Centenary Bursary 2024
As WIs may recall, it was agreed at the Council Meeting in September 2022 to continue awarding the Centenary Bursary until at least 2024. Our thanks are sent to WIs who sent in their £10 contribution in 2023, and will continue to do so in 2024, in order for us to be able to award the Bursary of £2,000 to a young woman going on to further her education. We are in the process of sending out to schools and academies in our area a message requesting applications from eligible students.
If you know of any eligible student who may wish to apply for the Bursary, please encourage them to speak to their Head of 6th Form for full details and send in their application to us by the closing date of Friday 15 March 2024.

Rothbury WI Take the Plunge for a Skinny Dip! – Katy Nichols
When Katy, Rothbury WI’s Secretary, said we were doing a skinny dip in the North Sea for HospiceCare North Northumberland, she said it as a joke, but it was greeted with such enthusiasm she realised, to her horror, that she was committed!
Very early on 5 Sept we headed off through the morning mist to Sugar Sands. Doing the dip was a pure joy and the members were elated: it was a most liberating and bonding experience. Members not dipping played an essential part spotting swimmers, holding towels and cooking up a delicious breakfast on the beach. It was a real team effort.
The Hospice offers a vital service, caring for those at the end of life in their own homes. This is particularly important in remote rural areas where trips to see loved ones in hospital can take all day. With HospiceCare, more precious time can be spent at home with loved ones.
We were astonished to see ourselves on Look North that evening as the weather photo! We were also interviewed by Radio Newcastle and WI Life is sniffing around! The fame is in danger of going to our heads! At the time of writing this our total online is approaching £3,000 and we have around £800 in the kitty too. You can see more pictures on our website, www.rothburywi.wordpress.com

Charming Chillingham – Pauline Wright
Sixteen members of Kirkley WI visited Chillingham for our outing in July. Firstly, we went to see the Chillingham wild cattle, then onto the Castle for lunch and a look around, what a fascinating place Chillingham Castle is. Of course, there was a stop for coffee in the morning at the Tankerville Arms, Eglingham.

Pimm’s Anyone? – Sally-Anne Woolley
Longhorsley WI raised £600 for Breast Cancer Now at their Pimm’s in the Park afternoon. Unfortunately, the unpredictable weather meant that the Pimm’s and cakes had to be served in the village hall. However, these were much enjoyed by our friends from Cambo, Felton and Morpeth WIs who joined our many local visitors.

Celebrating WI Day – Karen Coleman
The ladies of Shotley WI celebrated WI day in fantastic style! They held a pop-up market with all female owners, a make and bake stall plus teas and cake for sale. Then to cap it all a recruitment drive to share the joy of our fantastic organisation.
THE NORTHUMBERLAND DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. The NDAS provides support to anyone affected by any type of domestic violence or abuse. It can happen at any stage in life. It does not just mean physical abuse, but can be
verbal, psychological, sexual, and financial control. If you need to talk to someone call: 01434 60 80 30 or in an emergency call: 999.

Speaker’s Corner
Janet Dickson: is a printmaker inspired by the garden and the natural world around her. Her informative talk is beautifully illustrated with photographs of different flowers and gardens and describes a variety of print methods. In addition to talks Janet also runs workshops. More information is on her website www.janetdickson.co.uk and you can contact her by email: jd@janetdickson.co.uk
Nicola Jones: Gives an inspiring and motivational talk called “The Life and Times of a Mumpreneur”. A journey through her life and how she came to setting up her own business with £250 – to now having a £45,000 turnover. Fee is £50 plus fuel and is happy to travel within 1:15 hour radius from Sedgefield. Talk lasts 45 mins.
She is available at short notice as a stand in or happy for long term bookings. M: 07843 682 570 E: nj@nicholajones.com

Please note: If you choose to book any of the above, they are only suggestions not recommendations.

 

Northumberland WI

t: 0191 217 0808

federationoffice@northumberlandwi.co.uk

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