WHITLEY WI

She talked to us about her early career in a daily Stoke newspaper, with the pressures of daily deadlines. This was in the days before the widespread use of technology, when women didn’t have any senior roles in journalism. She rose to the role of editor of Cheshire News, a monthly rather daily publication, just as COVID broke out.

She is committed to changing public perception of the magazine from that of ‘elitist’ for the wealthier Cheshire residents to one relevant to a much wider audience. In the Q&A session it became apparent that several of our members had made an appearance in Cheshire Life.

Our speaker had requested delicious WI cakes that all could enjoy . Our Baking Beauties provided a delicious assortment. The competition ‘What Cheshire Means to You’ was won by Mary H with a photo of her wedding many years ago in Cheshire Life.

November will be our Annual Meeting – Susan asked members to contact her if they were interested in joining our committee. We will be entertained by Ben Gage – ‘Collecting Careers’.

Whitley WI hosted the Village Group Autumn meeting , where Nana Funk entertained us with her quirky sense of humour and entertaining singing. She started the evening dressed as a cleaner, stripped down to her very quickly underwear and finished the evening in her sequinned dress as she accompanied herself on a ukulele as she sang songs she had created, including some which were responses to questions our group members had written down for her. A very enjoyable evening.

Walking Group – Starting from the Village Hall nine ladies turned right down Village Lane for our September walk passing the school and then turning right down Back Lane and eventually through the fields passing sheep, horses, squashing lots of acorns under our feet on the pathway. Cow parsley was in abundance along the way and is called a different name depending on the area you live according to Annette, who has a child thought it made a great pea shooter. We turned left into Old Mill Lane and at the first corner Julia guided us right along a grassy path between hedges up to Scotch Hall Lane. Whilst we where having a pause we where lucky enough to ask a gentleman coming out of the drive opposite to take our photo. After a welcome rest we turned left and continued along the lane noticing the bird boxes in the trees. We carried on along Mill Lane, Lake Lane and left into Bentley Farm Lane making our way back to the Village Hall. After having had a lovely walk with the weather being wonderful we made our way to The Antrobus Arms for lunch. There will be no walk on Tuesday 7th October 2025

Art Group

Joan Blackshaw has recently become fascinated by Monet and the Impressionists and had prepared a talk to share her research. We might just collect pictures/information – but Joan has compiled a book where she reproduced Impressionist pictures, with information about their work – she’s an inspiration! In October we will have a practical session for our members to follow her example and produce an impressionist painting.

‘WI Day’ is a national celebration of when the first WI opened in the UK, on 16^th 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. Members met at the Birch and Bottle, Chang Noi for chatter, drinks and an evening meal. Chang Noi is a Thai restaurant so all could enjoy some tasty food.

We welcomed 38 members and 1 visitor to our September meeting. Our speaker was Peter Turner with a talk entitled ‘Through the Eyes of a Magician’. Peter talked to us about ‘ magic’, explaining his approach through the world of illusion, psychology, and perception. He demonstrated a few ‘tricks’ with the help of some volunteer members. Chains tied themselves in knots, strips of material disappeared and turned up on a member’s purse and Jonty couldn’t believe the optical illusions he shared with her. A fascinating talk

Susan and Pat were thanked for organising a very successful August outing to Adventure Golf followed by a meal at Hartford Hall. Ann Tolson and Ann Brock were thanked for organising the Adelaide Hough Bowls Trophy competition, won by Jenny with Ann O’Brien the runner up. Pat Lyons reported on a very enjoyable CFWI ‘New Members Meeting’ attended by 4 of our members.

Members were invited to sign up for a range of activities organised by CFWI, Group, and Whitley, including Theatre trips, a social event at Chang Noi to celebrate WI Day and a range of subgroup activities, we are a very busy WI!

The competition for ‘ An Optical Illusion’ was won by Janet Patterson.