Past Events

WINNERS OF 2011 DARTS PAIRS COMPETITION

The final of the 2011 Darts Pairs competition was held at Wigton Bowling Club on Friday 11 November 2011.  Congratulations to the winning couple who were Vicki Everatt and Rita Wilson, from Gamblesby WI. The runners up from Lazonby WI were J Woodman and M Armstrong.

Annual Autumn County Meeting of Cumbria-Cumberland Federation of Women's Institutes, held at the Greenhill Hotel, Wigton, on Thursday 22 September 2011

After Jerusalem was sung, Federation Chairman, Trish O'Hara, welcomed approximately 150 members to the meeting.  She started her address with the happy news that Rebecca Holmes from Langwathby and Edenhall WI has reached the finals of the 'Little Black Dress' competition and will travel to London for the final judging.  Also, that three members who submitted stories, 'The WI in 2025', for the Lady Denman Cup Competition 2011 have had their stories forwarded to NFWI.  However, there was also sad news of a former trustee, Mrs Margaret Batten, who had died recently.  Trish gave an account of the events organised by the Trustees and sub-committees since May.  Unfortunately, not all events had been as well supported as they might have been and she urged members to support these events.  She then surprised members by informing them that a feasibility study was being done into the selling of WI House.  This was being done as some members were questioning the running costs of the house.  However, she reassured members that the house belonged to them and nothing would happen without full consultation with all members.

Nancy Hullock, Federation Treasurer, informed us that there are 2234 members in Cumbria-Cumberland.  She answered questions, which had been submitted in writing, on the finances and gave a full account of the monthly running costs of WI House.

As the county archivist was unable to attend, Eileen Wilson, Federation Archivist, gave a talk on archiving WI material.   She explained that the only material needed for the Federation records were a copy of the minutes of the first ever meeting and the accounts of the last meeting.  All other minutes belong to the community where the WI was held and should be archived accordingly.

Pam Jago, Federation Vice-Chairman, then gave the notices of future events.

Annual Spring Council Meeting of Cumbria-Cumberland Federation of Women's Institutes, held at the Shepherds Inn, Carlisle, on Saturday 7 May 2011

The Annual Spring Council meeting began with the singing of Jerusalem led by Pat Staley, before CCFWI chairman, Trish O'Hara, gave an account of the very busy 90th birthday year of the Federation.  Special events staged were a Birthday Celebration at the Greenhill, a Cathedral Service of Thanksgiving, a Flower Festival in WI House, an exhibition in Tullie House and a trip to Denman.  Not all events had been attended as well as one would have wished and she hoped that members would support the varied events planned for this year. 

County Treasurer, Nancy Hullock, presented the statement of accounts, which made gloomy reading as the Federation, as have others, has been affected by the current financial downturn and low interest rates.  There had been money spent on WI House to update the flat for rental and to replace the heating when it had failed.  The accounts were adopted and Armstrong Watson & Co were appointed as independent examiners.

The Board of Trustees were introduced to the audience.  Nancy Todhunter had resigned during the year due to personal commitments and Elsie Bell had been co-opted to replace her.  Linda Fraser had taken on the mantle of Vice Chairman.

Regretfully, Taylor's Tea sent their apologies that they would not be attending the meeting.  It is 20 years since Taylor's first joined forces with the WI and started supplying us with our Yorkshire Tea and many of us were saddened that our alliance was coming to an end.  Although not a Fairtrade company, they have planted 3 million trees in tea and coffee growing countries around the world in an effort to sustain the rainforest.   

A presentation was given by a representative from Carlisle Eden MIND.  One in four people are affected by mental health problems and MIND aim to promote wellbeing and support to those experiencing emotional distress, isolation and exclusion.  They deliver awareness and training in mental health issues that are essential to bringing about change, end discrimination and promote good mental health for all.  After the presentation there were several questions on the subject.   He was thanked by Margaret Plank.

To follow up the Great Milk Debate of 2007, the WI and NFU are joining forces in 'Mission Milk' to ask what can be done to safeguard the future for Britain's dairy farmers.  Jeremy Jackson, Winter Tarn Organic Farm, gave us an account of his diversification into organic farming and cheese-making in order to receive higher prices for his milk.  His whole family is involved in the business, be it on the farm or going out selling cheese at the markets.  He told how he is always looking for new ways to market his milk and use the byproduct from cheese.  He is now judging cheese and is even exporting cheese to France!  Jeremy was warmly thanked by Thelma Cartner.   

