WHITLEY WI

I knew this head-line would get you to read further. Sorry… It should read “Culture Club visit Joanna Lumley” in her one person show… “All About Me”, on a Sunday Evening in October.

Thanks go to Chris our organiser who planned the visit months ago, so allowing 12 members of Whitley WI to have great seats in a 1700+ full house at the Lowry Theatre, Salford. This was just one venue in Joanna’s extensive 30 day tour.

Joanna is a Kashmir (Indian) born, English Actress, comedian, former model, author and activist. One of her most famous roles was playing the loopy Patsy Stone in the BBC Sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous”. This was equalled by her fascinating travels along the 7000 mile Silk Road.

Joanna talked us through many hilarious adventures, from her incredible career which has lasted more than four decades. She also answered questions written by the audience before the show started.

What huge knowledge this lady has, remembering her experiences, with such joy and passion… she happily told us that she was now 72 years of age… but her energy and outlook on life denies these years.

It genuinely was a privilege to be a member of this audience, and the whole show was totally “Absolutely Fabulous”.

Belonging to Halton Borough Council, Daresbury Firs is community woodland in the heart of The Mersey Forest. It was designed to balance wildlife and recreation value with timber production… as well as looking stunning in the sunshine of this brilliant October day.

This is where Whitley WI started their walk, led by volunteer leader Rita…. Where was Ann?

I’ll not tell you she was cruising!

The Bridgwater Canal was reached, with its many hump-backed bridges. Other groups were enjoying the weather and we waved as they floated past on a canal barge….Thinks!! ”May be our walking group should hire one and wave at other walkers”… An idea for the future.

Views all around showed off England’s Green and Pleasant Land to perfection.

Around the corner we noticed hundreds of ducks and swans…the reason was soon revealed… A lovely lady, with a matching smile, was feeding these birds. They obviously knew her, and she explained that she goes there every day, with a shopping-trolley full of bird food…spending far more on the birds than on herself. It was delightful to chat to this lady, who happily agreed to have her photo taken with us and the birds…her smile was even broader after this unexpected encounter.

The walk continued back towards Daresbury Village, through the fields that six weeks previously, had been the supper muddy “Creamfield’s Music Festival”. The grass had regrown… nature does repair itself, and the munching sheep were suitably happy.

Thanks this month go to Rita for sourcing a truly interesting walk, as well as booking the Ring O’Bells for an enjoyable lunch to finish off the morning.

CULTURE CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

The Christmas Panto is Dick Whittington at Theatre Clywd on Friday 18th January 2019.

It’s an evening performance and a coach has been arranged to go from Whitley Village Hall. Cost will depend on numbers but should be between £35-£40

Please Contact Chris Jones by email or phone.

Before then our trips to see Joanna Lumley and Benidorm live are both fully booked.  Pat Sharp has arranged some local events in October and November which are also fully booked.

Location  Daresbury and the Bridgewater Canal.

Daresbury across A556 through Daresbury Firs along the canal back to Hobbs Lane across field back to start. 3.7 miles

Time  10.20 The Ring of Bells Daresbury

Lunch The Ring of Bells Daresbury

Tell Rita if you plan to attend please.

On Wednesday there were about ten of us engaged in various crafts; knitting, sewing, cross stitch etc. and some making Christmas gifts. A very sociable two hours, with complimentary tea and cake.