East Stanley WI: THE president Anne Stayman welcomed members to the meeting, held on Monday, April 14, and gave Birthday greetings to Una Swan and Rita Hall.

Audrey Whitehead gave the theme on her favourite song and gave members an amusing talk on why she had chosen Waiting at the Church. Mary Mosse, the delegate at the annual council meeting gave a very good report.

There will be a cake stall at the May meeting to raise funds for the county. The Darts B team won through to the County Finals but unfortunately didn't win.

The Birthday dinner at Derwentside College was enjoyed by members and Lilly Middleton won both first and second prize in the decorated egg competition. At the April meeting the competition, a fatless sponge, was won by Phobe Wilkinson, with Olga Hodgson second. The raffle was won by Jenny Keeler.

Members were then given a talk by Carole, customer service manager, and Joyce Porter, event co-ordinator, from Asda. They were very interesting and gave us an insight into how a large supermarket is run, and how they help the community with there charitable work. The next meeting is on Monday, May 12, when the speaker will be Bette Williams.

Consett Afternoon WI

THE April meeting was opened by president Linda Richardson followed by singing of Jerusalem.

New members of committee were welcomed. Mrs Richardson gave a report on Spring council meeting held at Bishop Auckland.

The committee was thanked for its help to make the coffee morning a huge success. The speaker, Mr Stafford, gave a very interesting audio visual presentation and was warmly thanked by Norma Caldwell.

The competition, coasters, was won by Linda Richardson, second was Margaret Anderson and third was Ada Oughton. The raffle was won by Angela Richardson. The next meeting is Tuesday, May 27. Visitors are welcome.

Annfield Plain WI

PRESIDENT Mrs Collin welcomed members to the April meeting. Miss Ellwood read the minutes of the last meeting and correspondence was discussed. Mrs Bates gave the financial statement. Raffle tickets from the National Federation were given to members willing to sell them.

The Golden Thread, a small boy's amusing comments about Grandmothers, was given by Mrs Sowden and the Item of Interest, entitled The Breeze, was given by Mrs Crawford.

Members were reminded about the group meeting at Greencroft Community Centre at the end of the month.

Members were asked to bring items to sell at the forthcoming table-top sale on Saturday, May 3, at 10am in Catchgate Chapel in aid of WI funds and were also reminded of our next coffee morning in the library on Saturday, May 17, at 10am.

Mrs Bates gave her report on the County Federation annual meeting which she recently attended. Future outings were discussed and it was decided that we would have a river cruise on June 17 and a trip to the Yorkshire Dales on the August 11.

Nominations were taken for officers and committee members.

Members then enjoyed a varied evening of entertainment. Mrs Wylie demonstrated, with mouth-watering samples, her recipe for orange biscuits and Mrs Bates showed us how to make a delicious dessert. Mrs Collin told members about some local ghosts and Mrs Kirk tested our knowledge with a quiz. All in all, a very enjoyable evening.

The competition, a decorated wooden spoon, was won by Mrs Pinner and the raffle by Mrs Sowden. The next meeting, on the Monday, May 12, is the annual meeting when a buffet supper will be provided by the committee.

South Moor WI

THE president welcomed members to the April meeting held at Park Road Methodist Chapel. Jerusalem was sung. Elizabeth Bainbridge read her own poem, Young At Heart. The secretary read the minutes and dealt with the correspondence. It was agreed to have two outings in June and August. Five members attended the annual meeting held at Bishop Auckland. Doreen Pearson gave the delegates' report. The treasurer gave the monthly financial statement.

Speaker Christine Cromarty gave a skillful display of sugar craft then she donated her goodies to be raffled, which were a delight, to the lucky winners. Tea and biscuits were served.

The speaker judged the competition, a fresh flower corsage, and first was Ann Weir, second Joyce Wright and third was Nancy Nicholson. A comical solo was given by Joyce Wright. The enjoyable evening ended with a quiz.

Lanchester WI

PRESIDENT Jessie Goodhall welcomed members to the April meeting.

June Wallis read the minutes and correspondence which included gift and forms for members who pay tax to be able to claim tax backdated which would go to WI funds. NFWI raffle tickets were available for members to purchase. Group meeting tickets were on sale for Thursday, May 22, at Satley.

The annual review report was available. A list was circulated for the members outing in June to Yorkshire Lavender and arrangements made for Guys and Dolls theatre trip. Barbara Sproat gave the reading.

The president Jessie Goodhall presented Maureen Clarkson with a bouquet of flowers on the occasion of her golden wedding. Congratulations Maureen to you and Ronnie.

Members were reminded about the coffee morning. The raffle was won by Dorothy Begg. Jennifer MacDonald was first in the competition and Connie Moor was second.

Members then enjoyed a talk and tapes given by Neil Gardner on his work as a radio presenter. Tea and biscuits followed. Very enjoyable evening for all.

At the next meeting John Gall will talk about Beamish and the competition is a small antique.