Tuesday 12th November: AGM & Quiz

Last night, 12th November was our AGM and what a fun night it was! Sheila Wood, treasurer, gave the financial report for the year followed by annual reports from Pat Ingram and our President. Pat outlined the wide range of speakers who had entertained us each month, from gentle exercises to landscape painting and Sign Language in the Theatre. The Coronation Wall Hanging was finally completed and two community events were held; a fashion show, and a floral demonstration with tea and cake. These events, whilst very enjoyable, also enabled us to support village charities with donations.

This being the AGM there was business to complete. All the existing committee agreed to stay for a further year and Jean Webb was duly re-elected as President. Before pausing for the usual tea and excellent cake Pat Alston read her war poem, bringing a tear to our eyes.

The rest of the evening was spent playing Bingo, always guaranteed to please everyone. This made sure we left on a high point.

Report by Judy Blamey

Tuesday 8th October:  Members Night

On Tuesday 8th October we held our annual members night. This gives the committee an evening off as the members take over. The acting President was Wendy Walsh ably assisted by a team of eight members.

Unfortunately, the speaker for the evening, Tim Brennand, a Coroner was delayed at work so was not be able to attend on time. At the last minute one of our own members saved the evening giving a talk about her life as a Primary School teacher and Head Mistress. Her talk was very entertaining and emotional in parts. She showed some lovely letters from some of the children she had taught and obviously enjoyed her life as a teacher.

The competition for the month was your favourite Childhood Book, for which there were many entries. The winner was Gina Houghton with The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter.

Report by Judy Blamey

Tuesday 10th September  'Through the Eyes of a Magician' - Peter Turner

Two weeks ago Jodrell WI invited the community to a flower arranging demonstration followed by tea, cake & scones in the Scout Hut. Nearly 60 people enjoyed a wonderful demonstration by Anne Russell, followed by excellent cake. Anne told us of her recent visit to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her local litter picking activities. The final arrangement was in a hat box with flowers in shades of red, white and blue.

Tuesday 10^th September was our annual Open Evening. The speaker for the evening was Peter Turner, alias Mister Ree. The talk ‘Through the Eyes of a Magician’ discussed the psychology of magic. He brings mystery into everyday lives, asking whether magic is real or an illusion. He specialises in close up magic, great fun for weddings and other special occasions. Peter demonstrated the use of psychology and auto suggestion in producing the mystery. Are card tricks mystical, mathematical, slight of hand or theatre? I don’t think any of us are sure having seen several tricks up close. A very entertaining speaker.

There followed a supper of paté, cheese, crusty bread & wine. The WI doesn’t only make cake!

Report by Judy Blamey

Tuesday 13th August: 'Protecting Your Nest Egg'- Sarah Hughes

Our monthly meeting on Tuesday 13th August had an interesting title, ‘Protecting your Nest Egg’. This was a light hearted presentation of a serious subject clearly described by James and Sarah Hughes. They drew our attention to the dangers of not having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place and not preparing a will. James described the issues involved in making sure your money was inherited by the right members of your family. Something we all don’t want to think about but is essential planning as we get older.

The competition, ‘A Money Box ‘ was won by Beryl Swash with a 100 year old example, 2nd Helen Birchenough and 3rd a more recent money box also belonging to Beryl.

The evening finished with a wonderful talk from our member, Liz Foster Clark describing her recent visit to Worcester Cathedral to receive the Maunday Money from the Queen. It all started when an unexpected invitation dropped on the mat complete with a Buckingham Palace post mark and royal cypher. Liz clearly had an amazing time and made new friends as she took her place in the Cathedral for the service and address given by the Bishop of Worcester. This was a day to remember, the choir, the procession, the music, the address by the King and finally receiving the little beribboned purse of silver coins from the Queen. 

Report by Judy Blamey

Tuesday 9th July

'Writing Romantic Fiction' - Jacqueline Farrell

Our President, Jean Webb welcomed everyone to the July meeting. The speaker for the evening, Jacqueline Farrell entertained us with the story of trying to become a published author. Her first book was published when she was 45 years old, having been writing for 20 years. What started as a hobby has continued for many years despite submitting many manuscripts to several publishers. Not deterred by constant rejections she changed from historical romances to paranormal stories. These are now available via Amazon as a paperback or on Kindle. I am about to start reading The Covenant, the first of three paranormal romances. A revue to follow.

After some excellent cake the evening concluded with information on future events.

Report by Judy Blamey

Tuesday 11th June

'Painting for Everyone' - Gill Adlington

Anyone who missed our meeting on Tuesday 11th June missed a treat. Our guest speaker was Gill Adlington, an artist, who tried to prove ‘Painting is for Everyone’. After a short explanation of how she was inspired by the TV programme ‘Joy of Painting’ to try the ‘wet on wet’ oil painting method, a demonstration followed. The canvas was covered in linseed oil applied thinly with a brush. The audience sat in silence as we watched Gillian gradually bring the sunset, rocky headland, sea and beach to life. We really did watch paint dry to great effect. In a few minutes she created a beautiful seascape of splashing waves and rock pools. An inspiration to all to pick up a brush!

