Brandon WI

PRESIDENT Linda Griffiths welcomed members to the November meeting. Joyce Jones, secretary, gave a report from the autumn council meeting and congratulated June Fenwick who had won third prize for a Jubilee photograph.

Speaker Maureen Glaister gave a demonstration of silk painting, members then had an opportunity to have a go themselves. The next meeting is the Christmas party on Tuesday, December 10.

Witton Gilbert WI

MORE than 40 members and one visitors attended the November meeting. It was the AGM and members said goodbye to their long-serving president Jane Beckwith who was resigning. She was presented with a bird bath for her garden.

Ann Eynon VCO presided. Sheila Browbank was elected the new president and the committee remained the same with the addition of five more members.

The competition was a keyring, and was won by 1 Wendy Sinton, 2 Kate Curtis and 3 Jane Beckwith. Doreen Bilton won the Rose Bowl for the most points in the competitions throughout 2002. The next meeting is on Monday, December 9, when the speaker will be from Billington's and the title of the talk Sugar and Spice.

Langley Park

MRS A Whitfield presided at the November meeting. Joyce Beavis acted as secretary owing to the indisposition of E Bowyer. Two members celebrated birthdays. Final arrangements were for the visit to Witton Gilbert's Musical Evening and the Christmas dinner at Cornsay Village.

The Golden Thread was read by Joyce Maddison and the raffle won by Joan Coulson.

The competition, a savoury scone, was won by Winnie Wilson, with Marie Welsh second and Joyce Beavis third. A demonstration of vegetarian dishes plus the humour of Mr Roughley was the highlight of the evening. After the tea interval Audrey Whitfield compered a quiz all about birds.

Merry Oaks WI

PRESIDENTMargaret Thornhill welcomed speaker Steve Ower and his assistant who gave an illustrated talk on the work of the Teesdale and Weardale rescue services, giving members an illuminating insight into their activities. A bring and buy sale in the tea interval was well supported. Competition winners were Sheila Storey and Joyce Cooper and Margot Waddle won the raffle.

Treasurer Denise Brooksbank gave her report from the autumn council meeting and Margaret Thornhill gave hers from the city forum meeting. The meeting ended with Margery Chesterton reciting two entertaining monologues. Next month the Christmas meeting will include silk flower arrangements demonstrated by Beryl Robinson, bran tub and carols.

Coxhoe Ladies Club

THE November meeting was opened by Jean Holmes. A minute's silence was held for Lily Smart, a very dear and loved friend, who died on November 3. Many members attended her funeral. Shirley Armstrong was thanked for laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

All members signed a card congratulating Nancy Gavin on passing her driving test at the age of 60. Well done, Nancy.

The bus party who attended the theatre to see The King and I said it was wonderful. Every member donated £2 each and a donation of £100 was sent to Dr Barnardo's as a Christmas treat for the children.

The treat of the evening was Yvonne Murphy from Fencehouses, who gave an exhibition of her great skills at making Christmas crafts. Members went home with many gifts.

Joan Robson won the competition for a decorated Christmas Box. Jean thanked everyone for their kindness and hard work all the year.

Belmont TG

CHAIRMANMargaret Parker welcomed members to the November meeting held in Belmont Comprehensive School. The financial report was given by Mrs E. Stobart and Mrs T. Harrison read the minutes.

The December meeting next Wednesday will be a Christmas party. The Christmas dinner on December 11 will be at the Pot and Glass Hotel, Durham.

St Joseph's Ladies Circle, Gilesgate Moor

THE Ladies Circle met in October when chairwoman Laura Farmer welcomed new members. Peter McEwan gave an enjoyable presentation about the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland.

After the talk names were taken for the eighth birthday dinner in February which is to be held at Bowburn Hall. The next meeting takes place next Wednesday when the guest speaker will be the manager of the Gourmet Hour of Durham. His topic will be herbs and spices.