Belmont WI: MR Gall gave an interesting talk and slide presentation about Beamish Museum.

In addition to describing how the museum has developed since it began and ongoing projects, the photographs showed how people lived and worked in days gone by. Elizabeth Anderson gave the vote of thanks.

The outing to Ripley Castle for the craft exhibition and also the evening visit to Westgate WI for supper were enjoyed by all. Final arrangements for the excursion to Lavender Farm were announced.

It was decided that the WI would sponsor a brick for the new parish hall in Belmont.

Raffle winners were Peggy Lawson, Kathleen Wilson, Maureen Dawson, Doreen Morgan, Eileen Rochester. The birthday girl was Joan Hetherington. The competition winners were Flora Kelly, Elsie Lofthouse, Margaret Macdonald. The next meeting is on July 11.

Gilesgate: THE chairman Jennie O'Hare presided.

The minutes of the April meeting and an account of the May outing to Barnard Castle was given by the secretary Mabel Henderson.

The federation's 50th anniversary and the federation chairman's At Home, held in the Staincliffe Hotel at Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, had been a very enjoyable afternoon. Some members are to attend a regional meeting at the Bangladeshi Centre in Sunderland next Wednesday.

The financial report was given by the treasurer Judith Stephenson. Mrs O'Hare volunteered to take over as treasurer as Judith is standing down. Jill Kennick will become the new chairman. The federation meeting report on Friday, May 20 was given by Mabel Henderson.

Future events and speakers were discussed. As there was no speaker, a quiz had been compiled by Nancy Unwin. There were two winners, Pat Doublett and Shirley Whiteley. The next meeting will be on July 4, when the speaker will be the Rev Webster.

Newton Hall WI: DOROTHY Hodgson opened the meeting.

A letter of thanks was read from the Macmillan Nurses for the money collected throughout the year. Gwen Scott read the minutes of the last meeting.

After tea members were entertained by Catherine and Bill Metcalfe with anecdotes and songs from the past. Everyone enjoyed a singsong. The competition for a home-made birthday card was won by Val Holroyd with Margaret Turnbull second and Jenny Bell, third. Janet Gibson won the door prize. Last month Gill Kettlewell gave a talk on Making Friends Through Gardening. Jean Jones won the pretty plant pot competition.

At next month's meeting on July 6 there will be a talk by a member of the Samaritans.

Coxhoe Ladies Club: JEAN opened the meeting reading minutes and apologies from absent members.

All the members were attired in red, white and blue to celebrate VE Day. Tables were decorated with Union Jacks.

The wonderful day out was discussed, Helmsley, Grosmont and Whitby, all thanks to Nancy and Christine and the weather was superb. Names were taken for two theatre trips later in the year.

The strawberry and wine evening will be held next month.

The entertainment was Rebecca Buckle and her mother Helen talking about their beautiful cashmere wraps. The competition, a fine scarf, was won by Mary Simpson.