There is much history on our doorstep. At our September meeting, Norton Priory volunteer Tracey Crutchley brought the story of Norton Priory to life, speaking with clarity and infectious enthusiasm about the history of this great priory. Norton Priory Museum & Gardens is situated on the edge of Runcorn and was once home to a medieval church. It was originally founded in Runcorn but moved to the Norton site in 1134, on a high point and overlooking the River Mersey. Two families have links to the site: the Dutton family and the Brooke family. The Duttons supported and engaged with…

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In early July The Cheshire Federation of WIs welcomed over 159 members to their annual Literary Lunch at Hartford Golf Club for a wonderful afternoon of books and conversation. 16 members from Whitley WI (some full and some multi) attended, the event organiser Pat Sharp is also a Whitley WI member. All were delighted to welcome bestselling author Jane Costello as their guest speaker for a truly engaging talk presented with warmth and humour. Jane has written 16 novels, with her books translated into 26 languages, plus she has won the Romantic Novelists’ Award twice. Before becoming a full-time novelist,…

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‘WI Day’ is a national celebration of when the first WI opened in the UK, on 16th September 1915. It was in Llanfair PG on Anglesey… The rest is our wonderful history. WIs throughout the UK are encouraged to join together and celebrate all that is good about our WIs, the firm friendships in our movement, recognise our fantastic legacy of inspiring women, and reflect on all that we achieve together through our quiet yet persistent power. For this reason, Whitley WI decided to go out and Celebrate WI Day. Whitley only has one pub, so this was an obvious choice.…

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