Latest news

August

This month we launched our first ever website (you're reading it now!) and are putting plans in place to keep it updated and fresh. Look out for our committee profiles, coming soon. We enjoyed a lovely Summer Social at our monthly meeting, with card bingo, guess who (featuring photos of us in our younger years) and cakes, washed down by a cuppa. It was really good fun and a very relaxed evening. We're looking forward to an origami Craft Night on 28 August. More on that shortly...

July

This month we celebrated the milestone of Washington's 60th birthday by reflecting on two momentous visits to our town in 1977: that of President Jimmy Carter and Queen Elizabeth II. Of course, many of us can recall both events, and some joined the crowds to welcome both!

Helping us glance back memory lane was Michael Gough, who recorded parts of both events and shared his recordings with us with a presentation full of creativity and humour. We really enjoyed hearing from him - thank you Michael!

We also joined our sister WIs at our annual Summer Party at Springwell Community Centre, a lovely night filled with fun, friendship, dancing, a fabulous buffet, and a drink or two.

This month we celebrated the milestone of Washington's 60th birthday by reflecting on two momentous visits to our town in 1977: that of President Jimmy Carter and Queen Elizabeth II. Of course, many of us can recall both events, and some joined the crowds to welcome both!

Helping us glance back memory lane was Michael Gough, who recorded parts of both events and shared his recordings with us with a presentation full of creativity and humour. We really enjoyed hearing from him - thank you Michael!

We also joined our sister WIs at our annual Summer Party at Springwell Community Centre, a lovely night filled with fun, friendship, dancing, a fabulous buffet, and a drink or two.

June

Wow, what a busy June we had! The month started with a trip for some of us to the Women's Institute National AGM, an amazing day with inspirational speakers. At our monthly meeting we learned about cocktail making, and took some tipples home, and we enjoyed some mindful crafting at our regular Craft Class. Our first Supper Club saw 23 of us gather for dinner - a great start to this new initiative.

Many of us braved the rain and took part in the Tyne and Wear Federation's Big Green Walk at Herrington Park. And the popular Springwell 1940s weekend was a huge success. We joined in by helping staff a stand with other WIs to help anyone interested in coming along. And the trip to the Lavender Fields in Yorkshire was a delight, and included a visit to the York shopping outlet.

May

Our May Meeting was our AGM, and we elected our President for the year: once again it is Elaine Wright - we are delighted that she has accepted! During the meeting we welcomed Nicky and Tina from Ultimate Boutique. Their business focuses on helping women to feel empowered and improve self esteem. We had an opportunity to try on and purchase some of the lovely outfits.

April

Thanks to Margaret for her crafting inspiration for our April Meeting. We all went home with some beautiful handcrafted flowers, see our pictures below.