NORTHUMBERLAND NEWS

JUNE 2018

Federation Office: Cresswell House, 11/12 Brenkley Way, Blezard Business Park, , NE13 6DS Federation Chairman: Hilary Robson Federation Secretary: Ann Pringle Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9.30 am – 3.45 pm Office Closed All Day Friday Telephone: 0191 217 0808 Email:[email protected] Web: https://sites.google.com/site/northumberlandwi/

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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE The invitations keep on coming and I have been thrilled to attend several celebrations – every one different but all delightful in their own way. I realise the amount of work that has gone into these celebrations and I am very appreciative. So, thank you to everyone.

I attended “Down Your Way” at Longhoughton & Boulmer recently – it was a beautiful day and the two groups set off to walk in high spirits. I was with the “short walk” and it was fascinating learning all about the Village. Our Guide had certainly done her research. As we turned to return, one of our walkers, June Scott from Beadnell WI, unfortunately fell into the road. Despite being very shocked she coped amazingly. Fortunately, one of the Group was a nurse and looked after her extremely well. As you can imagine, because June was in the road, we had to do “traffic duty”! Suddenly a van from RAF Boulmer stopped and out stepped the Squadron Leader to ask if he could help. The answer was yes please. As June was bleeding he gave us his first aid kit, something for her head to rest on and took over directing the traffic. At that point another RAF vehicle arrived and he directed the traffic from the other end. We were all waiting for the Ambulance and kept hearing sirens but then the Police turned up – she was the first responder, instead of the Ambulance. She too was very good and then another Police vehicle arrived. They managed to get June up so that they could get her into a Police car and take her to Alnwick Hospital – at that point a third RAF vehicle arrived – so, in total, we had five vehicles. We then saw June away and drove to Boulmer for our beautiful lunch provided by members of the WI. Representatives from RAF Boulmer were there to give a short talk together with a DVD which was very interesting. I was able to inform them what had happened. It turned out he was their boss and delighted that they had been so helpful and supportive. What a day!! I have spoken to June and, despite being badly bruised, nothing was broken and she is on the mend.

We had a very successful Coffee Morning in May when we sold all Morrisons goods alongwith a plant stall and cake stall and raised over £300. It was lovely to see so many of you there and even better to see your smiling faces once you had bought your “bargains”. The winner of the Microwave is number 583 so if that is your number, please contact the Office and we will arrange for you to come and collect it. The Board of Trustees members worked extremely hard to ensure you had a good time.

Birthday Booklet – unfortunately we missed Embleton WI from the list of those WIs celebrating 100 years. You may wish to add this to your booklet. Those booklets available afterwards have had it included. I have just learned that Lady Margaret Sutherland, a member of Embleton, has died at the age of 101. She became President in 1953 for an extended period and, from then on until she was in her 90’s, was still active and a member of the Committee.

Northumberlandia – 21st June – I can’t wait to see you all at Northumberlandia with your picnics and liquid refreshment. It should be a wonderful event. Don’t forget to bring your WI banner but please let the Office know beforehand. Your Secretary has the information you require re pick up times and places. I have it on good authority that we will have glorious weather, but just in case, bring a brolly with you.

Council Meeting – the RGS has forwarded to the office a lipstick case with two lipsticks inside – very pretty box – if it is yours, collect it whenever possible.

Hilary

I am thrilled to tell you that Margery Wilson, a member of Guide Post & Sheepwash WI, was asked by

National to make Harry and Meghan’s card on behalf of all the members of the WI. Margery is very talented and indeed has previously made a card for the Queen’s 89th birthday. WOW – has this ever happened before – I suspect not. Congratulations Margery. There is a description and photographs further through the

Newsletter which I am sure you will be eager to read. She will bringing photographs to the Federation Day for us all to see.

Please Note that the Office is CLOSED from Thursday 31st May until Monday 11th June. If you have any URGENT business then please contact one of the officers – their details are in the YEAR BOOK.

Secretary’s Enclosures: Leaflet from Baynes Travel; Application Forms for: Arty Parties (1) and (2); Treasurer’s Day at Cresswell House; Federation Quiz; New Members’ meeting; Stroll Around Alnwick; Food for 100 Years; Year Book update No. 1; Pick up times for Northumberlandia; Guidance Notes for Secretaries re GDPR. News from the Committees………. Federation Treasurer - Marjorie Read By the time you read this some of you will have visited Cresswell House and realised that we now have a new photocopying machine. I am pleased to tell you that the rental on this updated machine is nearly half of the rental on the old machine. Ann was very fond of the old one so this one had better behave itself is all I can say. I did ask Rob (Managing Director of Total Business) if it did the ironing too but sadly it just does what you expect of a photocopier (one day ladies, one day).

