HERE'S your WI and YCA reports from Ryedale.

WI REPORTS

Kirkbymoorside – The branch’s next meeting is at 7.15pm on Monday, May 16 in the Chapel rooms. This year there are two resolutions to discuss and vote on - Appropriate Care for Dementia Patients and The Avoidance of Food Waste and Food Poverty. Visitors and new members are always most welcome.

Malton - The latest meeting was opened by the president, Sharon Cawte, who welcomed 20 members and two visitors. Mike Pannett, an independent candidate for the Police and Crime Commisioner elections for the North Yorkshire area which are being held tomorrow (Thursday) called in on his way home from canvassing and gave a talk about the role he hopes to undertake and what it will mean for the county’s police ad its residents. This was followed by a question and answer session. There was then a talk from guest speaker Sarah who talked tabout will making, probate and power of attorney, giving guidance on what each area covers and how to ensure your requests are carried out. There was also a question and answer session covering this topic. A raffle was held.

The recent fashion show, which raised more than £500, was discussed. Half the money was donated to the branch’s adopted charity, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. There will be an open evening on Monday, May 16 from 7pm to 9pm in the events room at The Yard. It is an opportunity to see what the branch is about. Visitors will also receive a free ticket, compliments of the committee, to their first meeting. For further details, email maltonwi@hotmail.co.uk or visit Facebook Malton WI. The next meeting is on Thursday, May 26, 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the community rooms at St Leonard’s church when there will be a talk about behind the scenes of York Theatre Royal, including its costumes and make up.

YCA REPORT

Wombleton - The April meeting was held in the village hall with a good attendance with members and invited guests from four local branches of Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association. Chairman June Gamble give a warm welcome to everyone thanking them for supporting the worthy cause of Mercy Ships, an internationally funded charity founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens. They operate one of the largest hospital ships in the world, providing free health care and education on board. Only one vessel is in service at the moment, The African Mercy, moored off Madagascar to serve the Congo area and parts of Africa. Run by volunteers, qualified medical staff provide surgical projects, including disfiguring corrections and eye surgery. A film and talk was given by volunteer nurse who had worked on the ship for two weeks recently so was able to answer many questions which members asked. Jan Andrews gave the vote of thanks. All proceeds from the raffle and entry charge will go to Mercy Ships. Heather Smith and Jenny Greaves, members of Wombleton branch, sold the raffle tickets. A supper was provided by Wombleton members and the hostesses were June Gamble, Jenny Greaves, Heather Smith and Carol Gamble. Schedules for Ryedale Show were handed out and copies of the newsletter branch news. There will be a cake stall in Towlers’ Arch, Kirkbymoorside, on the town's market day, on Wednesday, May 18 to raise funds for the branch. The next branch meeting will be in the village hall on Tuesday, May 17 at 7.30pm. The YCA’s annual meeting will be held at Askham Bryan Conference Centre on Wednesday, May 18 at 11am.