KCWC’s buzzing like a Summer bee! We kicked off “the Season” with our first ever Art Show – my sincere thanks to its organiser Kathleen Herman, and her team, without whose vision this event would not have been born. And, of course, praise and gratitude as well to our wonderful creative contributors – the artistic members of KCWC whose talent was on display for all to marvel at and admire! Fresh off this exhibition, we launch into more Summer events: come toast the rowers at Henley on 30 June. In July, stroll with London Walks, have some Toddler/Mummy fun, go with Travel to the Hampton Court Flower Show, or enjoy a Summer read with Book Group. You can applaud with Theatre in August or consult the newly renamed Antiques and Design team - they are on call both months during their “Summer office hours” to help you find Antiques fairs to visit or dealers to browse.

Summer is also the season of Board changeover and so the time to thank all who contributed to KCWC in 2009-10. I must acknowledge past President Connie Sangster who set our course for smooth sailing when I unexpectedly taking the helm. She’d wish me to thank each committee member who worked hard on events under her leadership: the annual Halloween Party and Nearly New Sale, Hospitality coffees and lunches, Activity Training Sessions and Christmas lunch. As President, I saw equal enthusiasm at our Easter Party, Rose Tea, Fashion Show, and June luncheon – another sold out success thanks to the hard work of organisers Sarah Bouet, Elena Williamson and Cindy Maceda along with support from Laurie Farr. These events, myriad activities, and General Meetings our volunteers organise always amaze me in their variety, efficiency, and supportive attendance by our members. To the Nominating Committee and Agenda for Change members reviewing By-laws, please know you too are valued.

To the wonderful women – now friends – I’ve been privileged to work alongside on the Board, I bid a sad goodbye with appreciation. How I shall miss the unfailingly wise counsel and wit of Potential Membership’s Céline Mertens and Louise Shah; the direction given Activity Leaders by Susan Jahanshahi and Sunčica Getter; and Gülay Coulter’s courtesy in Classified Ads. Charity Co-ordinator Monica Barnett, Newsletter Manager Cathy Brannen, and Special Events’ Sarah Bouet and Coreen Serfilippi all start new business and location adventures. Much success to you all!

But as a door closes, one opens to usher in fresh talent. I’m eager to welcome the energy of Lucie Dean and Linda Rampton to Hospitality; and Claudia Marchetti to Potential Membership. Board veteran Judith Robinson rejoins, with my special thanks, now running Classified Ads. Some Board officers will apply their keen skills to our continuing benefit in different areas: Pamela Ball and Lamees Ibrahim switch to Membership with Elena Williamson moving to Potential Membership. Claire Tremeer tackles Activity Leader Liaison while Sarah Petrilla manages the Newsletter. Gamze Newell brings her Board expertise to her new role as Vice President. Suzanne Guerin enters her 5th and final year to serve now as Charity Chair. I so admire their ongoing commitment to KCWC.

How to thank the steadfast team who reliably labour another year in their same challenging roles? Luckily, the Executive Board still benefits from the intellect and work ethic of both Tracey Good, Treasurer and Susan Lundgren, Secretary. Indomitable Programmes Chair Cindy Maceda will close out five years of speaker coups. Supreme organisers Suzi Noetzel and Nona Liang reign in Annual Events. Brittan Chepak continues to cheer KCWC Kids as Kathleen Herman energises Special Events. Laurie Farr finds more Member Benefits as Sonia Pearson and Jane Lee-Tin expertly coordinate Corporate Ads and our Website respectively.

Behind the scenes staff are busy. I can’t neglect Marcia Nguyen organising our webspace, Kathy Roll managing data, and newsletter team Kristina Hickey and Gamze Newell. We thank our Advertisers, auditor Simon Weston, and last but not least John and Celia Maguire on whose time tested solvency advice KCWC has long relied.

I remain honoured to be President of this superb group. But now, if William Carlos Williams is right - “In Summer, the song sings itself” - let’s all relax on some well earned lazy, sunny days wherever the Summer breeze takes us.

Mary Narvell