WARKWORTH WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

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Warkworth Women's Institute on 2nd October 2007

MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

AT 7.30 P.M. IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, CASTLE STREET , WARKWORTH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT: Pat Bagshaw
Telephone: 01665 712752

VICE PRESIDENT: Amanda Hood-Gorton
Telephone: 01665 711425

SECRETARY : Pat Boyd
Telephone: 01665 713744

TREASURER: Pat Dodd
Telephone: 01665 711538

PROGRAMME SECRETARY: Dorothy Groves
Telephone: 01665 714800

PRESS SECRETARY: Helen Franklin
Telephone: 01665 711054


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COMMITTEE:

Pat Bagshaw, Pat Boyd, Majorie Dixon, Pat Dodd,
Dorothy Dunn, Helen Franklin, Dorothy Groves,
Amanda Hood-Gorton, Ethel Orde,
Cath Parish, Joy Taylor, Helen Wilson.


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Northumberland Federation of Women's Institutes

Cresswell House
11/12 Brenkley Way
Blezard Business Park
Seaton Burn
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE13 6DS

Tel: 0191 217 0808

County Chairman:
Mrs. J. Wylie


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MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

AT 7.30 P.M.

IN

THE MEMORIAL HALL

Meetings held in the War Memorial Hall.


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10th JANUARY 2006

Pat Bagshaw, President, welcomed members to the January meeting. She ran through the business with us which included the new food hygiene regulations and forthcoming national, county and local events. Our annual lunch is to be held in the Saddle Grill, Alnmouth in February.



Warkworth Clog Dancers

 

We were then introduced to the Appalachian Clog Dancers. These ladies, ten in number, were clog dancers who hold weekly classes in Warkworth during the winter. Their leader, Gwyn Jackson, explained to us that the dancers originated in the Southern Appalachians of Carolina and they danced to 'Blue Grass' music. England has lots of different steps varying from region to region. Northumberland has "high shuffle" dancers; Durham and Cumberland dancers are lighter on their feet - similar to Iris clog dancing. In Norfolk the 'cloggers' are generally men who dance in pubs on rush mats.

The ten cloggers demonstrated for us "1st August" a dance from the Shetland Isles and impressed us on how professional they are. Many dances followed, most skilfully executed and obviously enjoyed by them and delighting us. The music was lovely with a most catchy beat.

They were thanked most sincerely for making our evening so enjoyable. Gwen kindly judged the competition selecting Pat Calvert as the winner. Sheila Atkinson received the birthday flowers.

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7th FEBRUARY 2006

"GARDEN TALES"

National Plant Collection

David Goodchild

Although it was a miserable winter's evening, Pat Bagshaw, President welcomed a very full hall of members to the February meetings. There was a busy programme of forthcoming events for our attention including: invitations from Craster and Brizlee, application for a bursary at Denman, dates for Cardiff AGM and Council meeting at Hexham.

There was unanimous support against the cutting of rail services in our area and for the fire service offering access risks to our homes. The WI competition at the Warkworth show in August is a photograph of 'Warkworth In Summer'. Pat then introduced our speaker, David Goodchild, and his talk for the evening 'The National Plant Collection'.

About 20 years ago some famous horticulturists realised that unless something was done, many plants were threatened with extinction. The RHS realised it was most important that genes of plants were used for breeding and that some species that were thought to be lost could be cultivated again. Plants are ecologically, horticulturally, scientifically and socially important for our future. With the help of slides it was explained to us how this was done by collectors and through their plant conditions - of which up to the present number 655.

David kindly judged the competition, a bowl of bulbs. This was won by Pat Calvert for her white hyacinths.

Pat Boyd
President

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7th MARCH 2006

"COLOUR AND CRYSTALS"

President Pat Bagshaw welcomed members and three visitors to the March meeting. Pat said the annual lunch had been a success, the visit to Craster WI much enjoyed, the visit to Brizlee to look forward to, the 90 mile was accomplished by five members and the scrapbook handed in. The sandcastle challenge by Bamburgh WI was enthusiastically received and a talented team selected.

Dorothy Dunn, secretary, dealt with correspondence from national, county and local sources.

Mary Simcock, our speaker for the evening, introduced us to colour and crystals.  She laid out on the table in front of us some silk scarves in many beautiful shades.

She explained to us how crystals give out energy, light and sounds and can sing and talk to us, the smaller crystals have nigh notes, the larger the crystal the deeper the sound. It was a most fascinating talk giving us much to think about.

The competition for a crystal object attracted the largest number of entries for a long time and was won by Maisie Luke. Marjorie Dixon and Maisie received the birthday flowers.


