News from the Guilds and WIs

Margaret Parker chairman opened the meeting. Secretary Thelma Harrison read the minutes of the previous meeting and treasurer Edna Stobart gave the financial report.

The birthday dinner this year is an outing to Lynmouth with a meal at the Gibraltar Rock Hotel on Wednesday, May 14.

The speaker for the evening was Marjorie Harrison, a member of the TG Federation committee. She gave an interesting talk on her life growing up in Sunderland after the Second World War. She was thanked by Mrs M Parker.

The competition for an unusual keyring was won by Madeline Simon, 2nd Barbara Bowman, 3rd Elizabeth Scott. The raffle prize was won by Peggy Stokoe.

The competition next meeting is for a fridge magnet and the speaker will be The Pampered Chef. New members welcome.

Belmont WI

PRESIDENT Marjorie Oates opened the meeting, and the secretary Jean Morgan read the minutes of the last meeting. Marjorie thanked Clarice Cooper and Jean Stanger for all their hard work and effort to make the weekend in Weston-Super-Mare such a success. She also gave the report of the Annual Council Meeting. The resolutions for the AGM were read and agreed.

Although we did not make the final of the County Quiz a good night was had by all.

The speaker for the evening was Maralyn O'Keefe who gave an enlightening insight into the art of glass making. She also exhibited many examples of own her work. Dorothy Gibson warmly thanked her.

The competition this month was a glass coaster and was won by Carol Stuart, second Marion Hateley and third Jenny Kell. The April birthday girl was Edie Davies, Jean Ray and Mrs Harrison and Elizabeth Billinge won raffle prizes

Members were reminded that the Group Meeting will be held at Pittington on May 21

The meeting was closed with the National Anthem.

The date of the next meeting is June 9 starting at 6.45pm in Belmont Comprehensive School Gym.

Coxhoe Ladies Club

JEAN Holmes opened the May meeting by reading last month's minutes and apologised for absent members. A party of ladies had thoroughly enjoyed Cats at the theatre the previous evening. Ticket money was paid for My Fair Lady at the Gala in June. A letter from the village hall committee thanking the club for their generous donation towards their town hall coffee morning was read.

Gillian the treasurer was on holiday so Marjorie Powell stepped in and did a good job. A date was chosen for our annual day out: July 1. Tickets are ready for the strawberry and wine evening and each member offered to sell at least six each.

Entertainment was provided by Bob Kelly from Rushyford who gave a talk on his collection and love of Hummel figurines. Mr Kelly told us of his experiences working in the Far East. It was a very entertaining evening. He was thanked by Joan Robson.

Jan Blackburn won the competition, What Is It? Tea hostesses were Nancy and Una.

Esh Leaves WI

PRESIDENT Sylvia Green welcomed a full attendance of members at the meeting on May 12.

As there was no outstanding correspondence for discussion. The President drew members' attention to notices in the current month's County News, before moving on to arrangements for the next Group Meeting in October, to be hosted by Esh Leaves, and the President's Annual Coffee Evening, incorporating a Bring and Buy Sale, in June.

The President particularly thanked Gillian Wesson for hosting a Faith Supper at her home in April and for holding a fundraising book sale there in March.

Brenda Robson's humorous Golden Thread preceded the introduction of guest speaker George Flynn, who presented an unusual mixture of recorded music ranging from the 17th Century composer Purcell to jazz, by way of Johann Strauss, Northumbrian Pipes, Geordie songs, Gregorian chants, and a march, all interspersed with varied poetry readings. The President thanked Mr Flynn for a most enjoyable visit.

Gillian Wesson and Brenda Robson were joint winners of the music box competition. The monthly raffle was won by Marjorie Dickinson, and the Quiz was won by Tina Naples. The evening ended with a cake sale.

The June meeting will be replaced with a Birthday Night Celebration Dinner at the Farmhouse Inn, East Stanley, so the next meeting will be the AGM on Monday, July l4, at 7.30pm in the Church of England School, Esh.

Merry Oaks WI

THE members of Merry Oaks WI thoroughly enjoyed a talk by Maralyn O'Keefe on How I Become a Stained Glass Artist. She brought several examples of her work to show us and we all look forward to visiting her studio in September.

During the business part of the meeting the resolutions for the AGM were discussed and voted upon. President Margaret Thornhill received members unanimous agreement when she said that the main one, Improving Care for the Elderly, was very relevant here in County Durham and the WI should put pressure on local government to try to prevent the proposed closure of certain of the residential care homes. A letter has been sent to other WIs in the county where this is likely to happen asking them to support our stance on this issue.

Plans to ahead for our charity concert, summer lunch, theatre visit and a walk on May 28.

Next month: Container growing and armchair gardening.

Witton Gilbert WI

THIRTY-SIX members and a guest attended the May meeting at Cooper Hall. The evening opened with a round of applause and congratulations to long-standing member Margaret Gibbon and her husband Ray, who is the newly elected Mayor for Durham City.

After the completion of the business and discussion for the forthcoming resolution meeting an amusing Golden Thread entitled Two Frogs in them Cream, was read by Ellen Haigh.

Speaker for the evening was Margaret Gibbon who gave an extremely entertaining and informative talk entitled First Impression of Saudi Arabia. Vote of thanks was given by Anita Willis.

The competition for a folded serviette was won by Jane Beckwith.

The June meeting will be replaced by an outing to the University Botanical Gardens followed by a meal.

July 14 will see the meeting back in Cooper Hall at 7pm when the speaker will be Val Walker with Flower Power.