Longframlington Women's Institute
Longframlington Women's Institute was formed in 1919 and has continued without a break ever since, though with changes of emphasis reflecting changing conditions in the village and in society at large. Meetings are held monthly, on the evening of the second Thursday, in the Memorial Hall. There are speakers on a wide variety of subjects including travel, wildlife, crafts, art and history. Members have the opportunity to develop their own interests and skills. The WI movement nationally has considerable influence in lobbying the government on important matters such as education, health and rural problems. The local Institute has a part to play in discussing and voting on the resolutions to be considered at the National Federation's Annual Meeting. Very important to members is the friendly atmosphere engendered by all these activities. New members are always welcome, as are those who come as visitors before committing themselves to membership. They all have a real opportunity to help continue the development of the Institute to meet our changing times.
Longframlington Women's Institute and the village
The Institute welcomes opportunities to involve members in village matters. Most of us belong to other organisations, including the Bowls Club, the National Women's Register, the Women's Guild, the Gardening Club and the Horticultural Society. For several years we have been responsible for providing and serving tea and scones at the Embleton Hall garden party in aid of the Day Hospice. We have raised money to buy the seat outside the Memorial Hall and, along with the Gardening Club, to provide a slide projector and stand for any users of the Hall. One of our members has, in recent years, arranged a most enjoyable carol evening at her home in aid of St Oswald's Hospice.
The idea that the Women's Institute is an inward-looking organisation, interested only in cookery competitions and strictly rural affairs is no longer justified, if it ever was. We should like more women of all ages to share our work and pleasures.
Programme 2002:
All meetings are held in the Memorial Hall at 7pm
June 13
The Mystery of Monty (Field Marshall Lord Montgomery)
Professor John Derry
Competition: Memorabilia of the Second World War
July 11
Newcastle Quayside and its development
Competition: Mementoes of Newcastle, past and present (Photographs, articles from publications, booklets etc.)
September 12
The North Eastern Prison Aftercare Society
Mrs Laura Cockburn
October 10
Annual meeting
Mrs Marjorie Goodchild
Women's Institute Adviser
November 14
Glimpses of Norway
Mrs Florence Baker
Competition: A Christmas decoration you have made for a table or a window sill
December 12
Christmas Party
Further information is available from:
Miss N. Coulson (President) 01665 570 411
Mrs D. Smethurst (Secretary) 01665 570 515
