Cestria Afternoon WI

THE president welcomed all to our March meeting. The Golden Thread was read by June Ritson. Prior to the AGM in April, nominations were taken for committee. All officers have agreed to stand for another year.

Details were given for courses in computing and tai chi arranged by Tracy Freeman of Age Concern. The speaker was Canon Lyn Jamieson, who talked about her work as chaplain of the MetroCentre.

The raffle was won by Gina Felton who also won the competition for a bookmark. Second in the competition was Carole Winstanley. Next meeting, on April 10 in the Parish Centre, is the AGM.

Chester Moor WI

ELSIE Haddick opened the meeting by welcoming members and the guest speaker. B Wood gave a very interesting account of the lifestyles and customs of the Chinese people she met during her life in Singapore. She was warmly thanked by Alice Agnew.

After the business meeting there was a reminder of the coffee morning to be held on Tuesday, March 19, in the Methodist Chapel hall in aid of the Marie Curie Fund. Members were asked for suggestions for the summer outings.

The door prize was won by Jean Stout. The competition for a gift from abroad was won by E Maughan.

Members were reminded that the next meeting on Tuesday, April 9, is in the AGM when WI adviser B. Robson will attend.

Wentworth Park WI

THE March meeting of Wentworth Park WI was held at Ouston Community Centre on March 14.

Members were given a very informative talk and slide show on the air ambulance service by Bill Spencer. To complement this our competition was a piece of aircraft memorabilia won by Myra Hunter.

Members raised funds with a lively Dutch auction, the proceeds of which went to the air ambulance service. The door prize was won by Olive Watt.

A table on the work and products of the Fairtrade organisation were displayed. Members all tried their chocolate and agreed it was very good.

Belmont WI

THE March meeting was members' night with Josie Beddison acting as president and Olive Lowrie acting secretary.

The speakers were Philip Nixon and Denis Dunlop, known for their and humorous audio-visual shows. This time the subject was exploring Durham history, with excerpts read from their recently-published book. They were warmly thanked by Josie Beddison.

Competition winners for a photograph of Durham City were: 1 Marion Hately, 2 Jean Morgan and 3 Josie Beddison.

The March birthday girl was Mary Morgan and raffle prizes were won by Carol Sturt, Mary Morgan, Vera Hughes and Audrey Parker.

Members were reminded that the next meeting will be held a week later than usual on April 15 at 6.45pm at Belmont Junior School.

Catchgate WI

Mrs Gallagher welcomed members and one visitor to the branch meeting and also welcomed back members who had been poorly. The Golden Thread, Rise When You Want, was read by Mrs Moorcroft. Business and correspondence was dealt with by Mrs Riley.

Mrs Gallagher told members of forthcoming classes for first-aid, languages, sugarcraft etc to be held in the community centre after Easter.

J McTaggart gave a demonstration of sequin art and bead making. A competition for a decorated egg was won by Pauline Gill, prize donated by R Smith. Raffle prize donated by D Brain, was won by Mrs Wilson.

Durham City Afternoon WI

Members were welcomed to the meeting on March 5 by president Margaret Bell. The minutes of the last meeting were read by Joyce Moore.

It was decided members would assist at the Queen's Jubilee celebrations in the Shakespeare Hall. The group meeting is on April 11 at Langley Park.

The speakers were Andrea Bannister and Carole Platts from the Claypath Medical Centre who gave an excellent talk on the Bowen Technique, a remedial alternative therapy. The vote of thanks was given by Doreen Shearer.

A collection of £17 was taken for the Meningitis Trust. The next meeting is on April 2.