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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Baking Beauties had a Valentine Theme so hearts of all shapes and sizes adorned our table. See Baking Beauties subgroup for more information. Our Walking Group had planned to visit Moore Nature Reserve as our planned December trip to there had been cancelled due to bad weather. Unfortunately the weather beat us again and we had to abandon our plans. Book club had an interesting discussion about ‘Dead Ringers, an Agatha Raisin mystery by MC Beaton. It was not a popular book, few of our group enjoyed it – but that didn’t stop a lively discussion. We are currently planning…

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Our friends at Smith’s Nurseries have a new initiative this year, a Primrose Festival, with over 30 home-grown varieties on display. Annette arranged for 2 groups to visit in March and we enjoyed a very informative talk from Sarah and then really enjoyed wondering around the displays and choosing our favourites – Raspberry Mixed won on Wednesday. Most couldn’t resist buying some for our gardens, at a very reasonable price. All finished off with light refreshments – and maybe now knowing the difference between a Primrose, a Primula and a Polyanthus!. Thanks to Annette and to Sarah for a lovely…

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We welcomed a record (post Covid) number of 45 to our meeting, it was great to have such a buzz in the hall. Our speaker was Kevin Mcfarlane, Assistant Manager at the Warrington branch of the RSPCA who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.. He told us about the history of the local Warrington branch and explained that they are always busy fundraising as they are a self-funded branch – linked to the national RSPCA (200th anniversary this year) but responsible for their own fundraising. They are a ‘closed facility’ and do not take animals from the public as…

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