Published at 11:08, Thursday, 19 April 2012

PRESIDENT Eleanor Graham welcomed members to our March meeting, opening with Jerusalem.

Margaret Bold was runner up in the 2011 points competition.

The Group meeting will be on April 26 in Bigrigg Village Hall when Cleator WI will host. The competitions will be a Coronation souvenir and a small animal ornament.

Bigrigg Village Hall committee have agreed to the planting of a viburnum bodnantense “Dawn” to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Correspondence included notice of a visit organised by Whitehaven Flower Club to Highgrove House on June 19-20, and four members were invited to Moresby WI’s birthday party.

Christine Stubbings will co-ordinate the journal for the “Big Walk Little Swim” challenge which we were to begin with the Federation walk on April 15. We will attend the “More for Your Money With the WI” on April 19, and the Diamond Jubilee Card competition was discussed.

Eleanor introduced Chris Armstrong, a retired clerk of court; Noreen Arrowsmith, a probation service officer; and Vic Emmerson, an adult and youth magistrate. Together they explained the punishment of crime through imprisonment and community service.

The efficacy of each system was discussed. Community service costs less and has a lower reoffending rate. The number of women imprisoned is increasing, and there are 17,000 children separated from their mothers.

The talk provoked a lot of discussion among members. Christine Stubbings gave the vote of thanks.

Ann Rothery won the competition for a pasche egg, with Eleanor Graham runner up.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk