WHITLEY WI

** Update 8 Nov 2018 – this event is now sold out **

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 but note that this is now sold out.

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.

 

Marshall’s Arm was designated in 1998 as a Nature Reserve located in Hartford near Northwich. The area got its name from the Marshall Family who have lived in Hartford since the 1700’s. The “Arm” refers to the old course of the River Weaver, which was “cut-off” when the river was straightened and locks built, to allow large vessels along the Weaver when the area’s salt industry was at its height.

 

 

 

This was the location for the September walk of Whitley WI, which 12 of our members thoroughly enjoyed in surprisingly good weather.

Leaving the main road, a path took us through woodland, rich in vegetation, up and down steps and paths, eventually reaching the river with its rich wildlife and plants that had made up for the summer’s drought with fresh and lush new flowers and new growth.

The Historic Locks were crossed and admired, although we questioned how the huge growth of pond weed might be removed, as it could rot and cause extensive river pollution.

There was time to stop and reflect on how lucky we are to have such beautiful places on our doorstep. Engineers in past times really made structures to last.

Arriving at Hartford Hall for lunch, the staff were very welcoming. Hartford Hall is a gorgeous country hotel, set in a haunted 17th century nunnery, which is the oldest civic wedding venue in Cheshire.

We enjoyed our lunch and then “surprise surprise” a birthday cake for Ann’s Special Birthday appeared. We all sang “happy birthday” and ate far too much cake!

Thank You Ann… you have put so much energy into Whitley WI during the last 10 years. All your walking group send love and Best Wishes.

Busy August, holiday time, lots to do in the garden, and thankfully the hose pipe ban didn’t happen.
Whitley Gardening Group enjoyed two lovely outings… both in drizzle!! But it didn’t dampen the experience.

Laskey Farm, Thelwall was a great place to spend a Saturday Afternoon.

The home of Wendy and Howard Platt. Wendy a former Art teacher took a degree in Garden Design, starting first with her own garden, an oasis of vibrant colour and hidden treasurers.

A tree house (sorry no picture), and an island with dinosaurs! Waves of different grasses, and perfectly manicured borders. There was music in the garden and homemade cakes of every type. The garden shed (huge) was hung with the painting of local artists, and other local crafts were on display.

 

 

The Southport Flower Show was our second destination… easily reached by public transport, with no stress of annoying sat-navs and traffic jams.

There was so much to see, with Whitley WI members re-judging a lot of the produce and plants…

 

 

 

 

 

The show gardens were easily accessible, which was why we’d gone early to miss the crowds. “I like that one, no I prefer this one” were common components of the conversation.

 

We marvelled at a magic garden, with a smoky cauldron effect, yes it did deserve the gold award, viewed from all sides it had totally different effects.

 

 

 

One of the main themes was to include living walls in your garden; they looked good, but would need hundreds of plants and careful management… maybe not for me!

Summer is now heading into autumn… get those pruners out… Autumn pruning leads to room for next year’s spring flowers to grow and show off.