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4th APRIL 2006

"SPRING FLOWERS"

Spring had certainly come to Warkworth WI in the evening of their April meeting.

Pat Bagshaw, president, welcomed members and three guests and congratulated Ursula and Derek Dixon on their golden wedding. Ursula told us that friends had kindly and very generously given donations to Oxfam in lieu of gifts.

Pat, our speaker for the evening, began to arrange flowers with the theme of spring. She produced six very different arrangements.

The first, for the conservatory, used tulips in a terracotta container to resemble a growing pot of bulbs. Secondly, a spring ring of jewelled coloured anemones which could be put round the base of a cake stand holding a simnel cake or Easter dessert.

For children, she fashioned a nest of twigs containing six washed egg shells, each filled with a different type of tiny spring flowers.

A more sophisticated arrangement followed with purple parrot tulips arranged in a black container. For her next item Pat explained that hellebores can be difficult to arrange. She demonstrated how their beautiful heads could be suspended in a wire frame above shallow water in a glass container.

A garden border was the inspiration for her continental arrangement using a wide variety of flowers and foliage in spring colours.

Finally with Easter in mind, we were shown a white and green arrangement featuring church candles and a moss ring, white hyacinths and calla lilies.

Margaret Burrell gave a most appreciative vote of thanks to Pat.

Masie Luke won the competition for a lady's wedding corsage.

Pat Dodd, Sheila Lilley, Shirley McKay and Elsie Percival all received one of the lovely arrangements for their birthday flowers.

Members were reminded that there was to be a pooled supper at the next meeting.


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2nd MAY 2006

"ANNUAL MEETING"

Members were invited to write down suggestions for possible speakers, ideas for the monthly competition, for outings and for group meetings.

The President, Pat Bagshaw, gave an update on the resolutions, correspondence and other monthly business.

Pam McMeekin has kindly offered her garden for a party in July.

Members are invited to join Acklington on their trip to Floors Castle and for the July meeting we will be going by coach to the Ingram Valley.

The president, secretary and treasurer's reports were read. Margaret Burrell gave a warm vote of thanks to Pat Bagshaw and her committee.

Pat won the cup for the monthly competitions. Helen Franklin is joining the committee.

Gwen Calvert, Dorothy Dunn and Joyce Tweedy received the birthday flowers and Jan Archibald won the montly competition.

Next month Andrew and Margaret Watchorn will entertain us with some Northumbrian music played on pipes and fiddle and Amble W.I. are joining us.

The competition is for a scenic plate and there will be a pooled supper.

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JUNE 2006

NORTHUMBRIAN MUSIC

Members and guests were welcomed by Pat Boyd as our president was attending the AGM in Cardiff.

In respect of a former president, the late Mrs Eileen Brownlow, our members stood in silent tribute to her memory.

A garden party at the home of Pam McMeekin will take place on July 8th to support the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Our entertainment for the evening was delightful Northumbrian music provided by Andrew and Margaret Watchorn on pipes and violin.

The competition for a scenic plate was won by Dorothy Groves. The raffle was drawn and the evening ended with a delicious supper.

For the July meeting we will be going by coach to the Ingram Valley.

   
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JULY 2006
Sheila Bootiman and Gladys Murdie Helen Wilson and Serena Counter

The Queen's 80th Birthday was celebrated in style at a Royal Garden Party held at Birling Manor, the home of Peter and Pam McMeekin. Members and guests dressed to a theme of red, white and blue, some wearing pretty hats and others with tiaras. There was an excellent raffle and some exciting games which included croquet on the lawn. A delicious home-made tea was enjoyed and the Air Ambulance Appeal will benefit financially from the well organised, happy and successful afternoon.

For our meeting on 4th July members enjoyed an evening outing by coach to Powburn and a delightful meal at the Poachers Rest. Four members received birthday flowers and an interesting quiz was won by Pam and Diana.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5th SEPTEMBER 2006

Band playing in Castle grounds.

The meeting was opened by our president Pat Bagshaw who congratulated Janet Jackson for winning the WI cup at the Warkworth Show in August. The winning photograph is above.

She also congratulated the numerous members who produced such excellent entries in all sections of the show. The Royal Garden Party raised £280 for the Air Ambulance. At the Alnwick Food Fair we are entering the afternoon tea competition.

Orchid Our speaker was John Hobrough, accompanied by his wife Margaret, who gave a very interesting talk on the species of orchids, their care and propagation. The winner of the competition for a picture of a flower linked to a poem or a song was Pat Dodd. Next month the speaker is Gerry Evans on 'The Origin of Names'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd OCTOBER 2006

The meeting was opened by our President, Pat Bagshaw, who was delighted to report that our entry in the Alnwick Food Festival was judged to be the winner. Mary Dixon, Pat Dodd, Helen Wilson, Beattie Warwick, Maisie Luke and our president set out a delicious tea and brought home the engraved silver salver.

