Satley WI

Satley WI held its meeting on March 11 in the Parish Hall. M Bell presided over 16 members. S White read the minutes from the February meeting and then went on to the correspondence including the county newsletter.

Speaker for the evening was Christine who gave a very interesting talk on glass painting and how she became interested in it. She was thanked by Mrs A. Anderson.

Refreshments were served by A Carpenter and S Lowther. The competition for an unusual vase was won by A Carpenter with F Scott second, M Bell third. The raffle was won by A Suddes and the raffle prize given by Christine was won by S White.

The speaker on April 8 will be Paul Rabbits, on the topic of landscape and garden design.

Lanchester WI

THE March 4 meeting was opened by new vice president Jessie Goodall who welcomed members and visitors. June Wallis read the minutes. The reading was given by Peggy McGillivray.

Correspondence included information on bulb scheme 2002, Thorpe Farm Peelhouse Country Deli and Coffee Shop and Derwentside District Crime Audit.

Details about Singing In The Rain at Sunderland Empire, March 19-30, Washington Operatic Society, April 24-27, were also received.

Information was received from Childline about tea parties to raise funds.

Forthcoming events include an International Night at Lanchester Community Centre.

The competition, a favourite poem, was: 1 Pat Leroex, 2 Maureen Clarkson. The raffle was won by Dorothy Cavanagh.

Tickets were on sale for the April coffee morning. Members were asked if they would like an evening mystery trip and meal in June to be decided.

The speaker, John Anderson, read some humorous poems he had written. A book of his poems was on sale. The evening ended with tea and biscuits.

Next meeting April 8. The competition is a piece of pottery.

East Stanley WI

THE president Anne Stayman welcomed members to the March meeting. Best wishes were sent to sick members.

Flowers given by Betty Drake and Hazel Rainbow went to Una Swan. Audrey Wallace read her favourite poem, Smile.

Final arrangements were made for the group meeting and Spring council meeting.

An outing has been arranged for April 17 to Thorpe House and Barnard Castle.

It was decided to have a Jubilee Tea with entertainment on June 4. Final details will be given later.

The raffle was won by Peggy Begg who also won the competition, with Olga Hodgson second.

Bette Williams gave us a demonstration on Tai Chi, with members joining in the movements to music. This was very relaxing and enjoyed by all. Lilly Middleton gave the vote of thanks.

The evening ended with tea and biscuits and a rehearsal of our song for the group meeting.

Next meeting is on April 8 when the speaker will be Miss Kettlewell, on the subject of Friendship Gardening.

Annfield Plain WI

PRESIDENT Mrs Collin welcomed members and visitors to the March meeting held in Annfield Plain Library.

She thanked everyone concerned for the delightful buffet provided for our 72nd birthday party last month, particularly Mrs Henderson and Mrs Kirk for making and icing the birthday cake.

Miss Ellwood read the minutes of the last meeting and correspondence was discussed. Mrs Bates gave the financial statement.

The Golden Thread, a humourous poem entitled Strange Ways, was given by K Hogg and the item of interest by G Collin who spoke about Lily of Lumley, the ghost of Lumley Castle. Arrangements were made for an evening visit to the Glass Gallery at Consett.

The speaker was Joan Nicholson, who demonstrated her skill in floristry by making up several beautiful arrangements, which were later raffled, and entertaining everyone as she worked with anecdotes about her life. Members were grateful to Mrs Nicholson who came at very short notice to replace the advertised speakers who were unable to attend.

The competition for a favourite view was won by Mrs Westwater and the raffle was won by E Thew.

The next meeting is on the April 8 when members will enjoy a miscellany of Shakespeare.

South Moor WI

BANNERS and balloons decorated the hall to celebrate the 70th birthday of South Moor WI.

Mrs Moore wished members a very happy birthday. Only one member was unable to attend. She was in hospital and was remembered by the group.

Mrs Burrell gave a reading of her own choice. Business was attended to quickly and efficiently. Tickets were sold for the forthcoming group meeting.

A beautifully decorated birthday cake was donated by Mrs Raper which was cut by Mrs Nicholson, a spray of flowers was presented by Mrs Moore to Mrs Nicholson and Mrs Raper. Mrs Burrell gave the raffle which was won by Mrs Raper.

Mrs Moore judged the competition, a self-made birthday card. The winner was Mrs Weir, second Mrs Bell and third Mrs Nicholson.

Then it was supper time - fish and chips, tea, bread and butter - which were enjoyed by all.

This was followed by entertainment by four members who gave a variety of songs and dances.

Members were served with cake and wine which ended a most enjoyable birthday evening.

Consett Inner Wheel

THE March meeting was held at the home of President June Marsden and marked the 56th birthday of the club.

After business was conclluded she welcomed visiting district chairman Ann Meakin who told of first becoming a member in 1966, joining Alnwick then Blaydon and Ryton clubs as her husband, an Anglican minister, moved parishes.

Then came a break due to heavy responsibilities, rejoining in 1991 and becoming president of Durham Bede club in 1997.

She reminded members how, through enthusiassm and action, the Inner Wheel can help others, enjoy good fellowship and attract new members.

The birthday cake was cut by president June and tea was served.