There was then a short talk on a new initiative by the NHS in Cumbria to highlight the symptoms of lung cancer.  The campaign called '3 Week Cough' is to enable sooner diagnosis so that early treatment can be given.  The website is www.3weekcough.org

During the lunch break, delegates were able to browse the stalls for stationery, accessories (swishing), Winter Tarn cheeses, recipe books etc.  There was also a demonstration of Carrickmacross lace with some beautiful work on display.

The afternoon proceeded with Tony Scougal, a local author and ex Cumbria police officer, speaking on his police career, commencing in 1966 as a police cadet at the age of 16.  All was not quite as he had envisioned a career in the police force might have been when his first job was working in the coal mines in west Cumbria.  Clearly, the police force were not sure what to do with their cadets as his next appointment was working in Carr's Biscuit factory!  However, when he joined Cumbria Police Force as a constable his career prospects looked up and after serving time on the beat and on traffic he was promoted and spent time on regional crime squad and special branch.  He was thanked by Linda Fraser for his humorous and interesting talk.

Certificates were presented to WIs who have reached 75 to 90 years old.

Gamblesby WI were presented with the trophy as winners of the team darts and Danielle Wilby, Lazonby WI, won the trophy for the highest overall score of 138.

Trish O'Hara was thanked for an excellent meeting and all her hard work over the year.

The meeting came to a close with the singing of the ACWW Song of Peace and the National Anthem.

2011 TEAM DARTS COMPETITION

The final of the 2011 Team Darts competition was held at Wigton Bowling Club on Friday 1 April 2011.  Teams from Crofton, Embleton, Gamblesby, Lazonby, Lowry Hill and Santon Bridge had won through the heats to battle it out for overall winner.  Towards the end of the evening very little separated the teams and a play off was fought out between Gamblesby and Lazonby WIs, with Gamblesby WI winning by a small margin.  The prizes were presented by Trish O'Hara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  

WINNERS OF 2011 DARTS PAIRS COMPETITION

The final of the 2011 Darts Pairs competition was held at Wigton Bowling Club on Friday 12 November 2011.  Congratulations to the winning couple who were Sandra Newton and Sheila Lacey, from Kirkbride WI, who were in a closely fought final with Vicki Everatt and Rita Wilson, from Gamblesby WI. 

FEDERATION COFFEE MORNING - SATURDAY 6 NOVEMBER

This year's coffee morning went west to Egremont, where everyone received a warm welcome.  WI members and friends arrived in great numbers and the trustees were kept very busy serving coffee and homemade biscuits.  It is always good to meet up with friends old and new and what better way to do it than over a cup of coffee ............ So where will we go next year?  Watch this space.

FLOWER FESTIVAL - 'GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND'

On 2nd, 3rd and 4th September, as part of the Federation's ongoing 90th year celebrations, flower and foliage exhibits were staged throughout WI House depicting our wonderful anthem 'Jerusalem' by William Blake.  The house was transformed by the beautiful arrangements created by members from Slaggyford, Caldbeck, Scotby, Thursby, Houghton, Dalston, Dundraw, Causewayhead, Edenhall, Dean, Parkland, Kirkbampton, Alston, Stapleton and Longtown WIs.  Credit must be given to Lynda Fraser whose floral art skills brought together such a successful show.

SOS FOR HONEY BEES - VISIT TO CARLISLE TEACHING APIARY, WALBY

On a sunny afternoon in August, twenty members were given a most interesting and informative history of beekeeping by Charlie Savage and Sid Parker.   After a brief introduction, we all 'donned' protective hats and nets, provided by the Society.    As you can see in the photograph, Sid Parker lifted out various trays, showing us the workers and managing to find the one queen bee, necessary for each hive.   Bees are amazingly intelligent insects and there is a great deal to learn about them.

