Consett Afternoon WI: THE October meeting was opened by Linda Richardson, president, with the singing of Jerusalem.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read by the secretary and verses were read by Miriam Owens, Ivy Collins, Elsie O'Toole and Barbara Soulsby. Arrangements were finalised for our visit to Dobbies Garden Centre and our Christmas meal at Harperley Hall.

Our speaker, Mrs Rand, gave a very interesting talk on school life at Pelton Fell in the early nineteenth century from information obtained from the school log book and also life down the pit in the early days. The vote of thanks was given by Miriam Owens. Our competition, self child photo, was won by Doris Ackerman, Maureen Ledger and Audrey Johnson. The raffle was won by Jean Brant.

Leadgate WI

AFTER singing Jerusalem the president welcomed everyone to the October meeting, and sick members were remembered. The theme was read by Mrs Richardson. Business and the county letter were dealt with by Mrs Hedley and the financial statement was given by Mrs Moody.

Our delegate Mrs Hilary who attended the autumn council meeting gave a splendid report. Mrs Hart then gave a talk and showed slides on Beamish Museum and its hopes for the future. Mrs Buchan gave the vote of thanks.

The competition results for a pre-1939 photo were first Mrs Alderson, second Mrs Callum and third Mrs Richardson. The raffle was won by Mrs Frost. Details were given on the Christmas dinner on December 14 at Harperley Hall.

Chester-le-Street TG

THE first October meeting was opened by the vice chairman. The members were welcomed, the fire drill explained and sick members wished well.

The speaker was the Reverend Kevin Dunne. We were shown slides from his visit to Ethiopia. After this fascinating talk a vote of thanks was given and a refreshment break was enjoyed.

Business began with sympathy being extended to Cibil Howe on her recent bereavement. Dorothy read the minutes. The outing to Northallerton and Brymore was an enjoyable day. Irene gave the treasurer's report. The door prize was won by Rhonda Benson. The prize for an African ornament was won by June Shields, Dorothy Lowery and Ellen Gales runners-up. Forthcoming events were discussed.

The second October meeting was our 69th birthday dinner. The guild president Mary Mossop and guild chairman Doreen Yeates were each presented with flowers, beautifully done by Alice Lord. We were then entertained by the Jubilee Singers, a wonderful finale.

Lanchester WI

President Ann Carr welcomed Freda Witherspoon, County Durham Federation convenor, and members to the AGM.

June Wallis read the minutes of last year's AGM and minutes of the last meeting. Longstanding committee member and former president Maureen Clarkson retired from committee and was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Ann Carr was re-elected president. Freda Witherspoon talked about the benefits and friendships gained by belonging to WI. Connie Moore won the raffle and final arrangements were made for the birthday dinner at Derwentside College on November 1.

Castleside WI

THE October meeting, Harvest Home, was very well attended. The president Janet Nelson opened the meeting giving members and two visitors a very warm welcome. Sick members Mary Agar and Lily Bell were sent good wishes.

The goods of the harvest table were auctioned by Mavis Parker, the proceeds going to WI funds. A broth supper was enjoyed by all. Vera Walford collected shoe boxes brought in by members for Operation Christmas Child. Lilian Tinn won the mystery prize given by Mrs Walford. Names were taken for the outing to Dobbies Garden Centre, the Christmas dinner at Blackhill and the trip to the pantomime at The Theatre Royal followed by tea at Harperley Hall. The next meeting is on November 10 - our 79th Birthday Party when we will have pie and peas followed by birthday cake. Visitors are always very welcome.

Annfield Plain WI

THE October meeting was opened by president Genia Collin. Secretary Miss Ellwood dealt with correspondence and treasurer Ruth Bates gave the financial report.

The Golden Thread, a moving prayer about growing old, was given by Jenny Welch and the Item of Interest, entitled What's The Answer?, by Margaret Westwater.

