Haul out your bonnets for WI parade

STAINBANK Women’s Institute (WI) president, Arlene Greenfield opened the meeting with the singing of Unity, with the help of the choir.

She welcomed all guests and new members and paid particular welcome to executive member Maureen Lavis.

Arlene mentioned there would be an outing to the Stainbank gallery on Tuesday, 11 March at 9.30am.

The executive member then opened the AGM and thanked Arlene and Linda Hewer for standing again as president and vice president. Arlene gave her report and thanked all members and committee members for their help and assistance during the year. Val Dolby was welcomed back to the committee.

The secretary read out her report and a report from Evelyn House and Connie Stringer gave her financial report for the year.

The executive member mentioned she would be going to Exco in June and welcomed any articles for Evelyn House. Arlene thanked the tea members and also the members who did duty at the seniors care centre and asked members to support the sales table. Birthday greetings to all members celebrating this month. The group AGM will be held on Friday, 4 April at Montclair recreational hall hosted by Woodlands WI. All members were asked to enter the competitions.

After tea there was an interesting talk and slideshow by Casey Leith on jewellery and Amber. Many members had lots of questions on the subject.

As a fun thing, do not forget your Easter bonnet for the April meeting – the WI is keen to see everyone making a very special effort just for fun.

Competition results: Adult ed: First Sheila von der Zon, second Barbara Illsey, thrid Elaine de Jager. Home produce: First Elaine de Jager, second Sheila von der Zon, third Aileen Wiggill. Homemaking: Second Beattie Johnston Webber, third Aileen Wiggill. Craft: First Sheila von der Zon, second Aileen Wiggilll and Jeanette Turley. Handicraft: First Flo Harper, second Aileen Wiggill, third Joy McDonald. Merit: First Joy McDonald, second Aileen Wiggill, third Beattie Johnston Webber. Agri and Horti: First Elaine de Jager, second Sheila von der Zon. Floral: First Beattie Johnston Webber, third Aileen Wiggill. Best bloom: First Sheila von der Zon, second Jeannett Turley, third Elaine de Jager. Best rose: First Phyllis Parsonage, second Aileen Wiggill, third Sheila von der Zon. Best orchid: First Phyllis Parsonage. Total: First Aileen Wiggill, second Sheila von der Zon, third Elaine de Jager. It is always good to see different names in the competitions and many thanks as always to the judges.

Stainbank WI meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Yellowwood Park Civic Centre at 9am for 9.30am. All are welcome to attend.