As we all know, they need our help and we are all encouraged to plant 'bee friendly' plants and trees, particularly for the summer months.  If anyone is interested in keeping bees, help can be given by the members of the Carlisle Teaching Apiary who meet once a fortnight at Walby in the summer, and classes are held during the winter in Houghton Village Hall.   Charlie brought along some of his delicious honey to purchase - another reason to keep bees!  (Charlie Savage is the Chairman and can be contacted on 01768 896235).

BIG BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!

On a beautiful sunny day in July the Federation celebrated its 90th Birthday with a day of displays, demonstrations, co-operative classes, and fun competitions at the Greenhill Hotel, Wigton. 

The standard of work in the competitions was excellent and proved very difficult to judge and took longer than anticipated.  The tombola was a very popular stall with an enormous variety of bottles provided by the groups.  The number of entries to the Mad Hatter's Tea Party was disappointing but those that were participating were of a high standard and the variety of hats in the parade could have graced Ascot.

CUMBRIA ON A PLATE

On 23 June 2010, at Whitehaven, members were treated to some of Cumbria's finest food. Annette Gibbons OBE champions the flavour, quality and variety of the food available on our doorstep and those present were able to taste some of the products from local producers and buy their products.   The menu for the evening included potted Silloth shrimps, Haigs pork pie and sausage with beetroot chutney, local ice cream with strawberries, and cheese from Thornby.

BASIC DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - THE NEXT STEP

As a follow on to the successful digital camera session held at WI House in October, in June Carlisle Camera Club gave a full day's tuition to help members master their cameras and produce their pictures electronically.  We are now looking forward to a bumper entry to the 2012 Calendar competition and hope we will receive more photographs for the website!  It was an excellent day and the majority of those attending have asked for the day to be repeated so watch your County News for further sessions.
 

NFWI AGM, Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff, on Wednesday 2 June 2010

Twenty five delegates, federation representatives and observers from this Federation attended  the NFWI 95th AGM in Cardiff.  NFWI Chair, Ruth Bond, started off her address by welcoming ‘all friends together’. Over 18,000 new members joined last year, new WI’s opened in universities, workplaces (one in the V&A museum) and a women’s prison.  A target of 250,000 members by 2015 has been set and the Trustees have set aside £200,000 for recruitment/retainment grants for Federations. 

The Honorary Treasurer, Aleathia Mann, announced that membership subscriptions will be rising to £30.00, with hopefully, over the next 5 years, a split of 50% to the WI, 25% to the Federation and 25% to NFWI, if we can meet the target recruitment.  

Guest speakers were Gwen Parry Jones who is the Power Station Director at Heysham, John Bercow, the Speaker in the House of Commons, Tim Smit, who is Chief Executive and co-founder of the Eden Project, and Lee Durrell, naturalist, author, zookeeper and television presenter.  The day ended with a performance from ‘Only Men Aloud’.

For full coverage of the event see the NFWI website

LAUNCH OF THE CUMBRIA (CUMBERLAND) W.I. COOKERY BOOK

Presidents and one member from each WI were invited to attend the launch of the latest recipe book from Cumbria-Cumberland Federation of Women's Institutes at WI House on Tuesday 11 November 2009.


All the recipes in the book had been submitted by local WI members and were thoroughly tested by Trish O'Hara, Eileen Wilson, Thelma Cartner and Alison Watt before being accepted for publication. They range from the traditional Cumberland favourites, such as Tatie Pot and Egg and Bacon Pie to more modern recipes such as Spicy Almond Risotto and Tiramisu.

Annette Gibbons OBE, well known local champion of real food, was there to give the cookery book the official seal of approval, before dashing off to Buckingham Palace to receive her OBE for Services to Food and Farming Industries in Cumbria.

 





Also present were Val Armstrong, from Radio Cumbria, Geoff Creggan, from the publishers Pheonix Print Design & Advertising, and Janice Jackson from Cumbria Life, who encouraged members to attend the Cumbria Life Dining Club Christmas Cracker, at the North Lakes Hotel, on Sunday 29 November 2009, which promises to be an amazing afternoon's entertainment.

Refreshments were provided and served by members of the Board of Trustees.

The recipe book proved very popular and Nancy Hullock and Pat Staley manned the busy stall selling the new book at £5.00 per copy, as well as other WI publications.  If you haven't already got your copy they are available from WI House and would make an ideal Christmas gift.