Genia Collin gave a report of the Autumn Council meeting, held on Saturday at Durham and which seven of our members attended. Members were asked to give their names to the secretary if they were interested in being our delegate at the national annual meeting at the Royal Albert Hall next June.

Names were taken of those interested in selling poppies. Arrangements for our Christmas party and Christmas lunch were discussed. The speaker, Ruth Bates, gave a fascinating account of the West Highland Line, leaving everyone feeling that they would like to visit this lovely part of Scotland. Jean Pinner gave the vote of thanks.

Jenny Welch and Doris Brown, both celebrating their 90th birthdays this month, were presented with flowers. A birthday cake was shared with members. Jean Pinner won the competition for a novelty candle and Eleanor Thew won the mystery raffle.

Our next meeting is on November 8, when Mr S Lawes will speak about a round the world adventure. Visitors are welcome.

Satley WI

President, Judith Plews, welcomed everyone and asked all to join in singing Jerusalem. How lovely it was to have not only the accompaniment on the piano by Pat Gibson but also the added voices of guests from Edmondbyers, Castleside and Lanchester.

Minutes of the previous meeting were circulated and business was kept to a minimum so that birthday festivities could be enjoyed.

Three enchanting young girls Sharon, Shannon and Toni captivated the audience with song and dance routines, which were interspersed with readings of amusing verses by Muriel Bell. Jean Portwood thanked the girls for their enjoyable performance and also paid tribute to the back-up team - the mums and dance teacher. Freda Scott was invited to cut the Birthday cake and everyone was asked to join in the buffet supper. The raffle prizes were drawn, too numerous to mention all the winners.

The president thanked everyone for making the birthday a memorable occasion. The guests in turn gave thanks for the evening out.

The next meeting will be the AGM, on Monday, November 8, at 7.15pm in the church hall.

East Stanley WI

president Anne Stayman welcomed members and guests to our October meeting.

Best wishes were sent to sick members. Birthday greetings were given to Mary Dent, Audrey Wallace and Anne Stayman. Olga Hodgson read her favourite poem, The Spider. Arrangements were made for the Christmas dinner at South Moor Golf Club, and the outing to Sunderland Empire to see Starlight Express.

The raffle was won by Olga Hodgson, Mary Dent won Guess how many jellybeans in the jar. Audrey Wallace won the competition, An Old Record, and Rita Hall was second. A broth supper made and served by the committee was enjoyed by all.

The speaker Fred Hay, gave an interesting talk on The Story of the Gramophone, illustrated with slides. He was given a warm vote of thanks by Lily Middleton.

The next meeting will be on November 8. Members please remember their Christmas cards.

South Moor WI

THE October meeting began on a sad note, a minute's silence was observed for a long-standing committee member Kitty Lewins who died recently. Jerusalem was sung and the president welcomed members, also remembered were two sick members. Readings were given by Vera Soulby, Friendship, and by Marion Green, Only a Housewife.

The secretary Doreen Pearson read the minutes, correspondence and county letter, names were taken for the Christmas dinner.

Treasurer June George gave the financial statement. A special raffle prize given by Vera Soulsby was won by Joyce Wright.

The competition, a paperweight, was judged by Dora Moore, first was June George, second Joyce Wright and third Vera Soulsby. Members enjoyed a catered supper.

Our secretary who had been on holiday in Canada gave a delightful display on The Red Hat Society, which is sweeping Canada and America. She modelled her red hat and purple T-shirt and read the theme poem.

Members took part in a quiz then Irish Bingo.

Tantobie WI

MRS Smith welcomed members to the October meeting. Mrs Wallace read a tip. The minutes were read and plans were made for theatre visits and Christmas celebrations. A start was made on next year's programme.

Mrs Oliver sold poppies. Ward Allen entertained us with an amusing and interesting session and was thanked by Mrs Wallace. Tea was provided by Mrs Gott and Mrs Cawthorn. The raffle was won by Mrs Morgan and the competition by Mrs Smith, Mrs Stacey and Mrs Wallace. The next meeting is on November 15.