Details of the County Day were related and it was reported that Helen Wilson had attended a reception at Woodhorn Colliery Museum on our behalf.

A booking had been made for Christmas lunch at Cragside on December 12th and the visit to Shilbottle WI had been very much enjoyed.

Reminders were given for a wide variety of county events to be held during the next few months and the Christmas outing would be to the Durham Christmas Festival on December 2nd.

The speaker for the evening was Gerry Evans who informed and entertained us with his talk on the origin of names. The winner of the competition for a humorous birthday card was Joan Holland.

At the group meeting, which was hosted by Warkworth, our speaker was Michael Evans from Warkworth House, Area Manager of J & G Inns, who gave a fascinating and amusing talk entitled "Dining Room Dilemmas".

The competition for a flower arrangement in a teacup was won by Barbara Butchard of Felton WI.

We are looking forward to Widdrington and Ulgham joining the Coquet Group in the near future.

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7th NOVEMBER 2006

"CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS"

BY CHARLOTTE HACKWELL

The meeting was opened by our President Pat Bagshaw, who reflected that it had been a very active month for W.I. members.

We had hosted the group meeting. Some members had attended the county day and Mary Dixon was awarded third place in the competition for a premature baby coat.

Brizlee W.I. invited us to join them for a talk by Mike Parr from Radio Newcastle. Members attended the "Right Royal Event" at Felton where they wore tiaras and enjoyed smoked salmon. We continue to play our weekly games of bowls.

Our President joined the Hotspur group at their meeting where she judged their marzipan fruit competition. She also attended the council meeting and reported on the wide range of events being planned during the run up to our 90th birthday celebrations.

Our evening speaker was Charlotte Hackwell, a W.I. member from Hexham, who showed us how to make very attractive Christmas decorations.

The competition for the most attractive paper serviette was won by Pat Dodd.

Next month is our Christmas party, members who wish to, will exchange Christmas presents. There will be a pooled supper, members are asked to bring their own crockery. Entertainment will be provided by Robert Whitehead and the competition is a homemade Christmas card.

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5th DECEMBER 2006

The December meeting was opened by our President, Pat Bagshaw, who kept business to a minimum as it was our Christmas Party. She reported that four shoe boxes had been sent from the Institute for the Christmas appeal and that members had enjoyed both the Heighley Gate evening and the Durham shopping trip. Everyone was thanked for their efforts with the Memorial Hall Coffee Morning, which raised almost £300. Details were given for our Christmas lunch at Cragside. We were reminded of the Carol concerts at St. Michael's Church, Alnwick on 8th December and the Christmas Fayre at Alnmouth on 10th December.

Forthcoming county events include a science event in March, lunch with Anne Widdecombe in June and a quilting and patchwork weekend in July.

Robert Whitehead provided our main entertainment by playing a wide range of music on his accordian. Christmas readings from Eileen Murray and a sketch on the effect of political correctness on our well loved pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, performed by Pat Bagshaw, Gwen Calvert and Sheila Lilley concluded our entertainment. Pat Boyd gave the vote of thanks.

The competition for the home made Christmas card was won by Helen Franklin. After enjoying an excellent pooled supper and exchanging gifts everyone was wished a Merry Christmas.

We meet again on 9th January for a talk by Catherine Jackson on the subject of Holy Island. New members and visitors are most welcome.

Bowls mornings start again on Wednesday 9th January 2007.

Helen Franklin
Press Secretary

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JANUARY 2007

The meeting was opened by our president Pat Bagshaw who welcomed our members and two guests.

The Christmas lunch was enjoyed by those who could go. Members voted to have a Spring lunch towards the end of February.

Subscriptions of £26 are now due and members were asked to put cash or a cheque in named envelopes and give it to our treasurer, Pat Dodd, at our next meeting.

Members were asked for ideas for next year's programme. We will be entering the carpet bowls competition on Thursday, March 22nd at Longframlington Hall.

Pat Bagshaw invited new institute members and committee members to her home for coffee.

Reminders of the courses reported last month were given. County are holding a Pledge Auction on October 12th. Requests for pledges were made. A ballot was taken on the five resolutions:

1. Water saving

2. Housing for the homeless

3. Renewable energy before nuclear

4. Closure of community hospitals

5. Carers allowance

Our evening speaker was Catherine Atkinson who is the estate manager at Lindisfarne Castle. She illustrated her presentation with some unusual views of objects to be found in the castle.

