Coxhoe Ladies Club: JEAN welcomed members to the annual pie and peas supper.

Pies were organised by Belle and peas prepared by Christine, Carol and Una. Jean read cards from Audrey and Gillian, thanking members for flowers after their stay in hospital.

The minutes from the last meeting were read and discussed and everyone had thoroughly enjoyed Guys and Dolls and Miss Saigon. Nancy and Christine have taken over the outings and trips and ideas were put forward for a summer day trip.

Ian Hunter Smith gave an informative talk on Age Concern. He was thanked by Belle.

Pies and Peas were enjoyed by everyone including a surprise guest, Roberta Blackman-Woods, Labour's prospective candidate who introduced herself to everyone and congratulated members on a wonderful club.

The competition, the oldest wine glass, was won by Alice and judged by Ian. Everyone went home very happy and looking forward to the next meeting, which will be the Easter party.

Merry Oaks WI: MEMBERS were welcomed to their birthday meeting by the president Margaret Thornhill. She introduced the new committee and next year's programme. Several outings are planned including the craft exhibition at Ripley, a summer outing to Whitby and a visit to Sage.

After concluding the business, a lavish faith supper was enjoyed.

Irene Gowland cut the birthday cake and wished Merry Oaks continued success. She then presented Margaret Thornhill with the award for the annual competition winner with Doreen Norman second. The raffle was won by Margaret Gilson.

During social time there was a quiz on local knowledge and entertainment by Norman Dunne with Songs That Won The War. Next month we shall be in Dutch Mode.

Gilesgate Evening TG: THE guild held its AGM on March 7 in the St John Ambulance Hall. The chairman, Jennie O'Hare welcomed everyone and the guild anthem was sung. There were four special guests for the evening, Pauline Myers, who is the regiona1 co-ordinator and three federation officers from Hartlepool, who were introduced by the chairman.

The minutes of the last meeting were read, agreed and signed. The financial report was given by Sandra Mitchelson.

There are 16 members still going to the federation's 50th celebrations on June 1 at Hartlepool.

The retiring guild secretary, Jean Tilly, gave the annual guild report and the retiring treasurer, Sandra Mitchelson, gave the annual financial report. Jill Kennick gave the vote of thanks to Jean, and Shirley Whiteley gave thanks to Sandra.

Jennie O'Hare thanked the committee for all their help during the past year. Pauline Myers was then called upon to rally a new secretary and treasurer, and a great job she made of it. She succeeded and the new secretary will be Mabel Henderson and the new treasurer will be Judith Stephenson. Mrs O'Hare presented Pauline with a bouquet

Members then enjoyed a faith supper. Pauline judged the competition, a cake stand, which was won by Jean Tilly. Raffle winners were Jean Tilly, June Watson, Dorothy Sutheran. The next meeting will be on April 4.

Belmont WI: THE president Marjorie Oates welcomed members after which the minutes of the February meeting were read and approved.

Details of the outing to Ripley Castle for the WI crafts exhibition were announced. Future outings to Alnwick Gardens and the Lavender Farm at Malton were suggested. Names were taken for two evening outings, the first, supper at St John's Chapel WI and the second to the Usher College dinner, where Tricia Stewart, one of the Calendar Girls, is to be the speaker.

Belmont is to enter two teams in the first heat of the county darts competition to be held at East Stanley. Miss Oates is the delegate for the annual meeting in Bishop Auckland. Birthday girl was Josie Beddison.

The competition winners were Ella Curry, Doreen Sams, Mabel Coates. Raffle winners were Olive Lowery, Florence Edwards, Margaret Macdonald and Margaret Marley.

Eddy Gratton and Friends, members of Murton Operatic Society, brightened up a rainy night with songs from the shows. Ann, aged 90, and a member of the group, entertained members by singing amusing ditties, while accompanying herself on the piano. Gladys Thompson gave the vote of thanks. The meeting closed with the national anthem.