North Lodge WI: THE annual general meeting of North Lodge WI was opened by the president B Dawson who welcomed members and A Dinning, country treasurer, who was the WIA for the evening.

J Rennie dealt with the county letter and correspondence then Mrs Dawson handed over to Mrs Dinning who dealt with the elections etc.

The committee was re-elected plus M Martino. Mrs Dawson declined to continue as president and Mrs Rennie was elected.

The meeting ended with Mrs Dinning telling the members about previous resolutions dating back at least eight years. Pies and peas were then enjoyed by everyone.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 10, in the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. New members and visitors will be welcome.

Chester-le-Street TG

DOREEN Yeates welcomed everyone to the March meeting. The speaker for the evening was Marilyn O'Keefe from the Glass Factory at Consett.

She talked about her work and showed samples from the workshop. Dorothy Lowery gave the vote of thanks.

After a refreshment break, business was discussed. It was hoped sick members would be well again soon.

Dorothy Lowery read the previous minutes and Joyce Gordon gave the financial review. Details of competitions for the Federation Day were discussed.

The door prize was won by Bessie Parker. The competition for a glass ornament was won by Jean Johnson with Jean McCann runner up.

Outings were discussed. The correspondence from headquarters was read by Dorothy. The annual meeting was discussed.

The second March meeting was opened by Doreen who introduced Russell Crowe and his team from Gideons. The talk was illustrated by a film showing their work. It included the distribution of bibles to local schoolchildren. Doreen gave the vote of thanks for a most enjoyable talk.

Margaret Coleman was welcomed as a visitor and a thank you note from Freda Greenwell was read. Members night was mentioned, then the meeting was closed.

The next meeting will be the annual meeting on Monday, April 7.

Chester Moor WI

ELSIE Haddick opened the meeting and welcomed five new members.

The guest speaker, Mrs Worsop, gave an insight into the origins and development of Fair Trading, illustrated with examples of families and groups who have benefited by working with the movement.

The variety of products on display were a very good advertisement for Fair trade products and attracted a number of interested customers. She was warmly thanked by Elsie Haddick.

After a short business meeting dates and venues of outings were given.

Names were taken for the group meeting on April 23. The competition for this is a half pound jar of lemon curd.

The competition for a pretty cup and saucer was won by Mrs Eve Armstrong.

Leadgate WI

MRS Walker presided over the March meeting extending a warm welcome to all. The theme, read by Mrs Young, was most amusing. Secretary Mrs Hedley dealt with the business and correspondence, treasurer Mrs Moody gave the financial statement.

It was decided on a day trip on Tuesday, June 10, to Scarborough and the half-day trip on Monday, August 11, to South Shields.

Speaker Mrs Glazur gave a very interesting talk on painting on silk. She did a demonstration and had her work on display. Mrs Brain gave the vote of thanks.

The competition, a silk scarf, was won by Mrs Wheatley, second Mrs Mittary and third Mrs Dennison. Mrs English also won a gift, donated by the speaker. The raffle was won by Mrs Griffiths.

East Stanley WI

THE president Anne Stayman welcomed members and three visitors to the March meeting.

Ray Smith was thanked for the flowers which were sent to Phoebe Wilkinson. Final arrangements were made for the birthday dinner on Thursday, April 10, at Derwentside College. Several members will be attending the group meeting at Greencroft Community Centre on Sunday, April 20.

Mary Mosse agreed to be delegate at the WI annual meeting with Una Swan as visitor. The raffle was won by Hazel Rainbow.

The evening ended with a supper and social event hosted by the committee. At the next meeting on Monday, April 14, the speaker will be a representative from Asda.

Satley WI

THE March meeting was held in the Parish Hall on Monday, March 10, at 7.15pm. Mrs M Bell presided over 16 members. The minutes were read by Mrs S White and then the business was attended to.

The speaker for the evening was Ward Allen who gave a very interesting and lively talk on his career as an entertainer. He was thanked by Mrs J Plews.

Refreshments were served by Mrs J Portwood and Mrs A Suddes and the raffle was won by Mrs P Griggs. Mr Allen judged the competition for a theatre programme. Mrs A Vellaman was first, Mrs S White second and third.

The next meeting will be held in the Parish Hall at 7.15pm on Monday, April 14. Joan Cutts will be our guest and the topic egg decoration. The competition is for an egg dyed with onion skins and also for a decorated egg using any medium. All are welcome.

Castleside WI

THE March meeting was very well attended. The president Janet Nelson opened the meeting. Sheila Armstrong was given a plant for her golden wedding anniversary.

Members and friends enjoyed a demonstration by Joy Nixon. Dorothy Pearson won the mystery prize and Ella Scott won the flower arrangement.

Final plans were made for the meal out to Harperley Hall. Agnes Chapman took names for Guys and Dolls at the Empire Theatre. The next meeting is on Wednesday, April 9. Everyone is very welcome.

Catchgate WI

MRS Gallagher welcomed members to the branch meeting and gave a warm welcome back to members who had been poorly. The golden thread reading,, Heavenly Way was read by Mrs P Storey.

Minutes and correspondence were read by Mrs Riley. A few members agreed to help as volunteers at Willowburn Hospice fund raising activities.

David Raeburn gave a lovely slide show on Arctic Norway. He was thanked by Mrs Riley. The winner of the competition for the prettiest pen was Mrs S Moorcroft, who also won the raffle prize. Prizes were donated by Mrs Grainger and Mrs Whitworth.

The hostesses were Mrs Storey and Mrs Grainger.