Dorothy Dunn gave the vote of thanks.

The competition for an item with a Celtic theme was won by Helen Wilson.

Next month's speaker is Catherine Wylde on the topic of Northumbrian tartan and the competition is a Valentine verse.

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FEBRUARY 2007

Our meeting was opened by our President Pat Bagshaw, who welcomed members and three guests. She told us that long serving member, Barbara Storey had moved to Nottinghamshire and members were asked to sign a card wishing her well.

The Northumberland Federation result of the voting on the resolutions echoed our own decision with Closure of Community Hospitals coming first followed by Carer's Allowance and Water Saving.

A second set of bowls has been purchased for members who continue to play on Thursday mornings in the Memorial Hall.

Names were taken for those wanting to attend the Spring Council Meeting at Hexham.

New members are invited to visit Cresswell House on 19th April. Pat encouraged members to take advantage of the County Bursary for Denman.

Information was given about the County Lunch with Ann Widdecombe on 15th June. Our own spring lunch is on 13th March in Alnmouth. Our President has passed her wild flower scrap book to Anne Larvin, Medical Herbalist, who feels it will be useful in research for a book she is writing. Anne is speaking to the group later in the year.

Our speaker this month was Catherine Wylde who gave a fascinating talk on the history of Northumbrian Tartan and how it is used today. Catherine judged our competition for a Valentine rhyme, this was won by Helen Wilson.

Next month our speaker is Sadie the Bra Lady and Amble Institute Members will join us for a pooled supper. The competition is an item of pretty underwear.

Visitors and new members are most welcome.

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MARCH 2007

The meeting was opened by our president Pat Bagshaw who welcomed visitors from Amble Institute.

This month we are entering two competitions, the indoor bowls at Longframlington and the reading aloud competition's preliminary heat at Belford. It is the first time that we have entered this competition.

Pat Bagshaw is hoping to compile a leaflet called "Within Living Memory" to celebrate the long serving membership of Ethel Orde. She requires memories of Warkworth village and the early days of Warkworth Institute activities. This leaflet will be provided for newcomers to the village who become members.

Pat informed us that the chosen resolution for the national AGM is the closure of community hospitals. There will be a resolution meeting prior to this at Cresswell House on April 26th at 7 p.m. Also at Cresswell House new members are invited to attend meetings on April 19th.

Eileen Hardwick is unable to continue as group convenor, nominations are needed for this post.

Details of several activities were announced including a car treasure hunt in the Otterburn area, a sand castle competition at Bamburgh and a cookery demonstration at Warkworth House Hotel.

Our help was requested to knit woolly hats for sailors, to litter pick on Warkworth beach, to look out old family recipes for herbal cures and to bake scones for a memorial Hall coffee morning.

Congratulations were offered to Beattie Warwick and Marjorie Dixon and their husbands who celebrate their golden weddings this month.

Our speaker was Sadie the Bra Lady. A natural raconteur she both amused and informed us how to achieve better proportions with the aid of her special measuring techniques. Sadie judged our competition which was won by Helen Wilson.

Next month is members evening and several members have volunteered to provide entertainment. There will be a pooled supper and the competition will be an attractive biscuit tin.

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APRIL 2007

The meeting was opened by our president Pat Bagshaw, who welcomed everyone to our members' evening.

We have recently gained several new members and one of the main aims of this meeting was to allow them to get to know as many members as possible.

Our two bowls teams played well in the recent competition but failed to win prizes. Our speaking aloud competition faired better, winning a place in the final and praise from the adjudicator. We wish them well at Felton on April 20th.

We were reminded of imminent courses, these include archery, water sports and public speaking. We were also reminded of the chance to have lunch with Ann Widdecombe and to win £5,000 in the national raffle.

Our help was requested to make scones for a Memorial Hall coffee morning on May 12th.

Pat asked for volunteers to join the committee stressing that an institute stagnates without the stimulus of new people with new ideas. She hoped that someone would welcome the opportunity to act as president next year.

A getting to know you activity was held, in which members were divided into groups, each containing at least one new member.

This was followed by amusing sketches by Eileen Murray, Jan Archibald, Margaret Burrell, Maisie Luke and Pat Bagshaw.

Gifts were given to Pat Dodd who supplies us with delicious pancakes and biscuits for our refreshments and also to Helen Wilson who helps prepare the hall for our meetings. The competition for an attractive biscuit tin was won by Pat Boyd.

Our AGM is in May when we will be joined by Marjorie Goodchild.

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MAY 2007

This was our Annual General Meeting. Our president Pat Bagshaw welcomed W.I. adviser Marjorie Goodchild, who came to officiate.

