WHITLEY WI

Our January walk on a bright cold and sunny day took us along the Whitegate Way.

We started at the old railway station which is now a coffee shop and walked North West along the old disused railway line to just past Kennel Lane Bridge as you can see on this map.

Afterwards the eight walkers were joined by three other WI members for lunch at the Plough at Whitegate.

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A very enjoyable walk to blow the cobwebs away after the excesses of the festive season. Once again thanks to Ann for organising both the walk and the good weather.

A bit of morning drizzle mist, didn’t deter the dozen members of Whitley WI who eagerly met for the December Walk or was it the chance to choose our lunch at The George And Dragon in the beautiful village of Great Budworth before we set off?

Our group tramped and trudged through winter fields, squelched our way through gate ways, and climbed over monster styles.

The views were stunning and happy chatter accompanied the great feeling of being outside in the fresh air. The route was changed several times when areas got boggy, and alternative ways were found. Ann’s map helped with this, as did Rita’s extensive knowledge of the area.

Whitley WI walkers are never beaten…. that’s what we always thought! So seeing a sign saying “Road Closed”, we paid no attention… however this road really was closed. It had been undermined by the local badgers, and construction workers were digging a hole to make a permanent badger tunnel…. so we headed back, and finding a gate to climb over (not very elegantly) we all made it safely back to the car park and lunch at the George and Dragon.

 

The end of a splendid year of walks, and all thanks to Ann for her untiring committment to research walks, making  sure we enjoy a huge variety of different Cheshire areas.

Arley Hall is so near to Whitley, but a universe away from our every day life.
Several members of Whitley WI visited Arley Hall to enjoy the spectacular Christmas Floral Art Decorations.

 

 

The warmth of welcome by the door decorations and a sit in Rudolphs Sleigh started our visit.

We were not disappointed.. Colours and Arrangements made from fresh local foliage combined with exotic flowers skillfully arranged to match the surroundings. A Christmas Tree decorated with “homemade” recycled baubles, really did seem to aim towards heaven.

Ideas for our own homes… and yes “We could do something like this in the Cheshire Show” !

 

 

A one-off Christmas Memories Concert at the Northwich Memorial Court was the venue for another meeting of the Whitley WI’s Culture Club at the end of November.

Where shall we park? How much will it cost? are the most frequently asked quesions.

So the answer given was “Get the Bus…it stops outside!”. Several members did this, not only saving petrol but also supporting one of this years’ WI Resolutions from the Shortlist.

” A CALL AGAINST THE DECLINE IN LOCAL BUS SERVICES”

Yes… use it or loose it!

The Concert proved to be fun, with many Christmas Classics, especially, the actions done during the singing of the 12 days of Christmas.

Seated around circular tables, afternoon tea for 20 members was enjoyed as well.

So a day to remember for many reasons, and it was FUN on the bus. WI Women are far noisier than teenagers!!

How would you like to go to Benidorm on Saturday?

It seemed a long way to go for the afternoon, but then it was made clear that it was the stage show “Benidorm Live” at the Empire Theatre Liverpool. The answer was definitely yes, so members of Whitley WI’s Culture Club headed off on the train to this city by the sea, which was bathed in warm November sunshine, with clear blue skies… Maybe we were in Benidorm after all !
As members of this WI, we don’t just do one thing. The Liverpool Christmas market was open, so a wander round here with its cosmopolitan collection of stalls was an interesting start to the day.
Our ladies like to lunch, so why not at The Liner Hotel?

This city historically was the sailing port for huge ocean liners. Lunch and the interior design with aquariums didn’t disappoint, in fact we can recommend this venue to all.

 

Then for the Main Event, the Benidorm Live stage show. This featured many of its familiar television personalities.

 

The story line was simple and light hearted, but brilliant character acting, with use of words and jokes, that you wouldn’t tell to your grandchildren, had the whole audience in laughter for the entire show.

We left the theatre with a really feel-good and in a happy-to-have-been-there spirit.

What’s more, the train back to Warrington was on time with seats for all.

 

 

Yes Culture Club (organised by Chris and Sally) adds a lot to Whitley WI. Thank you