January 2024 Main Meeting – Moulton Glass

Our first meeting of 2024 was well attended (34 members and 4 guests) despite it being a very wet and dark evening. Our speaker was Andy from Moulton Glass, who gave us a fascinating illustrated talk about how his interest in Stained and Leaded glass turned from a hobby into his main occupation. He explained about how glass making had developed over the years and the different methods used for ornamental glass – stained glass windows, lead-light windows, copper foil and Tiffany decorative glass.

He showed us lots of samples and talked to us about where you might see some very old glass in the area – stately homes and pubs have many examples. An informative and enjoyable talk.

The competition for an item of Decorative Glass had lots of entries, it was won by Jean Pace with an angel copper foil tree decoration.

December subgroup meetings

Some of our subgroups didn’t meet in December, but the Book Club did get together to discuss Swallowtail Summer by Erica James – a nice easy read for this busy time of year. Two groups had special Christmas events – The Walking group had a lovely Christmas lunch with Ann – Click here to see more photos and information

12 members of our Garden Group visited Smith’s nursery, Lymm in December to make a Christmas wreath. Click here to find out more and see some pictures

2023 Christmas Party

46 of our members had a wonderful ‘home grown’ Christmas party this year. We changed our table arrangement from previous years, with more of a ‘street party’ feel to it and more space for entertainment. Our members were welcomed with a glass of fruit punch or wine. Our local dance group from The Dyas Lishman Dance Academy opened our event with a short but very entertaining performance.

Instead of exchanging presents members were asked to bring along a donation to the Northwich Food Bank – they were extremely generous and the table was filled to overflowing with their gifts.

Pat S, with a little help from the committee, produced a delicious buffet supper for us. Our committee performed a short pantomime of Cinderella and we then played the inevitable ‘party games’. Good fun was had by all, before we finished the party with ‘Auld Lang Syne. Members each took home a primula plant for their garden/home, thanks to Annette for arranging this. A very enjoyable way to celebrate our friendship.

November Subgroup Meetings

 Click on the links below to find out what we have been doing, and to have a look at some more pictures of our activities

The Book club discussed their favourite classics. Walking group unfortunately had to cancel their walk – everywhere was very, very wet, but a few did meet for refreshments at ‘The Shed’. Scrabble had a meeting, as did Craft Group who made baubles and planned their 2024 programme.

Art group and Baking Beauties both had a Christmas theme – Art group made cards and mini gift boxes and Baking Beauties made Christmas mini treats

Cheshire Federation Jigsaw Challenge 2023

Whitley entered this competition to complete a 500 piece puzzle in 1hr 30min. It was so popular this year that teams competed on 2 consecutive Mondays at WI House in Chester.

Our team of Ann C, Jean W, Susan B and Yvonne C enjoyed a very pleasant, sociable morning, although we found this year’s puzzle difficult – rather too much dark green foliage with small yellow/white foliage!

We came 3rd with 174 pieces left -just 2 pieces more than the second placed team. Well done to the Whitley Witches.