East Stanley WI: AFTER the excitement of Christmas and New Year, the president Anne Stayman welcomed members and two visitors to the meeting on January 13.

Birthday greetings were given to five members. Rita Hall was thanked for the flowers sent to Audrey Whitehead.

Anne Stayman gave a talk on her favourite song and how her taste in music had changed over the years. Her chosen song was Mocking Bird Hill.

The many Christmas events were discussed and everyone agreed they had enjoyed them all.

Tickets were given out to members who are going to Peter Pan at the Gala Theatre in Durham.

Five members agreed to take part in the survey for osteoporosis.

The competition, a royal memento, was won by Rita Hall, second Peggy Begg. The raffle was won by Beryl Foster.

The speaker was unable to attend through ill health. Anne Stayman organised Call My Bluff and Una Swan, held a quiz while Audrey Wallace read two amusing poems. Members enjoyed their impromptu entertainment as there was a lot of fun and laughter.

The next meeting is on February 10 when the speaker will be Paul Nicklas, community fire safety officer.

South Moor WI

DESPITE a very cold and icy evening the January meeting was well attended.

President Dora Moore welcomed members and a new member by wishing everyone a healthy and happy new year, not forgetting sick members.

Nancy Nicholson gave a reading of her own choice. Doreen Pearson read the minutes and dealt with the correspondence. June George gave the monthly financial statement.

The speaker Ken Bainbridge gave a talk of his trip to Chelsea Flower Show. Everything went wrong from beginning to end.

The weather put the damper on his visit along with everything else - needless to say it will be his last visit. Kitty Lewins gave the vote of thanks. The competition, A Candle Holder, was won by Doreen Pearson, second Nancy Nicholson, and third was Margaret Bell. The meeting ended with the reading of Christmas cards.

Lanchester WI

THE president Jessie Goodhall welcomed members to the first meeting of 2003. After Jessie had wished everyone a happy new year, June Wallis read the minutes and an appropriate poem for the start of the New Year, The Diet.

Correspondence was brief. Ann Carr agreed to go as delegate to the IGM, to be held in London on June 11 at the Albert Hall. Members' subs were paid.

Connie Moor won the raffle and the competition was won by Peggy Carter with Barbara Sproat, second.

A list was circulated for members to put their names on as readers and tea helpers.

The bad weather meant not as many members as usual attended but those that did thoroughly enjoyed a talk and slide show given by Phillip Nixon on St Cuthbert. Tea and biscuits were served.

The next meeting is on February 3 with a personal touch to embroidery by Melita Butterwell.

The competition will be an embroidered article.

Tantobie WI

THE year started on a sad note with the death of a very dear member, Doris Wallace.

Members attended her funeral at Tanfield Lea Chapel. Doris will be missed for her work and her humour.

The January meeting recorded the competition results for 2002.

Mrs Smith and Joyce Wallace were first and Mrs Green, third. The 2003 programmes were distributed. Miss Goodfellow won the raffle.

Mr Tipler gave an interesting talk on Seventh Sense.

The next meeting is on February 17 at the Communal Room at 6.30pm. New members welcome.

Annfield Plain WI

THE president Mrs Collin welcomed members to the first meeting of the new year and reported the death of member, Mrs Jennings. A minute's silence was observed.

The Golden Thread was given by Mrs Stewart who read a poem about friendship and Mrs Hogg gave members some tips on growing old disgracefully.

Miss Ellwood read the minutes of the last meeting. Mrs Bates gave the financial statement.

The competition, a vase, was won by Mrs Kirk, and the raffle by Mrs McKee.

The speaker, Veda Ridley, gave an insight into her life as a wren at Station X during the Second World War.

The next meeting is on February 10 and is also the 73rd birthday party.

Castleside

THE meeting was opened by the president Janet Nelson, who wished members and guests a happy new year. Get well wishes were sent to sick members, Mrs Shipley, Mrs Lister and Mrs Chapman.

After a snowy day, the meeting was very well attended and everyone enjoyed the musical entertainment given by Mr and Mrs Grey and a friend from Lanchester. A buffet supper followed. enjoyed by all.

Mrs Cornforth won the mystery prize, Agnes Chapman was thanked for organising the trip to the pantomime and tea at Harry Ramsden's.

The next meeting is on February 12.