By Barbara Reid

Last updated 15:54, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

MRS Graham welcomed 28 members to the April meeting of Woodend WI. Mrs J Dickinson was welcomed back after her visit to New Zealand, and Mrs Z Degler has recovered from her accident. Mrs Hodgeson thanked us for her plant given last month. Apologies were received; the minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.

Mrs E Graham reported on the Spring Council meeting, assisted by Mrs M Strain and Mrs R Jones, which had been very informative. There will be a “Porkers and Chicks” fund raising effort in which all WIs will be asked to participate. The money will be used to help the women of Uganda raise pigs and chickens, using the money to school their children.

Guided walks around Keswick will be held. Our Mrs R Jones won a raffle prize. The report was adopted by Mrs J Graham and seconded by Mrs M Burns. The Resolutions Meeting was on April 16 in Bigrigg Village Hall, members were asked for volunteers to provide refreshments. The Egremont Farmers’ Market refreshments were successful; the next market was on April 18. Those members attending Cleator WI 80th birthday thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Hamper goods were donated to aid the charity walk for the Henderson Suite, at West Cumberland Hospital. Names were taken to go to the Egremont Inner Wheel Antiques Roadshow on April 21, and travel arrangements were made for those attending Lamplugh WI Pies, Peas, Pudding and Poetry evening.

The County News informed us that a new Parkland WI has been formed in Carlisle.

A letter has been sent protesting at the closure of Bigrigg post office, with replies from a local county councillor; members were advised that it is more effective to send individual letters. We were thanked for our WI portfolio entry.

Mrs Graham introduced Tessa McGee, from Copeland Borough Council, who told us about recycling in the borough and county. Ms McGee has just started in the post, but was very knowledgeable, using a slide show to illustrate her information. She fielded a lot of questions and comment with great aplomb. Members appreciated her talk. Mrs C Biggins gave the vote of thanks. Mrs L Parrott won the competition for a carrier bag, with Mrs J Dickinson runner up.

The tea ladies were thanked.