Stainbank WI members off to Congress

STAINBANK Women’s Institute president Arlene Greenfield opened the meeting by welcoming all members and a particular welcome back to secretary Barbara Isley after her three month trip overseas.

Members are asked to not forget Dot Montocchio in their thoughts or any member you know is unwell.

As there was no correspondence, the treasurer read out the financial report noting that the WI was able to donate to a number of charities. The minutes of the last meeting were read and then the meeting broke for tea. A reminder to tea members on duty that if you cannot do your duty, it is up to you to find someone to stand in for you. Arlene also took the opportunity to wish members who were going to Congress a really great time.

The WI was fortunate to have as its speaker Pat Bayley and her assistant Rebecca from the Angels of Mercy. The organisation was started during 2008 at the Montclair Methodist Church and has since grown. Pat assists all young mothers with their babies and gives advice. Fortunately they have been offered accommodation at Clairwood Hospital. If any members would like to assist with the young mothers during their stay in hospital, contact Pat. She also advised about the booklets for boys and girls giving information about ‘growing up’.

Stainbank WI made a donation to Pat of beanies and bootees as well as cash. Pat said she would welcome any baby clothes that mothers would like to donate, as each mother leaves the hospital with a layette for the new baby.

The speaker next month will be the Rev Boet van Schalkwyk from the Seafarers Club, so Stainbank needs lots of mittens from all those knitters out there.

Stainbank WI meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the civic centre and looks forward to welcoming new friends and prospective members.

Competition results: Adult ed: First Sheila von der Zon, second Angela Peters.

Home produce: Third Sheila von der Zon and Aileen Wiggell. Cookery: First Beattie Johnston Webber, second Aileen Wiggill. Craft: First Aileen Wiggill. Handicraft: First Beattie Johnston Webber, second Aileen Wiggill. Agri and horti: Second Aileen Wiggill. Floral: First Beattie Johnston Webber. Best bloom: First Phyllis Parsonage, second Aileen Wiggell. third Linda Hewer.

Best rose: First Sheila von der Zon, second Phyllis Parsonage, third Aileen Wiggill. Best orchid: First Koulla Tsouris, second Sheila von der Zon, third Flo Harper and Phyllis Parsonage.

Merit: First Joy McDonald, second Flo Harper, third Koula Tsouris. Total: First Aileen Wiggell, second Beattie Johnston Webber and third Sheila von der Zon. Congratulations to all the winners and Stainbank would love to see some different names in the future.