WHITLEY WI

The Boyd walk around Antrobus is part of a historical byway system, which was mapped out by Major A W Boyd, a local old style naturalist, who opened this route up for all to enjoy.

Whitley WI walking group’s September walk took them along this unique, scenic, slightly over grown route. There were several very squelchy parts, but we had been forewarned so came appropriately dressed.

The beautiful Cheshire Countryside never disappoints.

Our main high-light was being met by some interested Antrobus residents, all sporting intriguing fluffy haircuts, some with pom-pom tails.

Happily the natives were friendly.

These beautiful Alpacas were so welcoming, didn’t run away and escorted us through their field.

We could have taken them home or at least on the rest of the walk.

This walk was full of animals, a couple of toads scarpered away, sheep were abundant, and the resident emus also came to greet us.

(Or did they regard humans as a source of food?)

So continuing the route and passing the Quaker Meeting House in Frandley, many of us headed to the Antrobus Arms for a much needed lunch and continued friendly chatter… We were definitely the loudest group in the pub!

Thanks go to Ann for using her newly acquired phone-map-ap, and giving her time doing the initial reconnaissance… Time is valuable.

ps…I can’t believe we used Zero Calories!

Judy won the Adelaide Hough Bowls Shield Competition this year.  19 of our WI members had a lovely day’s bowling, had the chance to chat to lots of fellow members and, as usual, enjoyed a delicious shared table. It was a shame that Adelaide wasn’t able to join us, but she will hear all about the day from WI friends.  Thanks to Joan who does such an excellent job in organising this event each year

Heading north up the M6 eventually brings you to Cumbria and the comforting feel of the rolling fells.
The Whitley Garden Interest group were priviledged to visit a hidden gem of a garden. Holehird Gardens, close to Windermere, and managed entirely by volunteers is the home of The Lakeland Horticultural Society.

The views from the garden were stunning, Lake Windermere and a few tourist boats could be seen, but today’s purpose was to view the rare National Collections of Astilbes, Ferns (Daboecia), Meconopsis (blue poppies), Polystichum (heaths) and the magnificent Lakeland Collection of Hydrangea.

All of these were mixed with carefully tended fell borders, Alpine houses, Rock gardens, A natural water fall/cascade and linked via a woodland walk.

We wandered round all these paths constantly stopping to ask “what is that?” So many unseen species, which were helpfully labeled.

So a day to remember by the three members who made it! With special thanks to our driver, who not only found the garden, negotiated the motorway congestion of Greater Manchester, but who also got us to Lakeland for shopping and a great lunch.

This garden is very very highly recommended to all who head out to the Lakes… If you don’t go it really is your loss.

Just a reminder ladies that there will be no craft club during the holiday month of August.

Our next meeting, Wednesday 18th September,we have invited along Patt, the secretary of Norley W.I. who is kindly going to show us her patchwork and quilting techniques. She has shown regularly at the Chester Show and has been a regular prize winner so we look forward to her visit. 1.30pm start with tea and cake.
Annette

We decided to do things a little differently this year in August. Instead of going out we stayed in, and before the meeting we went for a walk around the village.

Back at the Village Hall we began with a game of “Stand Up Bingo” which Virginia Butterworth won. This was followed by a lovely Ploughman’s supper and Orange Fizz produced by Anne O’Neil and other committee members. After that we had time to chat and play the various games that were provided including Giant Jenga, Giant Snakes and Ladders, Giant Dominoes and Connect Four.