Embleton WI, January meeting

Members of Embleton WI began their January meeting in the Creighton Hall by payment of subscriptions and looking forward to another year.

President Mrs Norma Ham welcomed everyone before commencing business.

Members’ votes for the national AGM were collected and arrangements made for the February meeting when local author Ann Ousby will speak.

Business over, Milly Emmerson introduced David Waters, chairman of the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue team.

He talked of the snow of November 1962 when two shepherds lost their lives led to the initial training of rescuers and the launching in 1967 of the rescue team, which covers the Northumbria Police area.

The team also works in conjunction the bodies in other areas when required and is also put on standby for emergencies such as the recent Cumbria floods.

The team have regular training sessions at the fire station near Pegswood.

As well as relating some rescue stories, David stressed the importance of informing someone of their plans and updating them on any changes.

The funding of the team is very important and events held and planned were outlined.

At the end of the talk a vote of thanks was given by Marjorie Hopper. Much discussion of the talk continued over tea and biscuits.

The competition for a New Year Resolution revealed several well recognised intentions, the result was: 1 Lynne Harris, 2 Joan Littler; 3 Anne Craft. The raffle winners were: Marjorie Hewitson and Joyce Laidler.