WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

■ Otawhao/Takapau WI report for April

The meeting was held in the RSA hall at Takapau. Debbie Tidswell opened the meeting at 11am.

The Aspirations were read by all and a minute's silence was held for any sick and bereaved members. Apologies from L Fouhy, M James, C Gedye and R Toomer.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed with two corrections.

Hazel Wiley gave a very informative report on the CHB Federation AGM held at Onga Onga on March 20.

The finances were read, balance given and donations to the rescue helicopter, Red Poppy Appeal and payment of money for those representing us at the upcoming Federation AGM in Lower Hutt at the end of May were passed for payment. Moved by H Knight and S Avery.

The Garden Circle report was given by R Thomson. They visited M Cornthwaite's garden then went on to Punawa. It was a great day.

The Drama Circle report was given. They had a quick meeting at M Drummond's then had a practice for the play.

Our guest speaker was John Cheyne. He spoke about the Bittern, a large endangered bird that lives on Lake Whatuma and in other locations in Hawke's Bay. Much is being done to help save these birds. It was fascinating hearing about the work being done with the bitterns. H Knight thanked him on our behalf and gave him a gift of some baking.

Birthday sprays were given to M Drummond, C Lansdown and R Toomer.

The raffle was drawn and won by P Ballentyne. After lunch H Knight took numbers for WI diaries. L Koppen took the names of people wanting secret friends. The meeting ended with the National Anthem.

■ Competitions:

Small bloom: 1st Joyce Heremia, 2nd Gilly Morris, 3rd Hazel Knight

Large bloom: 1st M Hobson, 2nd J Heremia, 3rdM Drummond

Shrub 1st M Drummond, 2nd H Knight, 3rd J Heremia

Cooking: 1st M Cornthwaite, 2nd H Knight, 3rd M Drummond

Craft: 1st H Knight, 2nd M Cornthwaite Overall points: 1st H Knight 2nd = J Heremia, M Drummond.