Treasurers’ Day - Now I know how much you ladies love the lunches provided by Sue and Dorothy and you also know that last month I said there were going to be two days at Cresswell House to discuss all things relevant to Treasurers. This will not be a workshop - more an open forum - but here’s the really great news. Sue and Dorothy are going to provide lunch for those attending, now how fantastic is that? I’m glad that as Federation Treasurer I will be there. Your Secretary will have the application form for you to complete so I shall look forward to seeing many of you there on either Wednesday 12th or Saturday 15th September. Independent Financial Examiners - Thank you also to those members who have expressed an interest in becoming Independent Financial Examiners, we are now hoping to organise the relevant training for you.

Membership Support – Prudence Marks Programme Planning Workshop Tuesday 7th August A workshop has been arranged for Programme Secretaries and members who plan the WI programme on Tuesday 7th August 2018 (afternoon and evening sessions) in Cresswell House. They will not only be able to discuss plans for meetings and activities, but also to share suggestions for speakers. Please complete and return the application which is with your WI Secretary indicating which session you wish to attend. Closing date: Tuesday 10th July

New Members’ Evening Tuesday 11th September In the mailing this month, there is an invitation for those new members who have joined WI in the last two years to visit Cresswwell House for a social evening on Tuesday 11th September at 7.00 pm. They will have the opportunity to hear about all that is on offer with the WI and to chat to members of the Board of Trustees, WI Advisers and fellow members. Please complete and return the application indicating the approximate numbers attending. Closing date: Monday 3rd September

PLEASE NOTE: Every WI can hold as much money in their account as they wish – there is no upper limit.

ACWW – Marjorie Read You will all remember that I said as soon as we had a new project I would let you know and here is that news. It seems that fundraising is going to be done in quite a different way and will in future cover different types of projects which will all be funded hopefully to the monetary value of £20,000 each. We can subscribe to whichever type of project we wish, for example income generation. Included in your Secretary’s mailing is a copy of the leaflet I received from ACWW setting out the new fundraising project headings and, rather than the Board just making a decision, we thought that you might like to nominate a project for Federation. We only want one nomination from each WI but, if you are happy to leave the decision to us that is also alright. However if you do have a favourite please let us know at Cresswell

House by the end of June.

I already have a cheque to go to the chosen project from The DeWindt Grainger group. At their last group meeting they had as their speaker Dave Routledge. Many of you will know that Dave has motor biked across Africa with Princes William and Harry and has trekked across the plateau in Norway in the footsteps of the Telemark Heroes. Last year at the Coast Group meeting he gave his fee back to me for the Dalit project. Well what a great guy, he has done it again and given his fee back to the DeWindt Grainger group for ACWW. I’ll tell you something, he is my hero.

Combined Arts – Marjorie Read Thank you to those of you who came on our trip to Richmond to visit the wonderful Georgian Theatre. We had a fabulous day with all the elements of a good WI trip. There was education, food, geography (I know it’s very tenuous but it was a bus ride out) and even shopping (maybe that’s not in the WI Constitution but it is in mine!!). Once again thanks to the committee for their hard work and we can all recommend the WI tea provided by the ladies of Newton le Willows with Patrick Brompton WI in North Yorkshire.

Arty Parties (1) Wednesday 15th August Arty Parties (2) Wednesday 19th September I must now grovel and apologise for forgetting to send Ann the application form for the first Arty Party featuring Paul Gaugin at Bardon Mill. I have rectified this (well to be honest Ann has) so many thanks as always to her. The application, along with the one for the second of three Arty Parties which will be held on Wednesday 19th September is with this mailing. You are invited to come along in September and learn more about the artist Winslow Homer. An American by birth he spent two years (1881 -1882) living and painting in where he did some wonderful coastal scenes and paintings of local fisherfolk. This time the party will be held at the The Breamish Hall in Powburn where once again, as you expect of all of our three parties, you will enjoy refreshments and wonderful cakes so, if anyone has any particular dietary needs (mine being any kind of cake), please let us know on the form. Also please remember that the person named as contact will be responsible, in the event of any changes, to inform all members from their WI who have put their names down. Price £10 Closing Date(1): Wednesday 11th July and (2) Friday 9th September

