100 Years of Norham WI – Susan Thorburn
On Saturday 14 October 2023, Norham WI celebrated their centenary in style with a 1920s-themed party for invited guests from Berwick, Cornhill and Roddam WIs along with our twinned WI, Cromford in Derby. Marj Read, Northumberland Federation Chair and Prudence Marks, WI Adviser, were also invited as guests of honour. We were highly entertained by four very talented members, Margaret Jeffrey, Babs Gibson, Dot Smith and Margaret Baxter performing a comic sketch written by Margaret Jeffrey’s daughter Jillian Whiting. There was much laughter around the room and no doubt BAFTAs are in the offing!
After the cutting of the cake by Jan L’Argent and a toast to the future of Norham WI, Christine Levasseur, President of Cromford and Judy Noble, Vice President of Cromford paid tribute to Norham WI and presented us with a T’owd Man a symbol of Derby. Norham WI Secretary then read out letters of congratulations from Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland and His Majesty, King Charles.
Everyone all enjoyed a splendid afternoon tea accompanied by Norham Village Band playing a variety of music. Marj Read presented the prize for the best 1920’s costume and Jan L’Argent thanked the sub-committee and presented them with flowers for all of their hard work in putting together the event.
Newbrough Centenary
Newbrough WI celebrated their centenary in style with a performance from the Hex Pistols. Federation Chairman Marj Read helped Doreen Dodd the WI’s most senior and oldest member cut the cake.
Congratulations! – Sue Emery
One of our members was successful in the Northern Photography Prize. Sue Dibben is one of the finalists and so members of Morpeth Town WI went with her to view her photo at The Biscuit Factory. More of her work can be seen on Instagram siuzifirenziphotography.
A Christmas Treat for Prudhoe WI
The celebrations started early for Prudhoe WI when they hired Cresswell House kitchen for a cookery demonstration and tasting with chef, Kevin Johnson. The delicious treats included chocolate roulade with white chocolate ganache filling, mini apple, and raspberry tartlets and mini Christmas Bakewell tarts all served with lashings of cream.
Everyone had a fantastic day, and it was a perfect opportunity for the first timers to Cresswell House to see what the centre had to offer. We will definitely be back for more!!
Rothbury River Testing – Katy Nicholls
Rothbury WI have splashed out on a water quality testing kit and started regular testing of the River Coquet downstream of Rothbury. Various other groups will be joining in this citizen science project along the course of the river and sharing our date with the Northumberland Rivers Trust.
We hope the information we collect will ensure that the water companies can be held to account for the condition of our beloved river which is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Speaker’s Corner
Michael Gatherer held a talk at Blyth Spirit WI. We thoroughly enjoyed his talk about local murders. He has many talks, and we would highly recommend him. We intend to book him again for next year for one of his other very interesting evenings.
Humshaugh WI voices recommendations for Ian Williams, the Amble Poet. He came to us on Thursday in awful driving conditions and entertained us with poems both funny and poignant. He proved very popular, and we would thoroughly recommend him.
Please note: If you choose to book any of the above, they are only suggestions not recommendations.
Thank you so much for making the 2023 National Raffle a huge success again this year. A list of winners can be found in the November/December issue of WI Life. For every ticket sold 60p goes Federations so the Northumberland Federation received £636.04
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