Names were taken for a trip to the Yorkshire Dales on 15th June and we were reminded that Thursday bowls have finished for the summer.

Congratulations were given to Acklington W.I. who won the reading aloud competition and to our own team who read beautifully.

Janet Jackson brought her blackwork project which she has been undertaking at Cresswell House.

Country correspondence included notification of a Federation to Denman College in April 2008 and details of a two day visit to Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament in November. There are also three walks of differing degrees of difficulty over the summer.

Marjorie Goodchild gave an enlightening talk on how our coins for friendship collection is used by the Associated Country Women of the World. Various projects are funded e.g. "Water for All".

Our treasurer Pat Dodd explained her report which showed a healthy balance. The secretary Pat Boyd reminded us of the many varied speakers and events which we have enjhoyed over the past year.

The president Pat Bagshaw thanked everyone for their support and said how pleased she was that our membership continues to grow. However, the committee do need more help with ideas for speakers and activities.

Margaret Burrell thanked the president and the committee for their efforts. The committee was re-elected and a ballot taken to elect our president Pat Bagshaw.

The competition identifying antique domestic equipment was won by Helen Wilson. A pooled supper concluded the evening.

The speaker for our June meeting will be Elizabeth Bramwell. The competition is an arrangement in an egg cup.

HELEN FRANKLIN
Press Secretary

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JUNE 2007

Our President, Pat Bagshaw, welcomed members and guests to our meeting. Thanks were given for the help and delicious baking at the Memorial Hall Coffee Morning. Pat Bagshaw also thanked Margaret Burrell and Helen Wilson for their contributions to her 'Within Living Memory' booklet.

Reminders were given about next year's Federation visit to Denman and details of a two day visit to Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament in November, also of the three walks of differing degrees of difficulty over the summer. County events in June include lunch with Anne Widdecombe on June 15th and a Water Sports day on the 23rd.

Orders were taken for 2008 diaries and calendars.

Pick up time for Leyburn trip on June 15th is 8.55 a.m. at the Hermitage Inn. We are asked to nominate people for the Executive Committee but please ensure that you have permission to do this.

On 10th June there is a pedestrian treasure hunt in aid of Breast Cancer Research starting at 1 p.m. from St. Michael's Church Hall. The cost is £4 to include afternoon tea.

Serena Coulter will be hosting a Coffee Morning on June 30th 10 a.m. - 12 noon in aid of Warkworth Lights.

Our speaker, Elizabeth Bramwell, was welcomed once again this time showing her love of flowers and her skill in arranging them.

The competition of 'Flowers in an Egg Cup' was won by Veronica Lound.

The Speaker for our July meeting will be Pat Bagshaw entitled 'From Russia with Love'. The competition is baking - any Regional or National Specialty.

Helen Franklin
Press Secretary

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JULY 2007

Our president, Pat Bagshaw, welcomed members to our July meeting. Members reported that, despite the wet weather, the trip to Leyburn and the Yorkshire Dales had been enjoyed by those who went.

We were reminded that 2008 diaries and calendars need ordering now. The report of the AGM at the Royal Albert Hall was read.

Money for the Northumbrian of £2.31 was collected. Members were asked for ideas about our library of craft books, whether they should be sold, and, if so, where and when.

Our speaker was our President, Pat Bagshaw, who shared with us her impressions of Russia from her holiday. She had visited Moscow and St Petersburg and illustrated her talk with interesting photographs.

The competition of baking - any regional or national speciality - was won by Pat Dodd with her Welsh griddle scones.

The competition for Warkworth Show was a date and walnut loaf using the Bero recipe.

The speaker for our September meeting is Madeline Russell, who will talk about Antarctica. The competition is a photograph of a local winter scene.

HELEN FRANKLIN
Press Secretary

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SEPTEMBER 2007

President, Pat Bagshaw, welcomed two guests along with members. We have had a busy summer. Pat congratulated Helen Wilson for her winning Date and Walnut Loaf in the village show and for her many other winning entries. All other prize winners were congratulated, particularly Janet Jackson for winning best in show with her beautiful Topsy Turvy rose arrangement. Once again a large number of members were vital to the show in many ways.

Members who took part in the flower festival in St Lawrence's Church, arranged by member Diana Webber and in Stannington Church were also congratulated.