Sport & Leisure – Barbara Kilkenny REMINDERS: Car Treasure Hunt - Sunday 16th September - Closing Date: Tuesday 28th August

Ten Pin Bowling – Monday 17th September (please note there is a misprint on the enclosure) Closing Date Monday 3rd September

th th Centenary Golf Challenge - Tuesday 18 September - Closing Date: Tuesday 4 September

Centenary Photography Competition – There follows a reminder of key information:  “One Moment in Time” any time, place or activity not necessarily in Northumberland  Photograph 7 x 5 (colour or black and white) mounted but NOT framed  One photograph per member. Name and WI on the back.  Use enclosure sent out in March to indicate intention to participate (or contact office by 30th July). All photographs to be at Cresswell House by 12th September  Details of an event to be held on 11th October to display your entries and announce winner will be in the July Newsletter Darts & Dominoes Competition – Closing Date: Monday 2nd July If you have never entered this competition I would be happy to give you an explanation of how it works. Please contact the Office and your query will be passed on to me and I will get in touch.

Public Affairs – Pat Douglas Date for your Diary – Wednesday 10th October, 2018 – a visit to Bowes Museum — “Cat Walking”. Fashion through the lens of Chris Moore with 200 stunning photos and clothes from Vivienne Westwood, Prada, Jean Paul Gaultier and more. Coach from Cresswell House, entry to museum and time in Barnard Castle on market day. Cost £18.50 - Full details will follow at a later date.

Craft – Karen Coleman As you read this, the preparation for our Federation Celebration Competition Day is complete. We have allocated judges, stewards, measured and re-measured the table space, checked and double-checked what we will need on the day to ensure your entries are displayed to their best - thank you for your support - it will be a great day! The weather has been booked. I decided on dry & bright with a slight breeze so that the delicate entries of food/flowers will be at their best all day… so the Craft Committee really has tried to think of everything! Please come along and support us even if you haven’t put in an entry, we would love to see you.

The planning for the Autumn activity list has been decided by the Committee. We are offering a Food demo that reflects 100 years of food and Hardanger embroidery where a one-off pattern has been created by the tutor just for us - how special are we?! Then as the build-up to the festive season begins, (you may think it’s way to early but we have to plan/book tutors so far in advance to secure the best for you) there will be sugar craft classes and the return of the amazingly popular willow reindeer making session. Look out for the application forms with your Secretary.

I am aware that a lot of WIs leave the submission of the forms to book places until the absolute closest point to the closing date. However I am aware of a recent event that was cancelled due to lack of support, when a few days later additional applications were received which would have made the event viable. The Craft Committee tries to give as much advance warning as possible to let members get organised, so please don’t leave it until the very last minute to send in your application.

Federation News:

SPEAKERS’ CORNER Amendment: Lauren Johnson – unfortunately the contact for Lauren was omitted from the Newsletter entry last month. Her email address is: [email protected]

New Speaker: Daniel Madden Tel: 07428 533653 Email: [email protected] Fee: £35. Will cover Tyneside area and up to Alnwick. Daniel talks on the history of plants and their folklore.

New Speaker: Sandra Boyers – Tel no. 07769 965878 Email: [email protected] Sandra, who is a member of the Guild of Straw Craftsmen, gives a talk and demonstration on Corn Dollies. The items made during the demonstration will be donated to the raffle. Sandra will travel around the Federation and will also come as a “last minute” speaker when possible. Fee: £25 plus travelling expenses at 25p per mile over 10 miles from ,

Sunderland.

New Speaker: Val Burdis is a keen amateur photographer who shows short slide projected sequences accompanied by music, songs, poems or prose on a wide range of subjects. Tel no. 01434 674095 and 07376 138047 Email: [email protected] Will visit WIs in the western, southern and Tyneside areas of the Federation – no further north than Morpeth. A charitable donation of £30 is requested plus travelling expenses.

Amendment: David Sayer mentioned in the April 2018 Newsletter is only available to speak to WIs in Northumberland – he is not able to travel to Newcastle.

Addition: Many members will have seen the article about Isobel Shaw’s garden in WI Life and read the “In the Spotlight” item in March 2018’s Northumberland News. Isobel is happy to visit WIs with Roz Cooper, chair of Plant Heritage North- East who will talk about this organisation and its work to support national collections of plants in this area. To discuss a booking with Roz, telephone her on 07870 582724 or email: [email protected] Fee: £50

Some speakers contact us requesting that their details be sent out to WIs. We would point out that we issue them as suggestions and not necessarily recommendations. If you have enjoyed a speaker at your WI, or know that a speaker on our list no longer visits WIs, please let us know.

