PRESIDENT, Margaret Tucker, welcomed 19 members to the Annual meeting of SANDFORD, when secretary, Ann Evans, gave details of future WI events, including their forthcoming dinner at the Devonshire Dumpling on December 4.

It was decided to run a fundraising raffle every two months, starting in January, each member to bring a small raffle prize, tickets will be 50p, but each member will win a prize.

Dodie Huxter told members about the Farmers' Market "Grow Your Own" appeal, for members to give cookery demonstrations and it is hoped that the Institute can provide one or two volunteers for this. It was also agreed to hold a fundraising cake and coffee morning in Sandford, on Saturday, March 13.

The president also said she would try to arrange for at least one whist drive during the year. The secretary said that Yeoford WI will host the Spring Group meeting at Yeoford on April 8. The president also expressed her thanks to Gwen Cleverdon, for organising the trip to Homeleigh Garden Centre, which proved a great success with everyone. Thanks were given to Margaret Phillips for arranging the coach.

A birthday card was presented to Wendy Brown. The secretary said that the institute fees for next year would be £29.50 per member.

The next meeting, on Tuesday, December 8, will be the annual Christmas party, with a bring and share supper and members were reminded to bring a glass, plus a gaily wrapped present for the sack, value not less than £2.50. The President will organise party entertainment. The competition will be a hand-made Christmas hat.

Margaret Tucker was re-elected as President, while Ann Evans will continue as secretary and Marion Codner as treasurer.

The evening ended with a fish and chip supper, which was delivered by Karen Pantling, from Chefs Choice, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed, Karen also judged the competition for the prettiest plate and the winners were: l Phyllis Conibere, 2 Annie Aggett, 3 Maureen Greenwood.

Flower of the month results: l Maureen Greenwood, 2 Margaret Phillips, 3 Phyllis Conibere.

The President says that she will not be giving Christmas cards to members this year, but will give a donation to Hospiscare and will have a Hospiscare tin at the meeting should other members wish to do the same.^

THE speaker at the November meeting of DOWN ST MARY was Mrs Joan Soul, who gave a very entertaining talk on Ghosts.

She described being locked in Exeter Cathedral with half a party of French teachers, the skeleton in a glass fronted coffin in the basement of the Royal Clarence Hotel, the various monks and nuns from the old monastery and convent in Cathedral Green and Cowley Barton, also young ladies from Berry Pomeroy Castle and a shop in Topsham.

She explained the legends could be connected to periods in our history; like the black boy seen in a merchant's house and the slave markets held in Exeter during the slave trade period.

She then asked for anyone who had experience of ghosts and spirits to tell their story, which brought forth a couple of stories.

Following a cup of tea, the business of the evening was completed covering the coach trip to Truro, the Christmas party for the December meeting and the dinner at the Waie Inn on January 23.

JL

THE November meeting of CREDITON was chaired by the President, Daphne Evans.

Barbara Wood, plus helpers, will decorate our Christmas tree for the Parish Church Tree Festival. When asked, members agreed that they would like an after Christmas lunch at the Devonshire Dumpling. Arrangements will be made.

The Rosebowl for most points in the monthly competitions was presented to: 1 Anne Grubb, 2 Daphne Evans, 3 Jean Turner.

A voucher for the winner of the Flower of the Month went to June Phillips.

Our AGM followed with the secretary giving an indepth account of the year's activities.

The treasurer submitted the financial statement and then the president gave her personal thanks to members for their support.

The programme secretary gave us details for next year, which looks inviting. We were pleased to know subscriptions have only increased by 50p!

The committee was re-elected en bloc, plus Joyce Conibear.

A ballot for president took place. Sylvia Heaton was proposed but declined, so Daphne Evans will complete another year. She was congratulated by members and Phil Wills gave her a warm welcome.

On behalf of the members Joan Denne thanked the committee for their hard work.

The evening ended with bingo, courtesy of John Clifton. 

The December meeting will be a party, with a bring and share supper, plus presents from Santa.

JPM

PHIL Tucker presided over the annual meeting of SPREYTON when there was a good attendance. She announced that 2010 would be a celebratory time, as it would be the Institute's 60th anniversary.

It will also be the Spring Group meeting at Spreyton, so it was decided to combine the two celebrations, giving it a "Diamond" theme. Further details later.

In the election of officers: Phil Tucker will remain as president; Ann Winsor, secretary; Judith Talbot, treasurer, assisted by Margaret Lethbridge; Eve Collins, vice-president and press secretary. Phil Tucker will take over as programme secretary, assisted by Marion Clinch; Lise Hawkins, raffles; competitions and Christmas dinner collections, Marj Redstone.

The competition for an animal made from pipe cleaners was won by Phil Tucker. The cup for the highest competition points in 2009 was won by Eve Collins, 2 Wendy Kitchen.

EC

THE November meeting of MORCHARD BISHOP was well attended with members being welcomed by President Angie Williams. The business session took a little longer than usual with many announcements.

All were pleased to learn that Ann Bailey was now a committee member and that our skittles team have won their first county match.

A day workshop on Chinese painting with Mr Channon has been arranged for February. Unfortunately class numbers have to be limited.

Susan Tucker, of Susan's Florists, Crediton, was welcomed by eager members already seated at tables with foliage and small containers. Susan had not only fixed everyone's "dish" with ready to use Oasis, but supplied candles, baubles, ribbons and practical guidance plus demonstrating, speedily, various ways of making a bow, using spray effects and adding those little "extras".

It was a thoroughly enjoyable session with worthwhile efforts being taken home afterwards!

The competition for a Christmas corsage was won by: 1 Christine Bailey, 2 Marina Down. Flower of the Month winners were: 1 Angie Williams, 2 Marina Down.

The next meeting will be on January 13, at 2.30pm with Mr Cadham - "A Mill Worker's Tale - Woollen Industry".>

COLEBROOKE were very pleased to welcome to their November meeting yet another new member who has recently moved into the village. This brings member numbers up to a healthy 24.

Several members had been to the Red Earth Group meeting at North Tawton and had an enjoyable evening. There was interest shown in the County Quiz but we noticed that there was no venue for the area rounds in the Red Earth and Crediton area, unlike last year, when they were held at Sandford Parish Hall.

Subsequently the organiser has been contacted and there will now be an area round at Morchard Bishop. The local WI's will be informed of this but it appears, yet again, that this area seems to be forgotten when things are arranged - but at least we now have a pick-up point in Crediton for coaches for most county outings.

The outing to Slimbridge in January has raised interest but the only pick-ups are Tiverton Little Chef and Exeter Moto Services, both of which are some distance and incur considerable parking costs.

Our 2010 programme is now complete and all the competitions have been set, which will hopefully bring some interesting results.

After business was completed we were pleased to welcome Gretchen Oldland with an enjoyable demonstration (and tasting!) of "Christmas Cooking Ideas". We tried a couple of dips and several canapés together with some tasty mincemeat and marzipan muffins with our teas and coffees.

We all went home with a recipe sheet of the things we had tried and will hopefully be able to reproduce ourselves.

Our December meeting will be our Christmas meal, which will be held at the Devonshire Dumpling this year.

BM