Whitley WI is a large and lively group of women. We have a busy programme of meetings and events which are designed to attract and involve the varying ages and interests of all our members. For a flavour of what we do please see our monthly newsletters.
We are always delighted to greet new members and can assure you of a warm and friendly welcome. Our committee members will introduce you to fellow members and make you feel really at home.
Our meetings are held at 7.30pm in Whitley Village Hall on the first Thursday of every month. Drop in and be sure of a welcome.
A small group of us (plus one husband) gathered on Nov 2nd to put up the WI poppy by our tree at the nature reserve on Raddel Lane. The giant poppy was made by Craft Group last year, thanks to Annette for storing and renovating this. Most of the group had a lovely Autumn stroll around the nature reserve afterwards.
Our much anticipated speaker was Louise Minchin, perhaps best known for presenting BBC Breakfast for over 20 years. She didn’t disappoint and her experience really showed. She was a fascinating speaker – telling us initially about how she went from gaining a degree in Spanish at St Andrew’s university, to working as a reporter on regional television and finally her dream job on BBC Breakfast.
In this role she had amazing opportunities to meet celebrities from all spheres of life, and also the chance to take part in lots of different challenges. She also took on the BBC over the inequitable treatment of women in broadcasting, and hopefully helped make significant cultural changes there.
When she ‘retired’ from television it was to take up lots of other opportunities, particularly in the area of ‘extreme sports’ and triathlons – she represented Team GB in her age category in the Triathlon World Championships. She didn’t so much talk ‘at us’ as ‘chat with us’, and all enjoyed the meeting. She has written 3 books, her most recent is her first novel, Isolation Island. The vote of thanks was given by Marcia from Moore and Daresbury
Click on the blue/green links below for more information and pictures about what each of our subgroups have been up to
Walking Group enjoyed a lovely walk around Walton Gardens, followed by lunch at The Stag. Book Club read a classic for a change, Jane Eyre, and 5 members also visited the Garrick Theatre, Altrincham to enjoy a production of the story – very enjoyable. Craft group was led by Vanessa, and we made some lovely Christmas cards. Art Group had an Autumn theme and Karen showed us how we could blend our colours to build up some lovely pictures of leaves and berries.
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Our October meeting was members’ night when our regular committee enjoy a night off their usual duties and the members’ night committee take over. Anne T was President for the evening, ably assisted by her secretary Vanessa. As we sang Jerusalem members were asked to think about one of past presidents, June Smither who sadly passed away earlier in the week.
Anne introduced our speaker for the evening, Robert Clarkson who told us about his life long love of the multicoloured Danish blocks , LEGO. The name comes from two Danish words LEG GODT which literally mean ‘play well’. Members were taken back to their childhood as Robert showed us examples of how LEGO has evolved since the design was patented in 1958. We were all presented with a LEGO figure to take home.
Well done to our Artists! Our Art Group entered 6 pictures in the CFWI Art Exhibition and Chris S won the ‘President’s Choice’ with her beautiful picture of St Luke’s Church, Whitley. Chris always has lots of ideas for our group and generously shares her talents and sometimes quirky ideas with us. This picture shows her being presented with her certificate by Selina, the Cheshire Chairman.
The theme of the exhibition was ‘A Life in Cheshire’ and 5 very talented members of our Art Group sent their work along – see below You can see all the paintings in the exhibition by clicking this blue/green link to the Cheshire website
