Esh Leaves WI

MEMBERS welcomed the return of still-convalescing president Sylvia Green. to the meeting on February 4.

Secretary Sheila Vear dealt with matters arising from recent correspondence and items in the county newsletter were also discussed.

A theatre outing to Gateshead at the end of April was arranged.

Guest speakers, Barbara Galloway and Eileen Mason, gave an amusing talk on their further experiences as quiz and game show competitors since their last visit a year ago. They were thanked by Gillian Wesson. Both judged the advertising mug competition, which was won by Brenda Robson, who also won the monthly raffle.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 11 at 7.30pm in the Church of England School, Esh. Visitors welcome.

Belmont TG

BELMONT Townswomens Guild held their February meeting in Belmont Comprehensive School. Chairman Mrs M Parker opened the meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Mrs T Harrison and Mrs E Stobart gave the financial report.

Returning officer Mrs Forrest asked for nominations for officers and committee members for the coming year.

Names were taken for the birthday dinner to be held on Wednesday, May 15.

The March meeting will be the AGM and a Geordie evening meal is to be served. Members were also asked to bring items for a yellow stall.

Competition winners were Mrs E Scott, Mrs V Dixon, Mrs B Bowman. Raffle winner was Mrs E Bosomworth.

The speaker was Mr K Pratt, who gave a talk and slide show on Chinese gardens. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs Parker. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 6.

Gilesgate Evening TG

THE monthly meeting was held on Monday, February 4, at 7pm in the St John Ambulance Hall. The chairman Mrs J Tilly welcomed members and the guild anthem was sung.

The speaker for the evening was David Raeburn, who gave an illustrated talk on Brazil entitled The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

He had everyone enthralled with pictures of waterfalls, tropical vegetation and wildlife and also his experiences of the local Brazilian people. Mrs N. Urwin gave the vote of thanks.

David judged the competition - an interesting postcard from abroad. The winner was Mrs S. Mitchelson. Refreshments were then enjoyed by all.

Guild business was started. Secretary Mrs J. O'Hare read the minutes of the last meeting. The financial statement was given by the treasurer Mrs Mitchelson. The federation report was given by Mrs Tilly.

Jill Kennick tried to rally nominations for the guild committee in readiness for the AGM next month. Some future activities were discussed.

Raffle winners were Mrs Kennick and Margaret Cullingford.

The next meeting is on Monday, March 4, at 7pm. The competition is a scarf ring.

Durham City Afternoon WI

THE president Margaret Bell opened the February meeting. Joyce Moore read the minutes of the last meeting, and thanked Audrey Adamson for providing the new programme for 2002.

The group meeting is to be held at Langley Park on Thursday, April 11, at 7pm. The competition is a tray cloth embroidered by one of the members.

The annual general meeting will be held on March 26 at Stanley.

A very enjoyable talk with slides of Morocco was given by Mr D Raeburn. The vote of thanks was given by Marion Vasey and the door prize by Millie Edwards.

The next meeting is on Thursday, March 5, when there will be a Bring and Buy sale.

Merry Oaks WI

THE president Margaret Thornhill welcomed members to the AGM and also Janet Gibson, the WIA.

The officers gave their annual report. Margery Chesterton deputising for the treasurer, stated that the finances were sound and the balance sheet indicated a busy year.

Edith Hall secretary, recapped on all the meetings and activities, which had once again resulted in a successful WI year. She complimented Jo Batey, programme secretary.

In her report, the president thanked the committee for all their efforts and dedicated work, particularly the five members standing down.

She also welcomed three new committee members, sadly noting that the entertainments group had disbanded having provided a great deal of pleasure to a great many people. Special thanks were given to Kit Tait producer.

With Janet Gibson officiating, Margaret Thornhill was re-elected president.

Eileen Harold, a former Queen Alexandra nurse, was a very interesting speaker and she answered several questions.

Competition and raffle winners were Edith Hall and Eira Evans.

Next month is the birthday party.