Art Group July 2024 – Painting ‘“En Plein Air”

Our Art group decided to have a go at painting an outdoor view and we met at Walton Gardens in July. The weather was kind and we gathered around the pond area, set up our equipment, and had a go at interpreting the lovely scene of the lily pond – we even had a heron posing high up on one of the trees.

Most of our group chose to paint in Watercolours, but we did have one artist using Acrylics. We have a variety of skills and expertise, but it was good for everyone to have a go, and to learn from our more talented and experienced members. A couple of our group came along to watch, and also to enjoy the lovely park which is a great local amenity.

The following pictures from some talented members had the final touches applied at home. A very enjoyable and social morning.

Members have also been busy with a painting on the ‘Living in Cheshire’ theme. We now have a number of excellent paintings which will be on show as part of the CFWI Art Exhibition to be held at WI House, Chester – more information about this at our September meeting.

CFWI Literary Lunch

Hats off to our very own Pat S for organising a wonderful Literary Lunch at Nunsmere Hall on 17th July for 199 ladies! Seventeen of our members enjoyed the very sociable 2 course lunch. The sun even honoured us with its presence and we managed a stroll around the beautiful grounds before our guest author, Milly Johnson regaled us with her tales of how she got into the world of publishing, starting with writing verse for the Purple Ronnie range of greeting cards. Milly has just published her 22nd novel, all of which are based in the North of England and many around her home town of Barnsley.

Craft Group July 2024 – Quilling

Twelve enthusiastic members of the craft group came along to learn the art of quilling from one of our own members. Sue had organised the afternoon so very well. We each had a pack of all we needed to make a card and we had splendid instructions so everybody was able to complete a card to take home.

It is quite simple, but one does need patience and nimble fingers. After a time we all managed very well and had great fun choosing our flower colour and plant pot shape. It was amazing to see the difference in each card, as individuals each choose their own colours and sticky words.

Well done Sue, and thanks again to Joan who became our tea lady for the afternoon.

July 2024 – Subgroup meetings

The Book Club met to discuss The Library by Bella Osborne. The Craft Group had another really good meeting on the topic of Quilling and the Art Group painted outdoors in Walton Gardens – see separate posts for these.

Walking Group went on one of their favourite walks from Acton Bridge – along the canal and the River Weaver, with a lunch at the Riverside. Baking Beauties experimented with baking Gluten Free, Helen C visited to give us some tips.



Main Meeting – July 2024 – Honey Bees

Julia Young spoke to us at our July meeting with tales of sex, violence and adulteration in the life of the honeybee.

Members got to look first hand at the intricate honeycomb made from beeswax that the bees use to store their food and raise their grubs. Julia is also a registered ‘swarm’ collector and is on hand to remove honeybees that have swarmed in the most peculiar places, including the back window of a car!

Julia had brought some of her pure honey to sell and informed us that not all honey is equal and the vast proportion of the honey for sale in supermarkets is adulterated with sugar syrup. Her jars were very popular!