The theme is Nurturing our Nation Project - Adopt a . . .
Members are to choose who or what they want to adopt.
Poverty Bay Wairoa Federation members are working on the national competition for the 95th conference in Wellington 2016 — “Come to the Cabaret” with six members taking part in the musical show.
The WI Christmas float for Magical Winter Wonderland was made up of white Christmas trees, lots of lights and silver tinsel glitter, four snowmen and two snow fairies. All the floats gave the Christmas message to the crowd who loved it all.
Notices were given that the afternoon tea for associate members will be held on February 21.
Poverty Bay Wairoa Federation is to host other federations to celebrate Founders Day on February 27 and 28. Plans are in train for a dinner, lunch and Thanksgiving service all at Arohaina and a walk along the new Oneroa Walkway.
Members were given a 2016 diary and already have lots of dates to fill in.
After the meeting members enjoyed a lunch together.
Puha’s report covers Federation events in December. There was no committee meeting held in December. The next federation committee meeting is in January.
The Institutes meet again in February.
Turanganui
The December meeting of Turanganui WI was held at the Central School staffroom with a good number of happy people for such a busy time of the year.
Judy Ball won the points cup with very high points.
Judy also made and donated mini Christmas cakes for the WI’s final Sherwood Club meal for the year.
June Fraser had a game of Guess the Baby Animal’s names and provided paper clips and pearls for all to make into angels to take home and put on the Christmas tree or on a gift. June was thanked and presented with a gift to show appreciation, especially as this was done at short notice.
Members’ names were taken for the Founders Day celebrations in February, to celebrate 95 years of Women’s Institutes in New Zealand.
President Alison Crawford wished members and their families a very happy Christmas and a good New Year.
Nelda McKinnon then served Christmas pies and cream sponge for supper.
Taruheru-Makaraka
The December meeting was a lovely gathering of members for a Christmas luncheon and fun afternoon with sketches put on by some members and a gift exchange.
The Motto was “Be Merry and Make Good Cheer for Christmas Comes but Once a Year”.
It was a lovely happy time for all those present with lots of memories of other times and friends.
The afternoon wound up with afternoon tea and best wishes to everyone for a happy Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Frasertown
For the final meeting of the year Frasertown WI met at Kath Smith’s home for a pot luck lunch and a look around Kath and Don’s lovely garden.
Five members and two visitors were present.
Thought for the month — “Love is what is in the room with you at Christmas time, if you stop opening the presents and listen.”
The Roll Call was donations from members, which will go to the Wairoa Community Bus.
No birthdays were celebrated in Decemberbut as Pauline Ross had her birthday in November she was given her gift from the Institute at this meeting. Pauline also won the raffle.
Competition results —
Bloom: Kath Smith 1; Brenda Allen 2; Olive Bowen 3.
Cluster: Kath Smith 1; Brenda Allen 2; Shirley Cameron 3.
Shrub: Olive Bowen 1.
The February meeting will be at Brenda Allen home on February 9. Start time is 2pm. Visitors are welcome.
Otoko
The December meeting was held at the Tatapouri Fishing Club.
President Mary Bayley welcomed the 14 members who attended.
The Motto was, “The greatest results in life are usually achieved by common sense and perseverance.”
Grace Newman thanked all who helped with catering at her recent garden party.
The Sherwood Club lunch went well and those who helped cook and serve were thanked.
Members were told that many thanks had been received for the baking given to Hospice Tairawhiti.
As it was the day the cruise ship Golden Princess came into Gisborne, members enjoyed watching a constant stream of travellers past the windows and the WA165 train passing.
Happy Birthday was sung to Kerrinne Donaldson and Robyn Lee.
Cherie Cumming won the Christmas raffle.
After a delicious lunch the Golden Thread — “How to Stay Young” — was read by Delys Hollamby.
A few tips were
• keep your brain busy
•laugh and cry then move on with life
• tell people you love them
• keep healthy
• surround yourself with love.
Good advice.
After lunch it was time for an exchange of gifts, each one numbered then chosen randomly. Gifts were also brought along for residents in a rest home and this year Kiri Te Kanawa Rest Home was chosen.
Everyone exchanged goodwill and Christmas wishes.
