Thropton WI, Meeting

The season of autumn may be upon us, but the atmosphere at Thropton WIs October meeting was warm and welcoming.

Our spirits were lifted further by a thoroughly enjoyable musical entertainment, The Waters of Tyme (a wordplay on “Tyne” and “Time”) presented by Fool’s Gold, from Stanley.

This was a most professional presentation, on the lines of a sound and light show accompanied by Carol and Steve Robsons’ musical instruments and voices.

The journey down the Tyne floated us along musically from its source to the sea, by way of a clandestine reference to Bonnie Prince Charlie, a blind beggar on the Swing Bridge, Cushy Butterfield and the demon drink and keel men at the staithes. The keel boats, of course, carried the coal or “black gold” that the miners sought at the coal face and on screen we saw fearful old images of the cages descending down, far down into the dark depths of the mine. The ladies of Thropton WI joining in enthusiastically.

We were encouraged to support our monthly walking group and to bring our Christmas gifts for St George’s Hospital to our next meeting.

On a more serious note, our secretary, Chris, urged us to support the campaign to save Rothbury Hospital and to participate in the forthcoming demonstration.

Our next meeting is on November 2, when we shall hear about a much-enjoyed visit to Denman. Prospective members are always welcome.