Caroline Fisher – Leyburn Ladies' Luncheon Club

November 2025 The Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Lynda Lees, our President, welcomed 51 members and two guests to our November meeting.
We welcomed speaker Pat Burgess, a volunteer from The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, who spoke about the wide range of work undertaken by the Commission. Members heard the history behind the Commission and the establishment of the first cemeteries to commemorate those who died in the First World War. Pat informed members about wide range of work undertaken by the Commission today, including holding archives which the public can access for research.
Pat also outlined how the graves within cemeteries differ and reflect the local geology of the grave, although the inscription on all headstones will follow a set criteria. For example, graves in Cornwall and Wales are made of slate, whilst graves in France are of Portland stone. The important role of garden volunteer was highlighted; these teams ensure that the cemeteries are maintained to a high standard, across the globe. Statistics shared by Pat revealed the extent of the Commission’s work.
You can find out more about The Commonwealth War Graves Commission here: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission | CWGC
Next month we meet on Thursday 18th December. Colin Bailey, from BlueBoxt Music, will be providing seasonal entertainment.
Please note the new deadline for members’ lunch bookings:
• online by midnight, 12th December
• by acceptance card at Milner’s, by 5pm, 12th December.

October 2025 The Metcalfe Farms Story

Our President, Lynda, welcomed 56 members and six guests. Lynda reminded everyone that they should book lunch on-line or by card at Milner’s. This ensures that a lunch is booked, and dietary requirements shared with Tennant’s. Members were reminded paying for lunch on-line is now an option.

Lynda apologised that lunch registration cards were not available due to Secretary’s absence through illness; these will be available next month. If anyone wishes to book via Milner’s and does not have a card, please write your name, date of the lunch and any dietary requirements on a piece of paper and hand this in, thank you.

After lunch we had a presentation from Philip Metcalfe entitled ‘Four generations of Metcalfe Farms’.

Philip revealed that the family business, Metcalfe Farms, is currently run by the third and fourth generations. The original small dairy farm was begun 80 years ago by Philip’s Grandfather, Frank, at Washfold Farm. This has now expanded and diversified immensely over the years and includes several successful business areas with family members responsible for specific aspects.

Philip highlighted how environmental awareness is a priority for Metcalfe Farms. This is reflected, for example, in the anaerobic digester which processes slurry into methane to produce electricity for the farm and the grid, as well as producing Digestif, a fertiliser for the fields.

An on-site veterinary practice looks after the herd, as well as providing vet services to the wider community. An on-site training facility, providing health and safety training for the haulage and quarry staff, plus a commercial vehicle service centre, supports the haulage and quarrying aspects of the business. Although it seems that Frank discouraged the move into haulage, Philip is sure Frank would be proud of the achievements of his family today.

The farm continues to have a dairy element to the business; there are now 1,300 cows, of which 1,120 are in milk.

Members raised interesting questions at the end of the talk, including asking Philip ‘what do you think Frank would think of the business he founded?’

Next month we meet on Thursday 20th November when Pat Burgess will talk about ‘The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’. If you’re interested in joining us, please visit our website www.leyburnlunchclub.co.uk or contact the Secretary, Caroline Fisher, at ladies@leyburnlunchclub.co.uk

18th September 2025 and the Rt Hon Wendy Morton

We’ve had our first luncheon of the 2025/2026 season at The Garden Rooms at Tennants! It was lovely to see everyone after the summer break and friends catching up with each other.

Our President, Lynda, welcomed 56 members and 9 guests. Lynda reminded everyone that paying for lunch online does not book a lunch place; members also need to book a place for lunch. Members were also signposted to a flyer promoting the ‘Breast Cancer Now’ coffee morning on 10^th October at Leyburn Methodist Hall.

A delicious lunch was followed by a lively talk by the Rt Hon Wendy Morton MP entitled ‘Tales from Westminster: My journey through politics’. Wendy gave us historical information about women’s presence in the Houses of Parliament since they were first allowed to stand as MPs in 1919 once some women were allowed to vote, for example, by July 2024 there were 263 women Members of Parliament.

We heard about Wendy’s varying roles over the years, including as Chief Whip of the House of Commons, as well as insights into the quirks and traditions of the Houses of Parliament. Now we know why MPs bob up and down all the time…

Members raised interesting questions at the end of the talk, including asking Wendy who her hero was and whether she would ever like to be the Prime Minister.

Next month we meet on Thursday 16th October to hear Philip Metcalfe’s talk: ‘The Metcalfe Farms story’. If you’re interested in joining us, please visit our website www.leyburnlunchclub.co.uk or contact the Secretary, Caroline Fisher, at ladies@leyburnlunchclub.co.uk

AGM and Members’ Day 2025

The Club Members’ Day and AGM was held on May 15^th in The Garden Rooms at Tennants. President Denise Houghton welcomed forty-three members for another excellent lunch. Thanks were given to the chef and waiting staff at Tennants as well as to the Committee Members for their

hard work over the past twelve months. Forthcoming changes to the Committee were detailed and members were informed that membership packs for the new season would be issued by email where possible and would include details on how to make online payments in future.

Denise reported that she had thoroughly enjoyed her time as President, with its challenges and rewards. Lynda was welcomed as new President and handed the chain of office along with the Club’s p

ainting. Lynda thanked Denise for her hard work whilst in office and presented her with a Braithwaite’s voucher on behalf of the Club.

Following the AGM, we were entertained by Rob Hutchinson and his amazing feats of magic which left us all baffled! Stella Swan gave the vote of thanks for the amusing and diverting performance.

Our meetings start again on September 18^th with a new programme. Our first speaker is the Rt Hon Wendy Morton MP with “Tales from Westminster – my journey through politics!” For more information visit our website www.leyburnlunchclub.co.uk or contact the Secretary Caroline Fisher at ladies

@leyburnlunchclub.co.uk