Thropton WI, Meeting

We had received a letter from St George’s Hospital, thanking us for the Christmas gifts we had been sending for many years, and we had an acknowledgement for our hospice collection box.

We will be holding fund-raising events at meetings, including a plant sale, handbag swishing and a book sale.

We had to consider the NFWI 2018 Resolutions. Committee members gave a brief talk on the five topics before members were encouraged to make their choice.

Following our business meeting, Rothbury Bell Ringers provided a most interesting and entertaining evening.

Colin Wheeler, the tower captain, gave us a brief history of the bells in All Saints Tower and the eight hand-bells, all of which date from 1893 and were produced at the famous Whitechapel Foundry, although there were earlier bells in the church tower before the 1850 restoration.

Rothbury residents are familiar with the sound of the bells, both for church services and Friday night practices, and Colin invited us to visit the bell tower to watch a session.

The hand-bells were renovated recently and are dedicated to the memory of Janice Henney.

Inevitably, there was a plan to involve members and eight volunteers had fun ringing out scales and carols with enthusiasm, if not much skill.

Prospective members are welcome to come and join the fun. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, February 7, when the topic will be Northumberland Skies at Night.