Belmont WI: THE outing to Pickering and The Wolds Way Lavender Farm on July 9 was most enjoyable. Unfortunately, the August outing to South Shields had to be cancelled.

Jean Morgan read the report prepared by delegate Joan Barton, of Spennymoor West WI, who attended the 90th anniversary annual general meeting held in the Albert Hall, London.

The competition - a picnic basket - was won by Ella Curry. The birthday girls for July and August were Dorothy Gibson and Jean Ray. Raffle winners were Carol Sturt, Ruth Brown, Vicky Holloway.

David Hughes gave an interesting talk on how his life has changed since he retired. He has taught himself to paint and has written books on his working life and given about two 250 talks in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

He has also helped write The True Story of Alice Sahher, with the proceeds from the book helping to support the running of an orphanage in Palestine. Later this year he will launch his own book Special Children in aid of the Grace House Children's Hospice.

Mr Huges held a raffle in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care - the prize, one of his paintings, was won by Elizabeth Anderson.

Marjorie Oates thanked Mr Hughes for his talk. The next meeting is on September 12.

Merry Oaks WI: THE president Margaret Thornhill welcomed members to the July meeting and assisted by secretary Edith Hall dealt with the business. The new PA system was in situ and proved most beneficial.

The 90th birthday party had been most successful and a cheque for £240 was presented to the Hospice Singers.

A visit to Eden Camp is planned for September and also a community party with the Brownies, celebrating 60 years since the end of the Second World War.

The Rev Paul Wood gave a talk on how he came to Durham and his musical quiz in social time was most entertaining. Strawberries and cream were enjoyed during the break.

Margaret Thornhill won the raffle and Margery Chesterton and Ena Reay the competition.

The September speaker will be from Air Ambulance.

Coxhoe Ladies Club: THE strawberry and wine evening was held on July 12.

The weather was fabulous as were the strawberries, cream scones and wine. Many hours of planning and preparation had gone into the event and Jean welcomed 220 guests and member to what was a wonderful time.

The charity chosen this year was Lupus. The raffle prizes given by members were excellent and raised £427 made up to £450 by Jean from the Ladies Club.

The evening's entertainment was a cabaret act, The New Yorkers, of Ferryhill, who were superb. Jean and all members worked very hard to make sure the evening was a great success.

The final act was a cheque for £450 presented to Susan Whelan from Gilesgate. Susan is the Durham contact for Lupus.

Newton Hall WI: DOROTHY Hodgson welcomed everyone to the meeting and described the wonderful time some members had when they visited Ascot at York where the weather improved after a wet start. The atmosphere apparently was amazing so a jolly good day was had by all.

The annual treasure hunt, was attended by 21 members and enjoyed by all. It was followed by an excellent supper in the newly-refurbished Shincliffe WI hut.

After the tea break Dorothy from the Samaritans gave a very informative talk on the services they provide.

Joan Foxall won the novelty candle competition with Jenny Bell second and Margaret Turnbull in third place.

Members are looking forward to the day out to Newby Hall in August. After the summer recess, Angela Rhoades will give a talk on the History of Pearls on September 7, at 7.30pm, at the usual venue.

Gilesgate Evening TG : THE new chairman Jill Kennick presided and welcomed everyone to the July meeting.

The secretary, Mabel Henderson read the minutes and also the federation meeting report.

On June 13, members entertained their twin guild Fairfield Manor. The entertainment was provided by the St Cuthbert's Hospice Singers, who were wonderful. Several members attended a regional meeting in The Bangladeshi Centre in Sunderland on June 29.

The financial report was given by Jennie O'Hare. Some future events were discussed including a strawberry tea on August 8.

The speaker was the Rev Webster, a retired Methodist minister from Hartlepool. He spoke about radio entertainment of years gone by when the radios were worked from accumulators. The vote of thanks was given by Mabel Henderson.

The speaker judged the competition, a small teapot, which was won by Sandra Mitchelson.

Raffle winners were Heather Alderson, Joyce Appleby and Nel Snowball.

The next meeting will be on September 5 when a cheese and wine evening will be held.

Witton Gilbert WI: PETER Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, was the speaker at the July meeting.

He gave an hilarious and extremely lively talk about his book, Dad At Large, and other amusing incidents from his family life and encounters on his travels to other organisations.

The meeting was conducted by president Cynthia Thompson. The outing to Alnwick Gardens had been a great success and £45 was raised for the Air Ambulance.

Members agreed to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the WI in September. Workshops, village barbecue, outing to Snods Edge in January 2006, and WI boot sale were all discussed.

The competition, a decorated box of sweets, was won by Laurie Jackson.

The August 8 meeting will be coffee and cakes and beginners line dancing. Visitors welcome.