I am writing this on a very bright and breezy morning and hopefully it will stay this way for a while now following what has so far been a disappointing summer break for many people and also devastating for many in the farming community.
August is always a quiet month in our calendar with some WIs taking a break, but the Officers and Board are busy getting ready for the final quarter of the year and of course many WIs and villages will be gearing up for harvest festivities and festivals in their own areas.
As usual our upcoming events are listed on the back of the Newsletter and we are delighted that St Mary’s Belles, one of our newer WIs, who won last year’s Car Treasure Hunt have taken on organising this year’s hunt. I hope that the weather is very kind to all the participants on Sunday 17 September.
Tasting the Middle East at Cresswell House sounds delightful and even the title evokes sunnier climes and delicious aromas. Then there is the walk through Jesmond Cemetery which is extremely interesting and I know that because I did this walk some years ago. Marj on the Move has been and gone at Cresswell House and we now look forward to the final one at Alnmouth which I know will be a lovely afternoon. I first encountered this lovely WI when, following the merger of Tyneside Federation with Northumberland, I bid (on behalf of Southridge WI at a Federation pledge Auction) for an afternoon tea at Alnmouth WI and we had the most wonderful tea and a guided tour around the village. I have been honoured since then to be invited back as an Adviser, friend and Chairman to join in some of their many celebrations.
I do hope to see many of you at our Annual Council Meeting at the RGS on Saturday 7 October. I know that it is disappointing that there will be no car parking on site this year but I am sure you will appreciate that it would be impossible at this stage to find another venue and certainly not one with adequate car parking. On the plus side the RGS is next to Jesmond Metro with a very regular service from many areas including Central Station for any members who may be coming in from the West or North by rail,and, several Metro Stations such as Four Lane Ends, Northumberland Park and Kingston Park have very good car parking facilities. It will be a great meeting and the new Board of Trustees for 2023/2025 will be announced at this meeting. Also please remember that delegates are reimbursed for any travel expenses incurred as it is important that they go back and give a report of the meeting to their members.
Finally don’t forget to get your applications in for this year’s Literary Lunch at Hexham Mart with guest author Glenda Young. Glenda was born in the coalmining village of Ryhope in Co Durham and many of her period novels are set in and around that area but she also writes cosy crime novels and these are set in Scarborough which is somewhere she loves and has spent many holidays. As last year there will be a fabulous three course lunch and a superb bottle raffle so get dressed up and come along and enjoy the Ladies who Lunch experience WI style with friends and fellow members.
Marj x
PS. EXCITING SILENT AUCTION LAUNCH
Sue Williams of Seaton Valley WI has very kindly donated a beautiful black leather “croc” handbag by Aspinal of London. These bags retail for around £600 and it will go to the highest bidder with the money going to Federation funds. The handbag is at Cresswell House and closing date for your bids will be Thursday 30 November so that the lucky winner will have the bag for Christmas. Bids can be made via email or by post and we will need your name and WI and a contact number as well as your actual bid.
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