Boots and Boats – Janine Heslop
Cramlington WI Member, Janet Thompson, regularly collects 5p coins from members at the monthly meetings which are then donated to Blyth RNLI station. Janet arranged a trip for members to visit the Blyth RNLI station so that we could see where our donations go. It was a fantastic afternoon and members thoroughly enjoyed it. Any other WI groups interested in arranging a visit can email henry_thompson@rnli.org.uk
Tea with the Duchess of Northumberland
It was an honour for WI members from Craster, Felton and Thirston, and Stannington WIs to be invited to The Lord Lieutenant’s Annual Garden Party at Alnwick Garden as part of National Carers Week. This is an annual campaign which aims to raise awareness of caring, help the UK’s six million unpaid carers, and celebrate the amazing contribution they make to their communities. All explored the famous gardens, enjoyed refreshments provided by local companies and were entertained by the Blue Light Choir and the Vieux Carré Jazzmen. After the speeches the Duchess and her Deputy Lieutenants, including Carol Malia, mingled with the guests. They weren’t the only ones mingling though. There were three cheeky uninvited ‘guests’, parading confidently around all the tables looking for a quack snack!
Marion Gallon and Helen Chamberlain from Craster WI – here right.
From Felton & Thirston WI – Ann Lings, Barbara Butchart, Irene Simpson and Fiona Krzyzosiak.
Fiona has been volunteering for the past 30 years! – here right.
Also attending were Christine Scott, Norma Smith, Chris Westerback and Ann Hood from Stannington WI.
Helping Hands – Karen Overbury
Although it is less than 10 years old, Ponteland Village WI, has gone from strength to strength and has a reputation for helping the community and for extensive charity work. So, when the village’s Party in the Park organisation needed help to man the tea tent at the annual event, a team of 14 answered the emergency call, setting to work baking cakes, scones and other goodies to serve to the 3,000 who attended.
Ponteland Village WI regularly makes twiddle-muffs for dementia patients, knits poppies, collects tins for a food bank, toiletries for a home-
less shelter, books for a charity in Africa, bras for Africa and more, plus each month members contribute their Pennies for Friendship for the Associated Country Women of the World’s Rural Women in Action Fund.
NHS 75 glorious years! – Janine Heslop
Members from Cramlington WI decorated a window at Cramlington library (the hub) to celebrate the NHS turning 75 years on 5 July. Members knitted and crocheted people from the different NHS occupations as well as creating a birthday cake.
Beading Group – This group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Cresswell House from 10:30 to 14:30. If you would like to join them and have a go at beading please contact Hilda Wilson 01670 353 995
Speaker’s Corner
Patricia Hodgson OBE: Gives entertaining talks about gardening and also piano recitals – all with a comedic flavour. She opens her garden via NGS – the garden is called The Beacon in Stocksfield which was featured as an inspirational garden on Alan Titchmarsh’s programme Love Your Garden. She can travel 30 miles each way but could go further if petrol expenses could be met. Fee is negotiable. M: 07765 862 374 E: patandderek@btinternet.com
Chris Tipple: Provides 50–60-minute talks on a variety of subjects, including classical composers and local history. No fee or expenses expected, but a donation is appreciated. For list of talks, please send Chris an email to christophertipple@yahoo.co.uk M: 07929 624 308
Dave and Carol Dean: Talks by Dave Dean include: “Behind the Chequered Band” – a funny Police talk as a special constable, practicable information including how NOT to commit a burglary! “History’s Greatest Clangers! – Many of the “facts” we “know” are actually wrong. “Are You Superstitious? Do your Ears Burn?” – A very light-hearted look into why we follow these superstitions. “Myths and Legends of the Northeast” – A look at local legends that left a lasting legacy on our area.
Carol Dean’s talks include – “1950s Women” how women managed daily life in the 50s. “Women Who Changed the World” – impressive notable women and their achievements over the ages. “Imhotep The First Physician” – how we are still using his medical knowledge today. “Land Girls” – how ladies faced danger through both world wars.
£45 per talk but this might increase slightly depending on distance to travel a long way and they cover the entire Northeast.
Contact for both speakers are – M: 07783 107 155 or E: davedean611@btinternet.com
Sue Reed: She talks about her journey to becoming a writer and the inspiration for her first book, The Rewilding Molly McFlynn including the Newcastle Witch Trials of 1650. She is happy to travel along the Tyne Valley, or anywhere within an hour’s drive of Bardon Mill. £50 fee. You can contact her on M: 07769 536 814 or E: suereedwrites@gmail.com
Please note: Should you choose to book any of the above they are only suggestions not recommendations.
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