Our President Melanie welcomed 39 members, 3 visitors and our speaker.
Richard Ortyl from the Cheshire Wildlife Trust gave is a very interesting illustrated talk about the work that they do around the county and the habitat and species they protect.
He spoke about species which used to be common, but are becoming endangered due to loss of habitat. Some of their local flagship reserves near to Whitley are Hatchmere, Marbury Reed Bed and Warbuton’s Wood. Other local reserves are Abbots Moss and Poors Wood in Northwich and Owley Wood at Weaverham. Helen Carey, who has been a trustee of Cheshire Wildlife trust gave the vote of thanks.
After the speaker and refreshments, Melanie updated us on the many different activities currently going on for Whitley WI, including preparations for the Cheshire Show, our Chester outing, the Group meeting, subgroup meetings and CFWI events. The competition for a wildlife ornament was won by Pat Sharp. Second was Penny Cross and third was Sue Clements.
We look forward to our June meeting ‘A Flower Festival where we will enjoy a demonstration by Melanie Farrow followed by a strawberry tea. Members were asked to bring along a jam-jar of flowers from their garden for the competition.
We closed the meeting by singing ‘God Save the King’ in recognition of the special weekend ahead to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.