Stainbank WI hears about herbs, spices

STAINBANK Women’s Institute president Arlene Greenfield welcomed all members and particularly speaker Kathy Close to the monthly meeting.

Thoughts are with Heather Roper, who is unwell.

The WI is sorry to lose a number of members within the next month or two. Trish Braum, the magical musician, will be leaving for the Cape; Pam Biggs for Canada, and Elma Doig as she is unwell.

Stainbank WI wishes them all best wishes. Apologies were received from Shirley Kruger, Sue Dennison, Lyn Haines and Desera Cousens.

After the reading of the minutes and financial report, the president read out a letter from Evelyn House, thanking everyone most sincerely for all the support given to the home. Arlene then read out the report from Congress and said how much she, Shirley Kruger and Linda Hewer had enjoyed it and will definitely go again. The important message that came through was the need to attract new members, as each meeting is really informative and great fun. There was also a discussion regarding security at the hall.

Thank you to the tea members, but there did seem to be a few missing. After tea, there was a most informative and interesting talk by Kathy Close who was most knowledgeable on all herbs and spices and what an important part they play in life. Your health is your own responsibility. Herbs and spices are an important part of our lifestyle and yet, we do not use them to their full capacity. Cinnamon and fennel are particularly good so think about adding these herbs to your daily diet.

The local councillor gave a quick talk on the proposed development in Quail Road.

Stainbank WI will be holding its fleamarket at the November meeting, which is the first Tuesday of the month. Tables are available at R10 per table. Call Arlene Greenfield on 031-462-3024 if you require a table.

Competition results:

Adult ed:

• First Sheila von der Zon,
• second Barbara Ilsley,
• third Aileen Wiggill.

Home produce:

• First Sheila von der Zon.

Homemaking:

• First Sheila von der Zon,
• second Aileen Wiggill,
• third Beattie Johnson Webber.

Craft:

• First Barbara Illsley,
• second Aileen Wiggill,
• third Sheila von der Zon and Jeanette Turley.

Handicraft:

• First Sheila van der Zon.

Merit:

• First Joy McDonald,
• second Jeanette Turley,
• third Aileen Wiggill.

Agri and horti:

• First Aileen Wiggill,
• second Lyn Graham,
• third Sheila van der Zon.

Floral:

• Beattie Johnston Webber.

Best bloom:

• First Phyllis Parsonage,
• second Sheila von der Zon,
• third Aileen Wiggill.

Best rose:

• First Sheila von der Zon,
• second Phyllis Parsonage,
• third Aileen Wiggill.

Best orchid:

• First Sheila van der Zon,
• second Phyllis Parsonage,
• third Flo Harper.

Total marks:

• First Sheila von der Zon,
• second Aileen Wiggill,
• third Phyllis Parsonage.

Congratulations to everyone who entered.

Stainbank WI meets at the Yellowwood Park Civic Centre on the first Tuesday of the month and all are very welcome to join.