope I can live up to your confidence in me. Truth be told, I had butterflies in my tummy all that day! I hope that I can slip smoothly into this position and follow the lead of past presidents. Ann Dean-Pijpers has steered NCEATA well through the difficult post-covid times. On behalf of all members I thank her for her efforts and time as President. Ann worked to develop her own talents and those of all around her. I thank her on behalf of all members. I am pleased to see her take more time for herself and her family after her time as president. Her decision to continue her interest in NCEATA’s administration as Exhibition Co-ordinator is appreciated.
Carolyn Clausen has retired as Public Officer and Craft Alive Coordinator. Susanne Boulton (and her husband, Mick) has retired as Markets Co-ordinator. Thank you, Carolyn and Susanne for your commitment and efforts. Thank you, Mick, for your help in transporting, setting up and taking down each market.
Your Committee Members for July 2025-June 2026 are:
President: Rhonda Porter
Secretary: Kate Highland
Treasurer Merrie How
Public Officer: Merrie How
Program Coordinators: Ann Harper & Kate Highland
Exhibitions Co-ordinator: Ann Dean-Pijpers
Newsletter: Rhonda Porter
Librarian: Anne Dixon
Webmaster: Judi Nikoleski
Social Media/ Publicity Wilma Simmons
Markets: As yet unfilled
Craft Alive Co-ordinator: As yet unfilled
We are welcoming new members every month. Most recently, Loris Self, who has rejoined after time away, Gayle Hamment, Kim Anderson, Jenny Hopkins, Jill Hopkins, Denise Hughes, and Robin Armstrong. Welcome. I hope you feel you have “found your tribe”. While our 2025 Exhibition continues at Charlestown Library, it is timely to work on your entries for 2026. The theme is LAYERS. We will be holding discussions and activities to help in preparation for the event. We will be brainstorming and voting for themes for further exhibitions before the end of the year. I encourage you to participate in one of the stitch-ins occurring in the coming weeks. The library is very accommodating and delighted to have our presence. Bring along a small piece to work on while you catch up with friends. Dates:
Stitch In Tuesday August 19 10-12pm Charlestown Library
Stitch-In Tuesday September 16 10-12pm Charlestown Library
Craft Week Stitch-In October ( date/ time to be confirmed) Charlestown Library
Remember to fill in the membership form if you have missed doing so. This information allows us update our database.
Again, thank you for your confidence in me. I look forward to a year of fun, joy and learning.
Rhonda Porter, President