There was an exciting array of opportunities for members to take part in on offer this month. These included the chance to model at 'Live Life to the Full' on October 26th and 27th in Alnwick, a request from Channel Five for accomplished homemakers to take part in a new television series, lots of bargains at a Pledge Auction on 12th October, volunteers are needed to participate in a National Casualty Exercise on 13th November and we were invited to enter a competition to attempt to reduce our carbon footprint and win a prize. We were asked to consider adopting a mile of 'Rural Road' in an effort to enhance it. Information was given about our Autumn Council Meeting to be held in Alnwick Playhouse on 20th October where the new County Banner will be on show. There is to be a coach going to the Fashion, Embroidery and Stitch show in Harrogate. Information on even more events was put out for members to read.

Our speaker was Madeline Russell who fascinated us with tales of her father's expedition to the Antarctic many years ago. Because he had written a detailed journal Madeline was able to undertake a holiday of a lifetime 'following in his footsteps'. Well not quite! Madeline enjoyed the luxury of good food and a warm bed on a cruise liner but she was able to experience for herself the sights and sounds detailed in her father's journal and actually land and visit one of the exact spots where the expedition stayed. Artefacts from the expedition were on show in a replica of the hut which was their home and workplace. For part of the time she actually wore his windproof cotton jacket, still effective today. Superb slides accompanied Madeline's talk including one chosen for her Christmas card the year of the trip. In the beginning Madeline was disappointed by the calmness of the sea but before the trip ended she did experience seas so rough that passengers were forbidden to leave their cabins. Madeline judged our competition for a photograph of a local winter scene and was warmly thanked for her most interesting lecture.

Birthday flowers were given to Jan Archibald and Mary Dixon. Pat reminded members of our 85th birthday in November. She would like members to supply her with more memories of early days in Warkworth and in particular in the early days of Warkworth WI for the little booklet she hopes to produce in time for this event. This is proving a most interesting task. After enjoying Pat Dodds delicious scones and biscuits the meeting closed. Next month's speaker will be Anne Garvin, medical herbalist.

Visitors are always welcome.

HELEN FRANKLIN
Press Secretary

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2nd OCTOBER 2007

 

Our president Pat Bagshaw welcomed members to our October meeting. A special welcome was given to new members Jill Piddock and Rachel Parks.

Joan Robinson kindly came to take a new Institute photograph for our 85th Birthday. New Barns Court thanked us for our help at their coffee morning which raised £1,390 for the Air Ambulance. Pat displayed a photograph of our entry at the Alnwick Food Festival, which came second. There were several reminders of imminent events including:- The silent Auction at Ponteland on October 12th, the Council meeting in Alnwick on 20th October, our Birthday Tea on November 22nd and the Live Life to the Full event at Willowburn Sports Centre on October 26th and 27th. One of our members Helen Wilson will be modelling at this event. We are invited to hear local children sing carols at New Barns Court on December 21st. Heighley Gate is holding two Christmas evenings. Pat told us of a proposed evening shopping trip to the Metro Centre with Travelsure on November 29th. We decided not to arrange a Christmas meal but to book one in the New Year.

Our speaker was Ann Larvin, Medical Herbalist who is compiling a book on the domestic use of herbs for medicinal purposes. She told us of the wide range of herbs that grow wild in Northumberland and illustrated her talk with beautiful slides.


The competition for a pretty paper weight was won by Helen Franklin.

Will members please check that they went home in correct jackets, because at the end of the evening a member was missing her navy jacket and a beige one was left behind.

The speaker for our November meeting will be Alan Fendly whose subject will be Women at War. The competition is a Wartime Hint. As usual visitors and new members are most welcome.

 

 HELEN FRANKLIN
Press Secretary

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November 2007

The Memorial Hall was full to the brim with members and visitors for our November Remembrance Meeting. Joy Taylor was welcomed as a new member and there were signs that several visitors may become permanent members.

Seven members attended the Autumn Council Meeting and we heard about the beautiful new County Banner which has been embroidered and the accompanying design folder outlining the processes used. The rendering of Hedly on the Hills' winning Choral Speaking entry and the talk by Aisling Lannin on her work on our special coastline were especially enjoyed. Final numbers were taken for our 85th Birthday Tea in the United Reformed Church Hall on 22nd November 2007. Norma McHugh will be bringing examples of her superb embroidery. We were told that our new photograph taken to celebrate our birthday is now on our Website thanks to Joan Robinson.

Members were told that there will be a pooled supper at our December Meeting. They were invited to bring along an item to put into one of three Christmas hampers which will form prizes for a free raffle for contributors, this will be drawn at the event. Home made products such as preserves would be especially welcome but anything a little bit festive will be acceptable. Christmas gifts for the bran tub costing about £3 will be exchanged by those wishing to take part.

Remembering children with little to cheer them at Christmas, we collected items for Operation Christmas Child. Many thanks to members who provided boxes, gifts and cash to send 20 filled boxes for boys and girls of all age groups to the appeal. Particular thanks to friends outside of the WI who helped, in particular Linda Sweeny, Serena Coulter, Hilda Bell and Gladys Murdy.

