Merryoaks WI: MARGARET Thornhill, the president, welcomed members and a visitor to the May meeting. Edith Hall, the secretary, dealt with the business.

The quiz team was fourth in the final of the county quiz.

Members were given arrangements for the outing to Ripley Castle to see the Northern Federation of WI's Craft and Flower display. The group meeting had been most enjoyable at Witton Gilbert. Resolutions for the AGM in London were discussed and the delegate, Doreen Norman, was given instructions to vote on them.

The president introduced David Simpson, who gave a talk on Dialect and Place Names in the North. He judged the competition, an old postcard, which was won by Margaret Thornhill with May Parker the runner-up. Jean Bamlett was the raffle winner.

Merry Oaks is celebrating the 90th birthday of NFWI and is hosting a party on June 28, when the Hospice Singers will entertain. Proceeds will go St Cuthbert's Hospice. Tickets are available at £5 from members.

At the June meeting, Liz Wilkinson is giving a cookery demonstration and there will be the annual plant stall.

Coxhoe Ladies Club: JEAN Holmes opened the May meeting and read last month's minutes and apologies from absent members.

The new outing secretaries Nancy and Christine have organised a day out to Helmsley for coffee, a train ride in Yorkshire and supper in Whitby on June 9 for 49 ladies.

It was a very busy night with the allocation of tickets for the Strawberry and Wine night on July 12. Raffle ticket money will go to Lupus this year.

The evening entertainment was provided by Brenda Kristianen, who talked about the Norwegian national costume. Brenda, who wore her own beautiful hand-made costume, showed slides of many costumes and of Norway where she had lived for many years. It was delightful. She was thanked by Marjorie.

The competition, a piece of crystal, was won by Una. Next month's meeting will be a celebration of VE Year.