Women's Institute THE first meeting of 2006 took place at King Edward Centre last Thursday, with president Valerie Wool presiding. Names were taken for the annual council meeting at the Neale-Wade Community College, on March 29, and members were reminded

Women's InstituteTHE first meeting of 2006 took place at King Edward Centre last Thursday, with president Valerie Wool presiding.Names were taken for the annual council meeting at the Neale-Wade Community College, on March 29, and members were reminded the next meeting of the craft group will be in the Bristan Room on February 13.Guest speaker was a member of Chatteris Morning WI, Helen Free, who gave a talk and demonstration of crochet design and patterns. A vote of thanks was given by Betty Power.After a coffee break, a floral arrangement was presented to Janet Smith to mark her golden wedding. Molly Hammerton was presented with a certificate for completing walks totalling 90 miles.Members were reminded that this year's competition for the Handicraft Cup is "a dressed doll in any medium, any size, any colour".In the monthly competition for "the oldest postcard", scores were Mrs R Goodger 10, Mrs P Bailey 9, Miss L Brookes 8, Mrs M Lawrence, Mrs P Read, Mrs M Curtis and Mrs F Smith 7.Raffle winners were Mrs R Richardson, Mrs J Valentine, Mrs M Edgley and Mrs E Sulstan.At the meeting, on February 9, the speaker will be Daisy Wayne whose subject wil be "A funny way to earn a living". The competition will be for a coconut cake.What Next?FOURTEEN members attended the What Next Support Group's January meeting in the day room at Quaker Way. As it was the first meeting of the year it was a "free and easy" gathering, with members enjoying light-hearted chat and amusing stories. Ideas were put forward for outings and other functions. These will be discussed next month to decide on dates and venues.Daphne Fuller, a new volunteer helper, was welcomed by the chairman and the afternoon concluded with a fun quiz and the monthly draw. The next meeting will be the annual meeting on February 9, at 2pm.