Our Chairman’s Message – February 2024

Hello ladies and a very Happy New Year to you all. As you would expect the different Committees are now busy planning exciting events for you during 2024 some of which have already been advertised and some which you will learn about over the coming months.
Those of you who attended the Christmas Service of Celebration will know what a wonderful event it was and due to the generosity of the congregation the retiring collection amounted to £2,119.79. This was divided equally between the Cathedral and the Newcastle Street Pastors who do such a tremendous job in helping vulnerable young people in Newcastle at night, and, if you have ever had them to speak at your own WI you will know about their role and how many pink flip flops they give out! Once again “thank you” to you all.
You may recall that I announced at the Council Meeting in October that Sue Malloy was very generously offering four bursaries for a one day course at Betty’s Cookery School to include travel costs. I can tell you that there has been a lot of interest in these bursaries and as promised the winning names will be drawn at the February Board meeting so not long to wait now. On the subject of bursaries our last student to win, Libby Pollard, sent us a message which you can read at the bottom of the page.
I am sure that those of you who attended the John Lewis event last year will be delighted to know that we are holding another one this year on Thursday 18 April and the details have been sent with the mailing this month to your Secretary – the good news is that the price remains the same. You should also have details of the proposed Federation trip to RHS Bridgewater which includes a two night stay at the three star Holiday Inn Media City which includes breakfast on two days and a three course meal on the two evenings. As usual with trips of this type we do need to have a minimum number to make it viable which is why we would like definite numbers of interest by 28 February which will allow us to fix a definite price. A deposit based on that price would then be needed by 28 March.
Once again I have been humbled by the generosity of WIs and since November we have received donations from Denton Dollies, Ponteland Village, Tynemouth and Ulgham and I can tell you that the amount received so far is literally just short of two thousand pounds, thank you all so much.
Finally, can I just tell you that this year’s Roadshows (or Marj on a Mission) will be held at Beadnell, Shotley, Hedgeley and of course Cresswell House. More details later along with who will be in my accompanying cast, Sooty and friends perhaps??
By the time I write the next Newsletter we shall definitely be seeing a difference in the evenings and hopefully have a wonderful spring in our steps.
Take care everyone.
Marj x