Tickets were given out for those joining the Industrial Flower Show Committee trip to the Lakeland Store on November 20th.

Rachel Parks was thanked for her embroidery on our signature cloth, any members not already included are invited to sign and she will embroider these also.

We were invited to take part in a Quiz night in the Memorial Hall on 10th November and visit the URC coffee morning also on the 10th November.

Members were informed of several interesting opportunities in future months including Television Company requests for contestants in a new quiz show and 'Come Dine With Me'. There were no takers!!

Women's Land Army
Our speaker was Alan Fendley who informed and entertained us with his very appropriate topic of Women at War. As well as the sterling work carried out by women in each of the armed forces, WRVS and WI etc., he highlighted the role of women taking on traditionally male roles at the time such as Land Army girls. He paid tribute to those who worked in munitions factories, many who actually died because of the toxic materials they were using. We were asked to remember the modern women still with a vital role at times of war and the constant need for support for the British Legion Poppy Appeal. His talk, readings and slides were much appreciated and he was warmly thanked by president Pat Bagshaw.

The competition area was decked with wartime pictures and poppies, Mr Fendly kindly judged our competition for the wartime hint. This was won by Pat Dodd.

Birthday flowers were received by Beattie Warwick, Pat Calvert, Margaret Wilkinson and Pat Nyberg.

In December we have our party with entertainment by Richard Newbegin. Competition 3 mince pies.

Pat Bagshaw

Tel: 01665 712 752

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December 2007

 

The WI met twice since our November meeting. First for the 85th Birthday Tea. Members were each greeted with a rose spray and the tables were decorated with lovely modern table arrangements made by members Amanda Fearnley and Janet Jackson. The delicious birthday cake was made by Helen Wilson and decorated by Pat Bagshaw. Everyone was full of praise and admiration for the superb embroidery that Norma McHugh brought along and oldest member Ethel Orde was delighted with the embroidered picture of a WI Angel made by Norma which was presented to her. The committee provided an excellent buffet and friends Sue and Sally kindly served the tea. Jan Archibold recorded events with photographs. These particularly recorded long serving members Ethel Orde, Margaret Burrell, Mary Dixon, Pat Nyberg, Bertha Nyberg, Maisie Luke and Beattie Warwick. New members, and family members Mary Dixon, Beattie Warwick and Pat Dodd who have over 50 years of membership between them but family connections for much longer. Margaret Burrell gave a vote of thanks to the committee for arranging the event. As members left a happy afternoon each received a little book of Warkworth Village Memories compiled by President Pat Bagshaw.

 

The Memorial hall tables were beautifully decorated for our Christmas Party which went with a swing and included both ‘In House’ entertainment from members and songs from Richard Newbegin. Birthday girls this month received hyacinth bulbs. Pat Bagshaw won the competition for three mince pies. Four food hampers were made up for the raffle which also included novelty tree decorations knitted by Mary Dixon.

 

Members were reminded of the WI Carol Service in Morpeth on Dec. 7th and our invitation to listen to local children singing carols in New Barns Court on December 20th when Jane Northumberland will be present.

 

We have a change to our advertised programme on January 8th when we will hear about the work of a ‘chocolateer’, the competition will be a favourite chocolate recipe.

 

Subscriptions are due this month.

 

Helen Franklin

Press Secretary


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85th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

At the birthday tea members were each greeted with a rose spray and tables were decorated with lovely modern table arrangements made by members Amanda Fearnley and Janet Jackson.

The delicious birthday cake was made by Helen Wilson and decorated by Pat Bagshaw.

Everyone was full of praise and admiration for the superb embroidery that Norma McHugh brought along. The oldest member, Ethel Orde, was delighted with the embroidered picture of a WI angel, made by Norma, which was presented to her.

The committee provided an excellent buffet and friends Sue and Sally kindly served the tea.

Jan Archibold recorded events with photographs. These particularly recorded long-serving members Ethel Orde, Margaret Burrell, Mary Dixon, Pat Nyberg, Bertha Nyberg, Maisie Luke and Beattie Warwick.

Family members Mary Dixon, Beattie Warwick and Pat Dodd have more than 50 years of membership between them but family connections for much longer.

Margaret Burrell gave a vote of thanks to the committee for arranging the event.

As members left a happy afternoon each received a little book of Warkworth Village Memories compiled by president Pag Bagshaw.

