South Moor : THE March meeting marked the 73rd birthday of the institiute. After the welcome had been extended to members and visitors and the minutes read and all other business completed, Rena Raper gave the reading, Do It Yourself.

The institute's new member cut the birthday cake, which was donated by Rena Raper. The president presented a spray of flowers to Joyce and Rena. Members and visitors then sat down to the birthday supper, along with cake and wine.

A special raffle donated by June George was won by Joyce Wright. The competition, a pretty necklace, judged by Sheila Bill, was won by June George, with Doreen Pearson and Vera Soulsby, second and third. The Mellow Tones provided excellent entertainment, which ended a perfect evening.

A vote of thanks was given by Joyce Wright.

Lanchester

JESSE Goodall, the vice-president, chaired the meeting. The correspondence was read by June Wallis, the secretary. Connie Moore ran the book stall, and Shirley Lamb gave the quarterly treasurer's report.

A humerous poem, entitled Why Didn't You?, was recited by Marjorie Roper.

The details of an open evening to be held on April 4, at 7pm, were finalised. Ladies (and gentlemen) are invited to have two items (£1 per item) valued following a talk by an auctioneer. The 50p entrance will include tea and biscuits. There will also be a coffee morning with a sales table and raffle in the community centre on April 13, from 9.30am until 11.30am.

The competition for a pearl item was won by Dorothy Begg with a pretty Victorian necklace. Phylis Reed won the raffle.

An interesting and informative talk was given by Angela Rhoades of Dragon House Pearls. She imports freshwater pearls from Singapore and China and makes them into beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Castleside

THE March meeting was opened by the president Mrs Nelson, who welcomed all members.

After the singing of Jerusalem, the minutes were read by the secretary and the treasurer gave the financial report.

Mrs Shipley won the mystery prize, given by Mrs McCluskie and the paperweight competition was won by Mrs Woods.

The guest speaker David Roeburn showed slides from his holiday in Katmandu and Nepal, which gave everyone a fascinating insight into a simple but happy lifestyle. The talk was followed by tea and biscuits.

Members were reminded of the annual half day outing in June, which this year will be to Floors Castle. The next meeting will be held on April 13, when the speaker will be Mr Kelly. A warm welcome is extended to everyone.