Witton Gilbert WI: President Cynthia Thompson, welcomed 36 members to the January meeting. She thanked everyone who had taken part in members' night in December and congratulated them on raising £86.25 to be shared between the Cooper Hall roofing fund and the charity Air Ambulance.

The speaker Margaret Gibbon, gave an entertaining and informative talk on her year as Mayoress of Durham City. She was thanked by E Waugh. The competition for a chain necklace was won by D Bilton.

Arrangements for a summer outing to Alnwick Gardens and Seahouses in June were agreed.

The next meeting is on February 15 at 7.15pm when the talk will be on Unbelievable Treasures of Witton Gilbert. New members or guests are most welcome.

Gilesgate Evening TG

Gilesgate Evening Townswomen's Guild held their monthly meeting in the St John Ambulance Hall. Our chairman Jennie O'Hare welcomed everyone with all good wishes for the new year. The guild anthem was sung.

A minute's silence was held in respect of all who lost their lives due to the Asian tsunami disaster.

Apologies were taken and the minutes of the last meeting were read, agreed and signed. The majority of members who had attended the Christmas dinner at Harperley PoW Camp had really enjoyed the experience. The financial report was given by Sandra Mitchelson.

The fish and chip man then arrived so it was all hands on deck to serve these and the hot drinks of tea and coffee. Everyone enjoyed their supper.

There was to be an extra event on Monday, January 10 - a broth and bun night and a beetle drive.

Beryl Bevin was asked to judge the competition, a Money Box. The winner was Jean Tilly.

The big moment arrived and Jennie O'Hare did the draw for the surprise £3 gift. Everyone who entered won a parcel. We all enjoyed a nice relaxed evening. Date of next meeting is Monday, February 7, at 7pm. The competition is a toast rack.

Belmont TG

Belmont Townswomen's Guild held their first meeting of the year at Belmont Comprehensive School.

Chairman Margaret Parker welcomed members and expressed new year greetings to all.

E Stobart gave the financial report and Anne Elliott read the minutes of the previous meeting. The Christmas dinner at New College, Durham, was enjoyed by all.

The speaker for the evening was Janet Thackray. She gave her usual excellent slide show, this time the subject was Durham Old and New. Members were amazed to see the differences to the city over the years.

Names were taken for a proposed trip to Heighly Gate Gardens later in the year.

Competition winners for a fancy pen were: 1, B Bowman; 2, S Scott and 3, M Simon.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 2.

Belmont WI

President Majorie Oates asked members to stand for a minute's silence in memory of Edie Davies who died recently.

Sally Carr was welcomed on her return from hospital.

An Oxfam Tsanami Disaster Fund tin, provided by Margaret Macdonald was put on the table for any members wishing to donate.

Business discussed included the entry of three teams for the county quiz, details of a visit to Ripley Castle and Harrogate, and the holiday weekend in Derbyshire.

Joan Lister then gave a varied and sometimes amusing reading of her own poems, many of which had been published. Jean Morgan gave the vote of thanks.

Competition winners: Bookmark - Elsie Lofthouse, Elizabeth Anderson and Marion Hately; Birthday Girl - Sally Caff. Raffle winners: Jean Clark, Irene Ledger, Margaret Penna and Elizabeth Anderson

Joan Mills brought to our attention an article in a daily newspaper regarding new regulations when on holiday in Europe. A new E111 Form is required for each member of the family. These can be obtained at any post office. The next meeting is on Thursday, February 10, when the speaker will be Margaret Gibbon.