Our Chairman’s Message – March 2020

I am writing this in the knowledge that here in Whitley Bay Storm Dennis has been exceptionally kind to us which is not the case in so many other parts of the country. My thoughts and good wishes on behalf of the Federation go to those people, many of whom will be WI members, as they cope with the aftermath.
We have had quite an exciting February here at Cresswell House with a new stair carpet being fitted and a new and bang up to date computer that is 365 equipped (many of you will understand that but I am better on new carpet fitting to be honest). However you feel, Nancy is now much better equipped for the work that must be done and the entrance and stairs do not look shabby which is a definite plus.
Other news is that Moira Bengtson went along to Kingston Park for an exploratory meeting for a new WI and was bowled over by the number of ladies who turned up wanting to join. They are to be called Kingston Sparks WI and I will be meeting them all at their formation meeting on 19 February. We certainly wish them all well.
Our final piece of exciting news is that John Lewis would like to host an evening at their Eldon Square store for 200 WI ladies. You will be entertained on the ground and first floor to talks, counter demonstrations etc. Cecilia Stewart who is President of Whey Aye WI and who works for John Lewis has been the instigator of this event and my thanks go to her for arranging it. Full details and application forms will be available in the next Newsletter.
Wark WI celebrated their 100th birthday in February. I was invited along with Hilary Robson and Moira Bengtson to join in the festivities. As you can imagine the buffet supper was superb and entertainment was provided by a local ukulele band, one of whose members had indeed been taught a few years ago by the President of Wark, Judith Weir. There was a fantastic raffle (I didn’t win anything mind you) and all in all it was a lovely evening. Thank you to all involved for the invitation, it was a pleasure to visit you.
This month’s photograph is of me at a wedding 20 years ago. Dave has offered a bottle of wine if anyone can guess where it was!
Please make sure you read all the news about what is on offer so that you don’t miss out on anything. Stay warm and safe and keep a watchful eye on those in your WI and wider community who may be vulnerable.
Marj