Kate Croll was elected as President of Settle Women's Institute for the coming year as Mary Hindle stood down after three years in the role.

Anne Beesley replaces Jeanne Carr as secretary and Lynette Marsden is joining the committee.

At the March meeting and annual meeting Mary and Jeanne were presented with a card signed by all the members, pot plant and vouchers in thanks for their time in office.

After the business was completed members spoke about their favourite books: Kate Croll’s choice was ‘Anna Karenina’ by Leo Tolstoy; Jean Harvey chose ‘Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons; Rhona Redfern picked ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’; Julie Sainsbury chose ‘Light a Penny Candle’ by Maeve Binchy; and Barbara Addison’s favourite book was ‘The Pursuit of Love’ by Nancy Mitford.

Raffle winners were Julie Sainsbury, Jean Harvey, Sue Sellars, Jeanne Carr, Barbara Addison, Barbara Moorhouse, Jane Longton, Anne Beesley and Mavis Bailey.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, April 4, at 2pm, in St John’s Church Hall when the speaker will be Dennis Brickles, former Head of English at Settle High School, talking about ‘The Notorious Emma Hamilton’. Visitors are welcome.