Centenary Bursary update – We have had an update from Libby Pollard whose university course is going well.

Hello,
I hope you’ve all had a happy Christmas and New Year. I was hoping to send you this email before Christmas, however, I was waiting on some results
for my course modules. Which I can happily say I have got back now and have passed them all! I’m really enjoying the course and was
recommended to be student course rep which is a role that I applied for and accepted.
I’ve also had the opportunity to do some works experience with a PR company which I will be going to on Thursday as PR was a module on my course. I
think the exper ience will be great.
Thank you so much, I have received my next cheque .
I will update you at the end of my next term!
With the best wishes to you and the WI
Libby 🙂

A Tantalising Glimpse into the Past – Helen Murthy
On Thursday 19 January, Newcastle East WI welcomed William Cumming of Rowan Tree Research to our first meeting of 2023 and what a fabulous start to the year it was!
William is a maths teacher by day and certified genealogist by night , captivated our group with a fascinating presentation explori ng just how much information can be uncovered, even from the scantest of starting points…if you know where to look! William’s talk encompassed genealogy, local history, and sleuthing skills. He was also happy to answer questions to help us on our own gene alogical journeys, encouraging us all to delve into that “ box in the loft ” to see what exciting snippets of history we too could discover from old postcards, letters or photographs!
If you would be interested in one of his talks, his email is: http://rtresearch@pm.me website: www.rtresearch.co.uk

Helping local communities at Christmas – Alison Kingston
In light of the enormous hardship that many members of our local community are experiencing at the current time, the ladies of the North Sunderland and Seahouses WI decided to run a “Reverse Advent Calendar” in the approach up to Christmas.
Instead of taking an advent gift each day,
they donated an item of food for their local food bank resulting in an impressive donation prior to Christmas. In addition, in lieu of their Secret Santa gifts, donated money was used to buy “luxury” chocolate items.

Kirkley get a knitting – Dorothy Toward
Kirkley WI have been busy again, this year for the People’s Kitchen, what an amazing place.
We have been knitting, hats, gloves, scarves, collecting toiletries, food, and warm clothing, all greatly appreciated by the People’s Kitchen charity.

Cullercoates WI Show the Love – Kim Suleman
Another amazing display by the ladies of Cullercoats WI, with contributions from local community groups. Think you will agree it looks brilliant. We have also sent hearts to the Mayor of North Tyneside and the MP Sir Alan Campbell highlighting the issues and asking them to support this important issue.

An Uplifting Experience!
Karen Coleman from Shotley WI, has collected the overflowing bra bank box from Cresswell House, and sent the donations onto Against Breast Cancer Charity . She wishes to express her thanks to all who donated their unwanted bras to such a good cause.

Speakers’ Corner
Pete Johnson: Has recently become a full-time professional vocalist and his stage persona is Tony Dasousa. The link below gives you a flavour of his repetoir: https://clipchamp.com/watch/PdnNus8UpXo
The songs can be adapted as required and he’s happy to be flexible. His rates are negotiable but is prepared to perform a 40-minute set for around £60 and a full hour (if required) for £80. £25 per additional quarter hour thereafter. Based in Durham he can be available at minimal notice for any functions as needed. All his equipment is PAT tested and certified and also DBS checked for added assurance.
M: 07563 090 115 E: tonydasousaents@gmail.com
Alex Hiscox: He is a retired Chief Equitation Officer for the Metropolitan Mounted Police after spending 32 years in the Police, 26 of them in the Mounted Branch. He has taken clinics and seminars to teach Mounted Police training and tactics to Police Units in Europe, USA, Canada and South Africa. He was the Ride Leader of the Police Display Ride for 14 years, performing at Olympia, Horse of the Year Show and abroad. Taken part in ceremonial events, serious public disorder events and many football matches, He will explain the passion, professionalism and sometimes pantomime that he has experienced whilst on a police horse in London, let you know how police horses are trained and the amazing job that these incredible animals do, every day. Alan is now the Director of Safety at the British Horse Society and heads up the ‘Dead Slow’ safety campaign.
T: 02476 84050 E: enquiry@bhs.org.uk
David Steele: Plan Watch Walk is headed up by David Steel, who conveys his walking and outdoor passion to people through video, articles, and talks. Within his career he has been a presenter, facilitator, and speaker for many years. Plan Watch Walk has been established to bring the pure joy of the outdoors and walking to people based in the Northeast and focusing on regional walking. Recently completing a 6 stage walk along the Northumberland Coast Path in partnership with Northumberland Coast Path and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the walk starts at Cresswell and follows the stunning Northumberland coast, concluding at Berwick upon Tweed 62 miles (100km) later. Each stage of the walk was videoed (fully edited) and the talk covers the story of the Northumberland Coast Path and Points of Interest, and David’s personal story of the walk-through maps, video, flythrough videos and photography.
A fully facilitated talk of the Northumberland Coast Path, with all of the above resources, would cost between £70 and £100, including expenses. M: 07855 967 869. E: david@planwatchwalk.guide

Northumberland WI

t: 0191 217 0808

federationoffice@northumberlandwi.co.uk

11/12 Brenkley Way
Blezard Business Park, Seaton Burn
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE13 6DS