On April 24th Annette and Sue R joined a Cheshire Federation (CFWI) trip to explore the Mersey Gateway. We were welcomed to the Catalyst Museum in Widnes by our ex President Sue Bentley, now Chairman of the CWFI Public Affairs Committee. The day began with a fascinating talk from an excellent speaker who was one of the 3 members of staff of the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust. The Trust was set up to monitor the wildlife on, in and around the River Mersey from the new bridge up to Warrington – before, after and while the new bridge was being…

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Our speaker was William Woods talking about ‘Growing Herbs for Health and Wellbeing’. He runs Blackbrook Herb Gardens near Stockport and his love of herbs was evident from the start. He told us about how herbs have been and still are very useful for medicinal purposes (and which can be dangerous too). He also explained the culinary uses for them. He had brought along a wide range of herbs, many of them unusual but all looking very healthy and strong. He picked them up in turn and told us the name, some cultivation advice and what they can be used…

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Our Village Group, consisting of 6 or our local WIs, held their traditional Spring Lunch on Thursday 18th April. About 70 ladies attended, with an excellent turn out from Whitley. We enjoyed a delicious hotpot and a range of deserts made by the different WIs. The usual ‘Bags and Scarves’ was replaced by a Bring & Buy and all of the proceeds were donated to St Luke’s Hospice. A group of our members wore the corsages we had made the previous day at the Whitley Craft group meeting – they were much admired by other WIs, one of whom plans…

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Julie McGuire, a friend of Annette’s, showed 14 of our members how to make fresh flower corsages. Julie and Annette had brought along lots of fresh flowers/foliage (much of it from Annette’s garden). Julie kept things simple for us and first showed us how to wire individual flowers/leaves so that they kept their shape. She then showed us how to plan our ‘buttonhole’ , using a variety of colours/textures of flower and leaf, and then used floristry tape to hold them together and make a beautiful corsage finished with a ribbon bow. There was soon a buzz of activity as…

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Book Club had a lively discussion about ‘Outbreak’ by Frank Gardner. Walking Group – Unfortunately, yet again, our planned walk had to be cancelled because of the bad weather and very wet paths. Thanks to Ann for persevering – the weather has to improve soon! Art Group met to think about ideas for an exhibition to be shown at WI House, Chester in September with the theme ‘Living in Cheshire’. Baking Beauties had a theme of ‘Bara Brith’; Craft Group made corsages, there is a separate post for this, with pictures

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A team from our members had put together a talk about the Northumberland – the sights, the scenery, the history, the coastline, the wildlife, the tastes and the sounds of this beautiful county. There was a great turnout of 36 members who were greeted by our very own ‘Magpie’ from the famous Newscastle football team. The raffle table had a great assortment of Northumberland related items. Melanie opened the evening and reported on various WI business, including the President’s Spring Lunch which she attended. Subgroup leaders reminded members of their planned activities – details of all planned events are in…

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What a wonderful and productive time we all had! Andy from Moulton Glass had given us a really interesting talk in January and agreed to come back with his daughter Clare to run a workshop for us. In the first part of the session we had an essential ‘Safety talk’ – glass and soldering irons can cause some nasty injuries. We then were taught how to score the glass (create a fault line), break the piece off (using our hands or pliers), apply Copper Foil edge to our piece and finally to solder pieces together. Then, after light refreshments provided…

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Click on the link to take you to more information and pictures. Book Club – A very well attended meeting discussed ‘The Forgotten Sister’ by Caroline Bond, our most popular books in recent months Walking Group – An enjoyable walk around Appleton, enjoying the signs of Spring Baking Beauties – Easter Bakes – lots to enjoy Craft Group – Our Craft group had a short meeting after the Glass Workshop to discuss our entry for the Cheshire Show. We now have a title for our ‘Olympics’ entry, and talented members who are producing items for it, 3 of which will…

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We welcomed Elaine Billington and Vicky to talk to us about the work that the centre does. They gave a fascinating talk which demonstrated what a caring and professional service they offer. They explained that some clients are referred from other agencies, others self refer. The team deliver practical and emotional support, advice and opportunities to help individuals improve their current situation, gain in confidence and make healthier life choices. Services include 1-1 interviews, and lots of opportunities for groups to meet together, for mutual support, to gain in confidence, to learn news skills and to have some distraction from…

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28 of our members enjoyed a delicious Afternoon Tea to celebrate Whitley WI’s 86th birthday. Our committee had been busy in the kitchen and Annette had lovingly nurtured some Spring flowers to welcome everybody. There was soon a real buzz in the room as members took the chance to catch up with friends and enjoy the spread provided. We started and finished the afternoon with a game of Bingo. Probably the best afternoon tea you can get in Cheshire!! Ann had made and decorated a delicious cake, inspired by her visit to the Primrose Festival. It looked amazing. Irene cut…

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