Wentworth Park WI: The July meeting was held in Ouston Community Centre. President Audrey Stephenson asked members to observe a two minute silence in memory of the people suffering as a result of the recent London bomb attacks.

Audrey also welcomed two past members, who we hope will join the WI again, Chris Lumsden and Kath Allison.

Secretary Nora Dixon read the minutes of the last meeting, and then Audrey gave out information about the forthcoming car boot sale and summer outing.

Happy birthday was sung to Wenda Hill, Val Moat, Allison Knowles and Morna White. As members will be on a trip for the August meeting, they included Jean Brabham, Pat Dinning and Viv Scott, whose birthdays fall in August, in their birthday greetings.

Guest speakers were Denise and Maggie from the Mercy Ships. Everyone was very moved by the stories they had to tell. The vote of thanks was given by Christine Logan. Members felt that the work of the Mercy Ships was so important that they collected £35, which was given to Denise and Maggie along with a donation they get as guest speakers for the evening.

The competition, a home remedy, was won by Beryl Waddell, with a suggested cure for rheumatism and arthritis. Freda Weatherspoon won the door prize.

The group is looking forward to its August outing.

Chester Moor WI: Elsie Haddick welcomed members and introduced the speaker, Catherine Wraith, who talked about the work of hospital ships. These ships are staffed by dedicated professionals, who volunteer for short-term service.

Mrs Wraith has served on one of these ships and gave an informative and illustrated account of life on board and the work carried out.

This is mainly eye surgery, repair of facial disfigurement and injuries caused in childbirth. Patients travel long distances in the hope of being accepted for treatment, which they could not afford to pay for. She was warmly thanked by Flo Leggett.

Mrs Haddick gave an account of the resolutions discussed at the annual meeting in London, one of these was care of the environment.

Arrangements were made for future outings and everyone enjoyed the annual strawberry and cream tea.

There will be no meeting in August and the next meeting will be on September 6. The guest speaker will be Jean Carlisle, who will be talking about a Buckingham Palace garden party.

North Lodge WI: PRESIDENT Brenda Dawson welcomed members and guest speaker Alan Duffy to the July meeting.

After Jerusalem and the fire drill, secretary Aileen Piggott read the minutes, the correspondence and the County newsletter. Happy Birthday was sung to eight members who have birthdays in July and August.

Mr Duffy gave his usual brilliant talk, his subject this time was Dig for Victory, a subject that covered a lot of ground, from sweets to air raid shelters.

The competition, photo of the year, was won by Joyce Whitmore, second was Joan Hall and third was Aileen Piggott.

There will be no meeting in August. The next meeting is on September 8, at 7pm in the United Reformed Church. New members and visitors welcome.