WHITLEY WI

Book Club had a lively discussion about ‘Outbreak’ by Frank Gardner. Walking Group – Unfortunately, yet again, our planned walk had to be cancelled because of the bad weather and very wet paths. Thanks to Ann for persevering – the weather has to improve soon!

Art Group met to think about ideas for an exhibition to be shown at WI House, Chester in September with the theme ‘Living in Cheshire’. Baking Beauties had a theme of ‘Bara Brith’;

Craft Group made corsages, there is a separate post for this, with pictures

Melanie opened the evening and reported on various WI business, including the President’s Spring Lunch which she attended. Subgroup leaders reminded members of their planned activities – details of all planned events are in the newsletter.

Jean then took us on a whistle-stop tour around the county, including pictures and information about many of her favourite places.

Chris, fully kitted out in her ‘Hogwarts’ outfit ,talked to us about Alnwick Castle and Gardens, especially the Harry Potter connections and the Poison Garden.. Anne introduced us to the friendly Geordie accent and some well known Geordies. Sue talked about Earl Grey, famous for tea but a great political reformer and owner of beautiful home and castle, not to mention the famous herd of Chillingham Cattle. Annette introduced us to the flavours of Northumberland with tasty samples to enjoy.

Melanie had made up a Northumberland quiz – many of the answers emerged in the course of the evening! The competition for ‘A UK Holiday Souvenir was won by Jean Pace with a bottle of Lindisfarne fruit wine.

In the first part of the session we had an essential ‘Safety talk’ – glass and soldering irons can cause some nasty injuries. We then were taught how to score the glass (create a fault line), break the piece off (using our hands or pliers), apply Copper Foil edge to our piece and finally to solder pieces together.

Then, after light refreshments provided by Annette, came the real challenge – to create a row of decorative glass houses. See below – all our own work!

What colour and style of glass? What shape of house and roof? What style of window/decorations to draw on? So many decisions! We each ended up with a different result which all were very pleased with.

Thanks so much to Andy and Clare, and to Annette who organised such a wonderful session. Many of us felt it was the best craft workshop we’d ever attended.

Click on the link to take you to more information and pictures.

Scrabble – Our Scrabble group met for the last session of the winter. We’ll let you know when this group restarts.

We welcomed Elaine Billington and Vicky to talk to us about the work that the centre does. They gave a fascinating talk which demonstrated what a caring and professional service they offer.

They explained that some clients are referred from other agencies, others self refer. The team deliver practical and emotional support, advice and opportunities to help individuals improve their current situation, gain in confidence and make healthier life choices.

Services include 1-1 interviews, and lots of opportunities for groups to meet together, for mutual support, to gain in confidence, to learn news skills and to have some distraction from the their problems. Cooking and Craft sessions are very popular. Demand for help from the Centre is ever growing and there is a short waiting list for places on the programmes. After the talk there were lots of questions from our members and it was clear how valuable this caring and confidential service is to women with many personal and financial problems.