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January 2008

Thirty members braved the stormy weather for our first meeting of the new year. Membership fees for 2008 were accepted by the treasurer. Names were collected for a visit to Woodhorn for our Spring Luncheon on February 12th and for members wishing to go to the Spring Council meeting in Hexham. Members were told that giving and accepting lifts does not affect the drivers' insurance even if a contribution is made towards petrol so long as no profit is made.

A meeting was arranged at the President's home for those interested in taking part in the Radio Sketch, Acting and Monologue, County competitions. We were told that the Indoor Bowls Competition will be held at Longframlington at 10 a.m. on 13th March 2008. Soup and sandwiches will be ordered and hopefully we will enter two teams. There were no volunteers for contestants in the new series of BBC Mastermind.

A request was made for talented crochet members to help a baby wear designer with her new range.

Flowers and good wishes were presented to seven 'Birthday Girls'.

Our speaker was talented chocolateer Louise Frederique Keeble, proprieter of Caboise chocolates. President Pat Bagshaw introduced her with a reading from the novel 'Chocolat'. Louise, who has a passion for confectionary making, then impressed us with details of her training. This included Parisian kitchens, Betty's famous tearooms and working alongside other famous chefs. We were given the history of chocolate and the botany of the plant. We saw the raw material i.e. the pod which contains the beans. We learned that coffee beans were used as a form of currency. We learned of the production process which turns the beans to the basic chocolate i.e. Couverture and then given a recipe for Ganache, the basis of many chocolate fillings, particularly truffles. Louise gave every member a sample of three very different types of chocolate, a 38% white chocolate sample from Venezuela, a 32% milk chocolate sample from Java and a 75% dark chocolate sample from Tanzania. She judged our competition for a favourite chocolate recipe which was won by Pat Dodd with her Chocolate Mousse. After refreshments the meeting was closed and members were invited to purchase Caboise, prize winning fudge, and a variety of delicious chocolates.

Our speaker on 5th February is Marjory Goodchild, her subject is Spring Cookery and the competition is a painting of Spring Flowers. As usual visitors and new members are welcome.

Helen Franklin

Press Secretary

 
 

 

5th February 2008

 

There were thirty seven members at our meeting. New member, but old friend, Mabel Forsyth was warmly welcomed to the Institute. She has entertained us several times in the past with exotic holiday memories.

Arrangements were finalised for our Spring Luncheon in Alnmouth on Tuesday February 12th. Two teams were arranged for the County Bowls matches at Longframlington on March 13th. At the Reading Aloud competition at Belford on March 17th we are entering a radio sketch.

We were told that our new bowl’s mat was delivered to the village hall without warning and left in the rain. The last of the membership fees were collected by the treasurer. Names were collected for the Spring Council meeting at Hexham on March 20th.

 

Cholesterol lowering packs produced by Flora were given out. Member Anne Cashmore told us how much she had enjoyed a Scottish Dancing course at Denman. Janet Jackson, another of our members, is helping to illustrate Anne Larvin’s book on Herbal Remedies.

 

We were informed of some Travel Sure trips and asked if we would like to go as a group on one of these trips in the warmer months. Next month there will be a collection of Coins for Friendship.

Members were informed of a public speaking course at Cresswell House on April 17th and an evening lecture in Newcastle on joint replacements by a member of the Royal College of Surgeons.


Our speaker was cookery expert Marjorie Goodchild, as usual she amazed us with the simplicity of her delicious recipes. At least one will be sure to become a family favourite in members' homes. Pat Bagshaw gave the vote of thanks.

The winner of the competition, a Spring Flower painting, was Pat Dodd.

Next month we will learn about financial matters for the mature in age. The competition is a jar of homemade marmalade.

               

 Helen Franklin

Press Secretary


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March 2008

 

At our March meeting we welcomed two visitors. Condolences were sent to Jackie Wylie, our County President, on the death of her husband. Also love and best wishes for a speedy recovery were sent to one of our members, Margaret Burrell, who has been admitted to the Wansbeck hospital.

Business included invitations to Alnmouth WI on March 29th and Shilbottle WI on April 17th. We were also given details of two Treasure Hunts and cultural events in Ashington and Newcastle. Reminders were given about The Spring Council Meeting. Our bowls teams and our members entering the Scene and Heard competitions were given our good wishes. A collection was made for the WI charity, ACWW, which gives practical rather than monetary help to families all over the World. Members were asked their preferences regarding the future format of the Northumbrian Newsletter. We were told by our President of plans to have a Floral Art Display in the visitors centre at Alnwick Garden later this year. A plea was made for members to join the Committee.

Our speaker was James from St James’s Place Partnership, who gave us sound, simple advice on financial and legal matters which particularly affect the over 50’s.

The winner of the competition for