North Lodge WI : PRESIDENT J Rennie welcomed 33 members to the June meeting. The minutes and correspondence were dealt with by secretary Aileen Piggot.

Each member received an interesting newsletter from the tea sponsors, Taylors of Harrogate, and a nationwide questionnaire and survey from WI Headquarters in London.

One of the members, Margaret Blackie, recently journeyed with Durham Federation to Derbyshire and visited Chatsworth House. Quite by chance she met and talked with the Duchess of Devonshire in one of the fabulous rooms.

The monthly competition was won by Pat Hook with a flower arrangement in an egg cup. Raffle winners were Brenda Dawson, Marjorie Dixon and Olga Hoyle.

Mrs Rennie introduced Lesley Hutchinson, who demonstrated fabric painting. Some members had a go and produced some lovely stencil designs on their own t-shirts. Olive Murrell gave the vote of thanks.

It was then time for tea and biscuits and a cake stall to raise funds.

An outing being arranged for August is for a fish and chip supper at South Shields.

The next meeting is on Thursday, July 10, at the United Reformed Bethel starting at 7pm. Speaker is Carol Lurie. Visitors are welcome.

Chester-le-Street TG

THE speaker at the first meeting in June was Barbara Marr from the Butterwick Hospice, who gave a potted history of the hospice. Her talk, which was illustrated with slides of the building, included anecdotes showing the wonderful work carried out at Butterwick.

After the vote of thanks and the break for refreshments, the competition winners were announced. Edith Dent won the first prize for her ornament of a child, Ann Lambert and Jean McCann were runners up. Pat Thompson won the door prize.

Sick members were wished a speedy recovery. The minutes were read and the secretary and treasurer gave their reports. Forthcoming events were discussed. All who made Federation Day a success were thanked by Doreen Yeates. The motion for the National Council meeting was discussed and members' opinions noted.

Speaker at the second June meeting was Mrs Lees, headmistress of Red Rose School, who spoke about her six-week stay in Ghana as part of an educational project. Mrs Lees' talk was illustrated with slides and was thoroughly enjoyed by members. Arrangements for outings were checked and the meeting closed.

Chester Moor WI

ELSIE Haddick welcomed members and the guest speaker to the June meeting .

Mrs Glaister discussed the materials and equipment used in painting on silk while giving a practical demonstration. Within a short time she had produced several beautiful and colourful examples to be used on greetings cards and bookmarks. Alice Agnew gave the vote of thanks.

Mrs Haddick thanked members who had supported the recent coffee morning in aid of the Butterwick Children's Hospice.

A survey form from the National Federation was given to all members.

Final arrangements were made for the outing to the Yorkshire Lavender Fields. Names were also taken for the visit to Dunscombe Park.

The competition for a small flower arrangement in an egg cup was won by Mrs Haddick. The door prize went to Joyce Cheeseman.

Next month's speaker will be Mrs McLarn from the Hedgehog Sanctuary. The competition is for a favourite doll.