On a beautiful warm sunny Friday evening 28 members and friends gathered for our
annual barbecue at Beaumont Parish Hall.
President Margaret McKenna welcomed everyone and distributed the County News,
noting that although W.I. House in Lonsdale Street is being sold it is the intention of
the committee to retain an office in Carlisle. Tribute was paid to former member
Maureen Midgley who died recently.
We then got down to the serious business of enjoying the wonderful barbecued meats,
cooked by Alan Hodgson; these were accompanied by the delicious salads provided
by members, what a selection! Margaret McKenna provided a very refreshing fruit
punch. The relaxed atmosphere provided plenty of opportunity to chat and the noise
level indicated that everyone was having a good time. The desserts which followed,
again provided by members, were mouth-watering and we were certainly spoilt for
choice! Most of us managed to squeeze in a second helping.
After the food Margaret Parkinson provided entertainment with quizzes, games
involving dexterity and the decorating of plates. This all involved a great deal of
laughter as well as the use of the old grey cells. Bryony Kirk, Judith Swinsco,
Ann Hemstock, and Pat Thornley won the mixed up flower names with 15 out of 20.
Glynis and Ian Milburn with Harold and Kathleen Bowron won “how many words
can you make out of Barbecue Party” with 108, how about you?
During the evening there was an exhibition of the quilts members have made for
Project Linus. This is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to provide love, a sense
of security, warmth and comfort to children in need, through the gifts of new,
homemade, washable blankets and quilts (think of the Linus character from the
Peanuts cartoons who is always carrying his comforter). Over 172,000 quilts and
blankets have been made and donated to children in the UK since 2000. These go to
hospitals, care homes, hospices and refuges or any place where children need
comforting.
The drawing was won by two visitors, Ann Hemstock and Ian Milburn and two
members Mary Shirvinton and Sadie Bell.
Margaret McKenna thanked everyone for coming, particularly Margaret Parkinson for
the entertainment and Alan for his delicious cooking.
A special thank you here
Our next meeting is on Friday 8th August in Beaumont Parish Hall, 7.30pm when our
speaker will be Deborah Bullock giving us insight into Kitchenalia’s second Life!
The competition is for a decorated fish slice, everyone is welcome.