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