Member’s Information Page:

Two WIs Working Together Members of Alnmouth and Lesbury WIs joined forces on Sunday 29th April to form part of the show “Grasp the Nettle” at Lesbury Village Hall. The play was about Ethel Smyth the suffragette composer who was imprisoned with Mrs Pankhurst. Dressed in suffragette sashes, hats and costumes, the ladies formed a procession behind banner holders, bass drum and melodeon and proceeded to raise the roof with their spirited rendition of “March of the Women”. This was Ethel Smyth’s best known composition and actors Lucy Stevens and Elizabeth Marcus were delighted to embrace the WI’s involvement. Our thanks go to all the ladies who turned out to support their sisters at this event. Mary Hollins

Hepscott WI had a good speaker, Dr. Ray Lowry, a retired doctor/dentist/comedy script writing (The Two Ronnies, Dave Allen etc). He spoke on “Funny Bones and Wisdom Teeth” – we were doubled up with laughter at his anecdotes, one liners and some very ambiguous newspaper headlines.

100 CLUB DRAW 1st - 120 Linda Kirby (Bamburgh WI) 2nd - 130 Anne Brunton (Bardon Mill WI) 3rd - 45 Pat Brand (Beadnell WI)

Dates for your Diary:

Date Event/Competition Time Venue Closing Date AUGUST Tuesday 7th Programme Planning W/S 2pm and 7 pm Cresswell House Tuesday 10th July

Wednesday 15th Arty Party 2 pm – 4 pm Bardon Mill Village Wednesday 11th July Hall

SEPTEMBER Wednesday 5th A Hundred Years of Food 10 for coffee 10.30 Cresswell House Monday 20th August demonstration Tuesday 11th New Members’ Meeting 7 – 9 pm Cresswell House Monday 3rd September

Wednesday 12th Saturday 15th Treasurers’ Days 10 am – Cresswell House Thursday 30th August

2 pm Monday 17th Ten Pin Bowling 1 pm Wentworth Leisure Tuesday 4th Centre, Hexham September Sunday 16th Car Treasure Hunt 2 pm The Braid Picnic and Tuesday Car Park NE65 0GZ 28th August

Wednesday 19th Arty Party 2 pm – 4 pm Breamish Hall, Friday 9th Powburn September

Tuesday 18th Centenary Golf Challenge 9.30 am or 1 pm Matfen Hall Tuesday 4th September OCTOBER Wednesday 10th Bowes Museum TBC Bowes Museum TBC

Thursday 11th Centenary Photography Evening (TBC) Cresswell House Monday 30th July Competition

Wednesday 17th Arty Party 2 pm – 4 pm Cresswell House Wednesday 26th September

Harry & Meghan’s Wedding Card – designed and made by Margery Wilson The card was 20 cms. square and made from pearlised turquoise card; the parchment was white. Photo 1 shows the lid of the box - the horseshoe was embossed and perforated with a lace-look edge, pearlised white and turquoise flowers containing a shimmer dot centre and silver leaves. The oval centre had 'H' and 'M' and the date. Photo 2 is the square I made to attach to the tissue enclosing the card. Again, the card was pearlised turquoise and the parchment was embossed, perforated and cut-out with turquoise gems. Photo 3 is the card itself. Same card & parchment. The circular part is embossed to bright white in places and the cut- out parts have been emphasised with application of turquoise colour, The central horseshoe has turquoise flowers with a pearl in the centre. The parchment 'label' in the centre has a silver peel-off saying 'Best Wishes’

Monthly Embroidery Workshop We are a self-help embroidery group which meets up at Cresswell House on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm, under the guidance of Kay Allan, Royal School of Needlework trained. If you have a few hours to spare why don’t you drop in and join us. You don’t need to be there for the whole session but why don’t you bring along something you are working on or come along for inspiration to try something new. If you are planning to stay for the whole session don’t forget your packed lunch. We look forward to welcoming you to our group.

Members of Roddam WI presenting trauma teddies to the local police. L-R Anne Hume, Alfreda Hindmarsh, Jennifer Scott, Janet Laycock (President), Betty Ashworth and Doreen Smith alongwith Sgt Will Munroe and PC Curtis Ritchie.

Trauma Teddies which members from & WI have knitted for Northumberland Police along with baby hats for the Premature Baby Unit in Cramlington Hospital.