WI meeting

At the first meeting of the year, the Scalby and Newby WI president, Mrs Margaret Fisher, welcomed members and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Members were asked to fill in the WI Life ‘Our WI, Our Future’ questionnaire and return it by February 28. The project Linus UK is still ongoing, requiring blankets in any size. Members were reminded about the Yorkshire Coast Sight Support and names were requested for a trip to Drax Power Station on Thursday March 2.

Durham County Federation of WIs is offering members a weekend break in August with special excursions and dinner, bed and breakfast. Members were made aware of the Digital Team and its role in the WI. February 14 will not only be Valentine’s Day but Green Coalition Day when WI members will wear green hearts to help raise the issue of climate change.

The spring council meeting will be held on Wednesday March 29 at The Spa at 10.30am where this WI group will have a stall selling cakes and crafts. The federation quiz will take place on Monday May 22 at a venue to be announced.

The next craft meeting will be on Thursday February 9 at the Friends’ Meeting House from 2pm-4pm. Members were reminded about the Book Club which will meet on Tuesday February 21 at 10am at the home of Valerie. A new venue has been found for the Catch Up Club and they will next meet on Friday February 24 at 12.30pm in Emma’s Tea Rooms, Huntriss Row.

The first speaker of the year was Julie Baxter who, with the help of slides, spoke about the bathing costume and its wearers. In the 1730s it was thought that bathing and drinking sea water was beneficial to health. Bathing was found to be therapeutic but drinking it was not recommended. Members were fascinated by the changing styles of bathing costumes and the memorabilia that Julie brought with her to the meeting.

The next meeting will be held on Monday February 27 at 7.30pm in the Friends’ Meeting House where guests and visitors will be welcome.