Gilesgate Evening TG :ATTENDANCE at the February meeting was low again due to icy pathways. Chairman Jennie O'Hare welcomed everyone.

The booked speaker no longer did make up demonstrations and the replacement speaker from Thorntons Chocolates had had a car accident and could not attend.

The March meeting will be the AGM. A faith supper will be served and an auction will be held for the chosen charity, the St John's Ambulance at Gilesgate.

The spring bank holiday meeting will be a full day outing to Skipton.

Raffle winners were Jill Kennick and Betty Collins. The competition, an attractive lipstick holder, was won by Nancy Urwin.

The returning officer Jill Kennick tried to muster at least one more member to join the committee. She was thanked by the chairman. The next meeting will be Monday, March 3.

St Joseph's Ladies Circle

ON Monday, January 20, members attended an Ecumenical meeting in St Mary Magdalene's Church, Belmont, at the invitation of the Mothers' Union. The service, entitled a Wave of Prayer, coincided with the week of Christian Unity. Father Michael Corbett was the speaker.

Audrey Bloomfield led the service. Members of the Mothers' Union provided refreshments.

The Ladies Circle birthday dinner at Bowburn Hall was a huge success.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, March 12, at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Room, St Joseph's Church.

Merry Oaks WI

PRESIDENT Margaret Thornhill welcomed members and county chairman Audrey Flanagan to the annual meeting. She then introduced Rosie Biddlecomb, representing Durham Porterage Service, who gave an insight into her work using story sacks.

Four committee members will take time out and will be replaced by Jill Oakley and Edith Smith. The president was re-elected.

A short address from Audrey Flanagan urged members to encourage new membership and to lobby local and national government on certain issues. Members then enjoyed a faith supper and a paperback stall was well supported.

The meeting ended with a talk on Durham's wildlife by Richard Wood. Next month is the birthday party.

Langley Park WI

THE president Mrs Whitfield welcomed 19 members to the February meeting. Apologies were received from four members.

The birthday girls were Joan Clough and Joan Coulson. The competition was a piece of glass, which was won by: 1 B Thornton, 2, K Clough, 3, B Moralee. The raffle was won by N Guildford.

Marilyn O'Keefe, a gifted glass sculptor, gave a talk on stained glass.

The spring outing on Sunday, April 6, was discussed and the venue is Duncombe Park, home of the Feversham family.

The evening ended with a quiz about Durham, compiled by W Wilson.

Coxhoe Ladies Club

JEAN Holmes opened the February meeting by welcoming two new members. Everyone agreed that the January Christmas dinner at Bowburn Hall was a great success.

It was agreed to give a donation to the village hall for its coffee morning.

Tickets were paid for to see the ballet at Sunderland and names were taken to see My Fair Lady at the Gala in Durham in June. New member Carole Holmes has taken the job of birthday and flower lady. Christine was thanked for the years she has carried out the job.

Members enjoyed their annual fish and chip supper from Quarrington Hill. Supper was collected and organised by Alice and Belle.

The competition, a letter opener, was won by Jean Sparks.

Newton Hall WI

THE president Judith James welcomed members and visitors to the meeting held on February 5.

After the formal business everyone settled down to listen to the guest speaker, Norman Kelly, on the theme Paint Your House With Powdered Milk.

Mr Kelly gave an entertaining talk on the alternative uses of everyday household products.

The competition was a decorated paintbrush, which was won by Val Holroyde and second was Heather Hanson.

Gwen Scott won the door prize. Raffle prizes went to Marjorie Inns and Julia Quinn.

The next meeting will be held on March 5 in the community centre when the talk will be on photography.