By Betty Gatherer

Last updated 15:52, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

THE March meeting began with a welcome from the president, Mary Gregg, and then the singing of Jerusalem. Congratulations were extended to Dorothy Warwick on the birth of her great grandchild, and also to Jean Shipton-Smith on the birth of her new grandchild.

Following the minutes of the last meeting, which were read by the secretary, Mrs Gregg outlined the County News. Correspondence included an invitation from Lamplugh WI for six members to attend their ‘Pie, Pudding and Poetry’ evening. An invitation was also received from Egremont Inner Wheel, for members to attend their ‘Antiques Roadshow’ to be held in the Ennerdale Country House Hotel.

Much discussion again took place with regard to catering and entertainment arrangements for our 80th birthday celebrations, on March 25.

Following the business Mrs Gregg welcomed our speaker for the evening, Pat Hall, who is the manager of the Helena Thompson Museum, Workington. We were given a complete history of the life of Helena Thompson, and also a vast insight into the workings and management of her household at that time. Miss Hall also displayed various items of Victorian clothing, which some members “tried for size.” It was suggested that members organise a visit to the museum in the near future. The evening proved to be very interesting, and a warm vote of thanks was given by Mrs Gregg.

Refreshments were served by the hostesses for the evening, Mesdames Taylor and Ball, and the raffle prizes donated by the hostesses, were won by mesdames Jackson and Hodgson.

The competition for “Three fancy cakes” was judged by Miss Hall and won by Mesdames Hill and Power.