After some excellent home-made cakes the evening continued with Pat Alston’s  amusing report on attending the NFWI annual meeting at the Albert Hall, London. Here she joined 5,000 women in an amazing rendition of Jerusalem before getting down to the business of the day.

The afternoon was devoted to guest speakers Nazir Afzal, Chancellor of the University of Manchester; Melanie Brown, ex Spice Girl; and Timothy Watson, best known as the voice of infamous Rob Titchener in BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Archers’. The topic, ‘Violence Against Women’, provoked many questions & answers. Despite the obvious success of the meeting Pat reported that this sadly may be the last at the Albert Hall as, like so many modern meetings, it is going virtual!

Report by Judy Blamey

Tuesday 14th May

'Life as a Junior Doctor' - Peter Sykes

Tuesday 14th May was our usual monthly meeting and was opened by Vice President, Ann Thorp. The talk, given by Dr Peter Sykes introduced us to the ‘Life of a Junior Doctor’ in the 1960’s. A very different experience to working in today’s NHS. In 1961, aged 18 he started at Medical School in Manchester. The first year was split between anatomy and physiology, anatomy consisting of dissection, a daunting experience for 18 years old students! He continued by telling us several amusing stories as he pursued his training as a doctor. Working hours were long and as a houseman he lived in the hospital for 12 months. These sounded like fun times. However, on a serious note he said patients formed a relationship with their doctor unlike today where shift patterns prevent this. Peter has written a book and also has a website where you can read many short light-hearted medical stories.

Refreshments followed before the evening concluded with information on future events.

Report by Judy Blamey

Tuesday 9th April

'Herbs for Health' - Natalia Kerkham

Tuesday 9^th April brought our usual monthly meeting in Goostrey Village Hall. Jean Webb, our President, reported on her recent attendance at Hartford Golf Club W.I. Annual lunch. 150 W.I. Presidents attended representing 177 W.I.’s in Cheshire. The largest Federation in the country.

Our speaker for the evening was Natalia Kirkham, a qualified medicinal herbalist. After a career in finance in the NHS and a period bringing up her children, she took a major career change studying herbal medicine for three years.

Her talk introduced us to the medicinal benefits of common herbs. Mint as a tea or the chocolate variety soothed indigestion after a meal. Ginger for creaky joints, camomile for stress, cloves for sore throats and many more herbs used as infusions or teas.

A lively question and answer session followed with Natalia giving plenty of useful information.

The competition, a pot of herbs, was won by Gina Hoghton

Report by Judy Blamey

Tuesday 12th March

'Sign Language in the Theatre' - Janet Guest

Jean Webb, our President, opened the meeting by leading us in an excellent rendition of Jerusalem. Janet Guest, our Speaker for the evening, signed as we sang. Her talk ‘Sign Language in the Theatre’ explained the trials and tribulations of signing during a theatre performance. Her early enthusiasm for Shakespeare sparked the interest in signing after a visit to the RSC where she saw a person translating at the side of the stage. A lengthy training led to a new career which has taken her to many of the country’s major theatres including five years at The Globe, London, and also Shakespeare North. Last year she did over 50 shows, rarely repeated, sometimes standing for 3 hours, especially if signing an opera. Comfy shoes essential, and black clothes so as not to distract from the production. Along the way she has worked with many famous actors.

We finished by learning a few signs, some obvious, others not. Signs vary depending on what area of the country they come from, as they are made up by the deaf people, some being universally accepted. A lively question and answer session followed before Gill Monk gave a vote of thanks. The meeting resumed after the usual break for tea, coffee and cake.

Report by Judy Blamey

Tuesday 13th February

Sue Holden “Laughter is the best Medicine”

A big thank you to Sue Holden who stood in last minute due to our scheduled speaker's illness, we wish him well!

"Past lawyer, present entertainer and (aspirational) future public speaker – I seek to inform with humour". Sue has been entertaining people for as long as she can remember. She worked as a lawyer for 36 years and made us all laugh with her stories from this time. In her own words she admits to having enjoyed a fulfilling and interesting career with a passion for learning. "The law is something that touches and confounds us all from time to time and in my professional life I strived to convey both my enthusiasm and learning. In my retirement I seek to couple my interests to bring you an entertaining insight into the law." A thoroughly enjoyable evening and I for one can say that I went away feeling Sue had helped relieve some of those winter blues that I and I am sure others have been experiencing. Lets all endeavour to keep our spirits up and keep the laughter flowing for our health and wellbeing! Competition was 'An Amusing Card'.

Tuesday 9th January

'Physio Gentle Exercise for Health' Jo Williams

A very belated Happy New Year to everyone, hasn’t time flown since Christmas? It doesn’t seem long since 49 members enjoyed a superb Christmas meal and entertainment from Holly Reynolds. She has a lovely voice and engaging personality, we were soon singing along with her.

January brought the usual grey, damp Cheshire winter days so it was good to venture out to the Village Hall for a cheerful social evening and that all important tea and cake. The topic, Gentle Exercise for Health with Jo Williams was not what I had expected. I thought it would be a talk so was surprised when we all had to stand up and join in! I just wish I had stayed in my gym clothes and trainers. It was good fun and informative, Jo explaining how important it is to keep mobile especially, dare I say it, as we get older. A series of exercises followed with much hilarity.

Report by Judy Blamey