Whitley WI is a large and lively group of women. We have a busy programme of meetings and events which are designed to attract and involve the varying ages and interests of all our members. For a flavour of what we do please see our monthly newsletters.
We are always delighted to greet new members and can assure you of a warm and friendly welcome. Our committee members will introduce you to fellow members and make you feel really at home.
Our meetings are held at 7.30pm in Whitley Village Hall on the first Thursday of every month. Drop in and be sure of a welcome.
Walking Group
Three walkers did the lovely walk through Delamere Forest on a rather hot day but as we were among the trees most of the time it was not of great concern. Walking on paths among the fern and different variety of trees it was so peaceful and we did not come across many people at all. We are so lucky to have some many lovely places to walk within easy reach. Afterwards we enjoyed a lunch at the Carriers Inn Hatchmere.
In early July The Cheshire Federation of WIs welcomed over 159 members to their annual Literary Lunch at Hartford Golf Club for a wonderful afternoon of books and conversation. 16 members from Whitley WI (some full and some multi) attended, the event organiser Pat Sharp is also a Whitley WI member.
All were delighted to welcome bestselling author Jane Costello as their guest speaker for a truly engaging talk presented with warmth and humour. Jane has written 16 novels, with her books translated into 26 languages, plus she has won the Romantic Novelists’ Award twice.
Before becoming a full-time novelist, Jane worked as both a reporter and an editor for several newspapers. She wrote her first novel, Bridesmaids, whilst on maternity leave and she gave a very entertaining account of that ‘first call’ from a leading publisher.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring afternoon, and everyone came away with a greater appreciation of the dedication and creativity involved in writing romantic fiction.
We welcomed 38 members to our July meeting. Jean, our President, thanked Dutton for their warm welcome last month, and sent thanks to Jonty for organising our very enjoyable garden party. Our speaker, Maureen Fearon gave us a very interesting and professional talk and we all went away some very good tips for how to get a good night’s sleep. Helen H thanked Maureen for her talk. Hopefully we all followed her advise and slept well the night of the meeting!
The competition – ‘What you do before you go to sleep’ was won by Jean W. She advised concentrating on very slowly breathing in, holding breath, breathing out, each to a count of 4.
Our next meeting will be our August Outing – a trip to the Lion Salt works followed by a meal at the Antrobus Arms.
Jonty opened her beautiful garden in June for Baking Beauties and other members of the WI to enjoy an afternoon tea and a stroll around the flowers. No rain to contend with, just extreme heat! Jonty had set out the seating in the shade of the trees and even provided a lovely breeze so the weather didn’t stop our enjoyment of the event.
Those present enjoyed the delicious refreshments made by our members and a very sociable afternoon. On behalf of us all Pat L thanked Jonty for her hospitality.
Walking Group
A sunny day for members of both Whitley and Dutton WI to walk around Little Budworth Common following the Woodpecker Heathland Trail. We walked through beautiful woodland, past ponds and met a lady rider on a lovely grey horse who stopped for a chat on the bridle path. We passed the infamous log carved like a dragon which is looking rather weather-beaten now A lovely walk followed by an enjoyable lunch at Tarporley Garden Centre.
Book Club
Our book this month was Transcription by Kate Atkinson. Most of our members found it very difficult to get into and didn’t finish it, others thought it was a really good read. The discussions did lead to discussion around how ‘espionage’ is rather complicated and the book would be worth persevering with. The average score was 7 out of 10.
