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.

South Moor WI

THE president Dora Moore opened the March meeting wishing members a very happy 71st birthday. Only one member was unable to attend.

Betty Burrell gave the reading, Magic Recipe. The secretary read the minutes, dealt with the business and county letter.

Doreen Pearson will be the delegate at the annual meeting in April. The treasurer gave the monthly financial report.

A lovely birthday cake was provided by Rena Raper and Kitty Chambers cut the cake. She was presented with flowers by the president.

Mrs Burrell organised the raffle which was won by June George. The president judged the competition, a tray cloth. First was Joyce Wright, second Nancy Nicholson and third June George.

Members sat down to a faith supper followed by birthday cake and wine. After members enjoyed their supper there was a bingo session. A very happy birthday night was enjoyed by all.

Tantobie WI

THE March meeting was the annual meeting. Mrs Smith welcomed Mrs Weatherspoon, the county adviser, and members.

After Jerusalem Mrs Smith read a golden thread for the late Doris Wallace collection. Arrangements were made for the visit to the Little Theatre.

The financial report was presented by the treasurer Mrs Henderson and the committee report by the secretary Mrs J Wallace.

The committee was elected and Mrs Smith re-elected as president. In her address Mrs Smith thanked the committee and the members for their support.

Mrs Weatherspoon gave an interesting talk on the achievements of the WI over the years giving an image we should be proud to own.

The competition was won by: 1 Mrs Smith, 2 Mrs Stacey and 3 Miss Goodfellow. The raffle was won by Mrs Smith.

The next meeting on Monday, April 14, and the guest speaker is Col Johnson who will talk about a village remembered.

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 given by the speaker.

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.

Benfieldside Afternoon WI

MRS Rutter, speaker at the March meeting, spoke with pathos and humour about her time as a volunteer worker in India working with children.

Nancy Patterson gave the vote of thanks. The minutes were read and discussed.

Arrangements were made to visit Horsley Hall on Monday, May 12, for the birthday celebrations.

President Beth Carr had obtained tickets for the TV show Countdown on Wednesday, April 2. Names were taken for that.

The competition, a home-made birthday card, was won by Beth Carr.

Joan Locke held a successful coffee morning at her home for WI funds.

Tea and biscuits ended a very busy meeting.

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.

Lanchester WI

THE president Jessie Goodall welcomed members to the March meeting. June Wallis dealt with the minutes and correspondence. The treasurer Ann Carr gave the reading and also the quarterly report.

Guest speaker Alison Gargett, from Durham County Community Information Service, gave us advice on services available and how to access their web site, which provides social, legal, family and health issues.

The competition for a decorated egg was won by Jennifer MacDonald, second was Pat Campbell. Mrs MacDonald also won the raffle.

Tea and biscuits were served and members were reminded of the coffee morning on Wednesday, April 9. All welcome.

The next meeting is on Monday, April 7, when Neil Gander from Radio Newcastle will be the guest speaker.