News from the Guilds and WIs

Mary Redford cut the birthday cake.

The programme of speakers, outings and special events was presented and we all look forward to another interesting year.

Joyce Cooper won the trophy for winning the most points in last year's competitions with May Parker and Sheila Storey runners up. Margaret Harper won the raffle. The walks will recommence on Wednesday, March 26.

Next month the Hummel Story will be presented by Bob Kelly.

Gilesgate Evening TG

The annual meeting was on Monday, March 3, at 7pm in the St John Ambulance hall.

Chairman Jennie O'Hare welcomed everyone and the guild anthem was sung. The minutes of the last meeting were read, accepted and signed. The beetle drive held on the Monday, February 17, had raised a substantial amount for the coach fund.

Treasurer Sandra Mitchelson. gave her monthly financial account followed by her annual financial report. The vote of thanks was given by Pat Doublett.

Secretary Jean Tilly gave her annual report. The vote of thanks was given by Lillan Jackson. Our returning officer Mrs Kennick managed to persuade Sophia Doig to join the committee.

Long-standing committee member Lily Robinson is resigning her post. The chairman gave grateful thanks on behalf of us all to Mrs Robinson for all the years she has served the guild on committee, organising refreshments, outings and beetle drives.

The chairman then presented a cheque for £100 to David Salkeld, the representative for the guild's charity the St John Ambulance, who had been with us for the evening. Mr Salkeld joined us for a wonderful spread of refreshments at the Faith Supper.

There will be an outing to Consett Empire to see Guys and Dolls on Friday, May 2.

The competition, spotting members in babyhood photographs, was won by Mabel Henderson. Raffle winners were Lillan Jackson, Betty Collins and Phyllis Ovington.

Sandra Mitchelson did a great job as auctioneer for our charity auction with help from Mabel.

The next meeting is on Monday, April 7. The speaker is yet to be confirmed and the competition is a cruet set.

Coxhoe Ladies Club

Jean Holmes welcomed Margo Freeman as a new member and gave apologies for absent members. Fares were paid to see Cats and tickets are to be ordered for My Fair Lady at the Gala in June.

March was the annual pie and peas supper, pies by Ronnie Carr and peas by Dorothy Carol and Una. Forty five ladies thoroughly enjoyed a delicious meal.

A beautiful quilt, made by the ladies of Kelloe Community Centre in memory of Lily Smart, was exhibited at the Ladies Club and raffle tickets were sold, the proceeds to go to Hartlepool Hospice where Lily was cared for.

Mrs McGranahan gave us a fascinating insight into fashion from 1900 to 1960. Mrs McGranahan, a designer and teacher, brought beautiful intricate items from down the ages. Every lady enjoyed the evening so much. She was thanked by Belle.

The competition, a pretty apron, was won by Margaret Stokoe.

Belmont WI

President Marjorie Oates opened the meeting and the minutes of the last meeting were read by secretary Jean Morgan

Starting in May it was agreed to hold a bookstall at each meeting. The proceeds going to the ACWW collection. It was also agreed to hold two cake stalls, one in April and another later in the year to raise funds for the County Federation.

The speaker for the evening was Joyce Shaw; she was accompanied by pianist Pat Stobbs. They entertained us with an excellent selection of musical moments interspersed with lighthearted stories and thoughtful readings. Marjorie Oates warmly thanked them.

The competition this month was a posy of spring flowers which was won by Carol Sturt, 2nd Anne Wilkinson, and 3rd Marion Hately.

The birthday girl for March was Sylvia Daniel. Olive Canning, Sheila Owens and Margaret Chapman won raffle prizes.

The meeting was closed with the National Anthem.

The date of the next meeting is Monday, April 7, starting at 6.45pm in Belmont Comprehensive School Gym. This is a week earlier than normal due to the Easter break.

St Joseph's Ladies Circle

THE March meeting of the Ladies Circle was held in the Jubilee Room of St Joseph's Church, Gilesgate Moor. Laura Farmer, the chairperson, opened the meeting with prayers and welcomed members. The minutes of the last meeting were read.

An invitation has been received from Gilesgate Methodist Church to attend a Sisterhood Rally on Monday at 2.15pm in St Giles Church. Members have also been invited to a meeting in Carrville Methodist Church on Tuesday at 7pm. The preacher will be the Rev Alison Wilkinson.

The speaker for the evening was Mary Hammel, a member of the Ladies' Circle, who talked of her experiences as a nun in an enclosed order. Members found the talk both interesting and stimulating.

Refreshments were served by Greta McTear and Christina Reid. The raffle prize was won by Rita Harrison.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Room, St Joseph's RC Church.

Esh Leaves WI

President Sylvia Green welcomed members to the meeting on Monday, March 10.

Secretary Sheila Vear outlined various forthcoming events including the group meeting on Wednesday.

The president summarised this month's county newsletter before giving an up-to-date financial report and congratulating members on their recent successful fund-raising effort. Mrs Green then thanked Gillian Wesson who will be hosting a coffee evening combined with a book sale and bring and buy sale at her home on Monday, March 24, to raise further funds.

The guest speaker was Cecilia Harper, a steward at Cragside for over 20 years, who gave an amusing and informative verbal tour of the house and estate she knows so well. Sheila Vear gave the vote of thanks.

The raffle was won by the president and the crystal vase competition was won by Margaret O'Connelley with Sheila Vear and Tina Naples second and third.

The evening ended with a general knowledge quiz devised by the president. Joint winners were Marjorie Dickinson and Doreen Densham.

In April there will be a faith supper at a member's home instead of a meeting so the next meeting will be held on Monday, May 12, at 7.30pm in the Church of England School in Esh and will feature an evening of poetry and music with George Flynn. Visitors welcome.

Newton Hall WI

President Judith James welcomed members and visitors to the meeting and began by thanking Val Pope for the flowers.

Outings secretary Margaret McNary advised members of some of the outings which include a Tyne cruise on Wednesday, July 16 ,and a visit to Alnwick castle and gardens on Saturday, August 2.

Guest speaker was writer and photographer Philip Nixon who began by showing slides of photographs contained in his latest book. We were then entertained with slides and commentary about the Border Reivers, their beginnings and the story of their feuding times. Everyone agreed it had been an enjoyable and informative evening.

The competition, a photograph of a winter scene, was won by Pam Bell. Second was Janet Knowles and third Joan Foxall. Susan Metcalfe won the raffle prize and Jill Brown won the door prize.

The next meeting will be the annual meeting on Wednesday at 7.30.pm in the community centre.