Minutes of the meeting of Winteringham W.I held on Thursday 20 January 2011 at the Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Mrs Hammond welcomed thirty two members and one guest to the first meeting of the new year and invited everyone to sing Jerusalem.
Apologies were recorded from Carol Cook, Sally Dewberry and Karen Moody.
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 16 December 2010 were read and agreed as a true record. They were signed by the President.
Matters arising
1 Members had enjoyed the Christmas Social and felt we had the balance between work, rest and play just about right.
2 Everyone had enjoyed the Annual Dinner and particularly enjoyed the entertainment provided by Michelle Roulson.

President's reminders
1 Margaret Ward and Barbara Ashton are unable to act as hostesses in February. Jenny Cressey and Kathleen Fillingham volunteered to take their place. Barbara and Margaret will provide the mystery parcels.
2 Members were given the first of many reminders about Winterton Show. After a good effort last year, we really need to pull out all the stops this year. Christine Wood offered to bring some of last years' schedules next month.
3 The table with events leaflets will in future be at the back of the hall. Members were reminded that they need to sign for anything they are interested in at once and events will be booked the next day WI House is open, to maximise the chance getting places.
4 Christine Wood said that two events for the theatre group are on the table with a sheet to sign to register interest.
5 Marjorie Smith said that the March walk would now take place on Wednesday 9 March, not the 2nd. Meet at the Bay Horse at 10am.

Correspondence
Bursary Form - there were no members who wished to be nominated for a HFWI Bursary.
Quiz Night has been changed to Tuesday 1 March - at Appleby Village Hall - six members volunteered to form teams.

Federation Newsletter
Guided Walking Tour of Grimsby Thursday 10 February 2011
Visit to RAF Scampton Monday 28 February 2011 - now fully booked
Visit to AWS Plastics Hemswell Cliff Thursday 3 March 2011
An Evening with Mike Smith Wednesday 9 March 2011 here
Introduction to Scrap Booking WI House Monday 14 March 2011
Annual Federation Day The House, Scunthorpe Wednesday 30 March 2011
Science Afternoon at Water's Edge, Barton Friday 8 April 2011

Finances The treasurer said that finances are in a very satisfactory state and reminded members that subs are now due.

News Slot Carol Smith appealed on behalf of Lions International for used spectacles which are refurbished and sent abroad. Can be deposited with Carol or at the doctors' surgery.
Valerie Lancaster collects used stamps for charity purposes.

Mrs Hammond then introduced Pam McCarthy who spoke about her involvement with the charity Love Russia, a nationwide concern which she had supported through her church, sending plasters, pencils, socks, pants and other necessities as well as cash to buy soap and toothpaste to help support local economies. In 2007 she decided to join a group of self funded volunteers who travelled to Russia, seven hours drive from Moscow, to run a week long summer camp designed to give deprived children a week of and laughter, hoping to give them some happy memories to look back on. Members were moved by her description of the very poor conditions of the orphanage children who formed part of the group, where all live in primitive conditions, wearing cast off clothing, girls with hair cropped short because of lice infestation and with little or no comfort in their lives, their diet consisting largely of bread and potatoes. The volunteers provide a week of relaxation with dancing, singing, craft work, games and individual attention whilst living in the same conditions as the children.
In her vote of thanks, Jenny Pike, who visited Russia last year, remarked upon the contrast with St Petersburg where people live in comfort and there was every evidence of affluence. She expressed our thanks to Pam for her informative and thought provoking talk.
Pam judged the competition for 'Something Russian' commenting on the number of interesting exhibits.
1st Margaret Kitchen -a beautiful samovar 2nd Carol Smith -a Russian doll vodka bottle cover 3rd Valerie Lancaster -a collection of books with a Russian connection.

The hostesses Carol Smith, Donna Goodhand and Jean Taylor served tea, coffee and a selection of chocolates and biscuits donated by members who wish to preserve their own waistlines
 
Next meeting Thursday 17 February 2011 at 7.30 pm when the subject is Lindsey Lodge Hospice. The competition is for a Valentine's Card and the hostesses will be Margaret Kitchen, Jenny Cressey and Kathleen Fillingham, Mystery Parcels provided by Margaret Kitchen, Barbara Ashton and Margaret Ward.

Date of next meeting Thursday 17 February 2011 at 7.30pm
Lindsey Lodge Hospice