ETHERLEY & Toft Hill WI
THIRTEEN members and a visitor attended our latest meeting, where Pat Jackson, our president, gave us a detailed account of her attendance at the annual council meeting, and the activities discussed.
She, along with Iris Morgan, from our WI, were presented with certificates for our centenary year. The competition had been an item made of old denim jeans. She said the variety and quality of items was amazing.
Our own competition was on the theme of weddings, as our speaker was Revd Linda Dodds, talking about her latest book Shabby Wedding, which is a factual retelling of events from the history of her own husband’s family. A gripping yarn it is indeed. Diane gave the vote of thanks.
We were asked to bring a picture of ourselves at a wedding. First prize went to Margaret Metcalf, second was Anthea Tallentire and third Kath Wiley.
Our business included paying Diane for our celebration high tea at Headlam Hall and taking suggestions for our summer trip.
Anthea was also collecting names for the Big Lunch, the play The Way Home and also a show with music from Eagles and Fleetwood Mac – there is so much going on in the village in the next couple of months and we need to be booking tickets.
After all of that, some of us went to the nature area, where our centenary tree has been planted.
Pat gave a lovely speech: “We welcome this silver birch tree to its permanent home in the nature park, to celebrate Etherley and Toft Hill WI’s 100th anniversary. May it grow tall, strong and proud – just like the WI.
“Let’s reflect on our past, present and future members. Some will watch it grow in this peaceful and calm place. Congratulations to all of us” .
Our next meeting is the centenary meal, but we meet as usual on the first Monday of July, in the community centre at Toft Hill, when our speaker is telling us about Kiplin Hall and its families. New members always welcome.
