BOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARTY - DECEMBER 2016
Another year and another fabulous Christmas Party, this time with a Bollywood theme. The evening started with mulled wine, lively conversation and a quiz, shortly followed by Bollywood dancing lessons given by Ria Meera Munshi. After trying out the dancing , she then gave us a brilliant display to show how it should be done! A wonderful supper of three curries plus accompaniments followed and then the quiz was finalised. As the evening drew to a close, the hampers were raffled and everyone collected their Secret Santa present on their way out. A great evening with thanks going to all the organisers and to the many ladies who dressed up in such a wide array of beautiful Indian outfits.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - DECEMBER 2016
A group of 9 nine ladies met at the Riflemans Arms on Thursday 8th December to chat about this month's chosen book, The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jeffries. The general concensus was that it was an easy read which potentially could have been made more interesting with stronger characters and more background social history included. Nevertheless, some interesting and thought-provoking discussions took place and thanks to Jane who led the discussions and to Dot who took time out from her hot date with Rod Stewart (!) to text some questions through for debate.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY - NOVEMBER 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - DECEMBER 2016
A group of 9 nine ladies met at the Riflemans Arms on Thursday 8th December to chat about this month's chosen book, The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jeffries. The general concensus was that it was an easy read which potentially could have been made more interesting with stronger characters and more background social history included. Nevertheless, some interesting and thought-provoking discussions took place and thanks to Jane who led the discussions and to Dot who took time out from her hot date with Rod Stewart (!) to text some questions through for debate.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY - NOVEMBER 2016
A Christmas Craft Day was held on Saturday 26th November 2016 and many of our members took the opportunity to learn new skills as well as spending a pleasant day chatting with friends. Silk painting, zip brooches and Christmas decorations were just some of the wonderful items produced. Thanks to Wendy and Jennie for helping to mastermind the day.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MORNING WALK - NOVEMBER 2016
A glorious day on Thursday 24th November saw a group of friends, family and dogs as well as our own members enjoy a fabulous walk around the grounds of Quarry Bank Mill, the surrounding woodlands and Styal Village. A visit to the tearooms at Styal was enjoyed by everyone towards the end of the walk. Thanks Jane!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
A glorious day on Thursday 24th November saw a group of friends, family and dogs as well as our own members enjoy a fabulous walk around the grounds of Quarry Bank Mill, the surrounding woodlands and Styal Village. A visit to the tearooms at Styal was enjoyed by everyone towards the end of the walk. Thanks Jane!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TEN PIN BOWLING - NOVEMBER 2016
On Tuesday 22nd November 2016, ten ladies picked up the Bowling Challenge gauntlet again at Macclesfield Superbowl. New techniques were introduced (bowling the ball backwards???) but a fun time was had by all. Thanks to Dee for organising the morning and look out for the next date in the new year.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL MEETING - NOVEMBER 2016
On Tuesday 22nd November 2016, ten ladies picked up the Bowling Challenge gauntlet again at Macclesfield Superbowl. New techniques were introduced (bowling the ball backwards???) but a fun time was had by all. Thanks to Dee for organising the morning and look out for the next date in the new year.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL MEETING - NOVEMBER 2016
On Monday 21st November 2016, we held our Annual Meeting.
After the usual Welcome, Safety and general notices, the Annual Meeting Business took place. Pauline Handley, Jennie Palin and Wendy Morris presented the Secretary's, Treasurer's and President's Annual reports respectively. Each outlined a summary of the past year from their own perspective and area of responsibility and all concluded what an amazing year we have had. Each Committee Member, including Jane Holland and Cathy Wallace, our newly appointed members, gave a short talk outlining their role on the Committee. The Committee was unanimously elected by a show of hands and subsequently, Wendy was unanimously elected as President for a further year by a paper ballot.
Following this, all members were invited to vote for their favourite dip from the 28 entries in the 'Dipathon'. Pat Pinnock with her 'Gorgonzola and Apricot Dip' was voted the winner and Jess Davidson and Lydie Donald were joint runners up.
Members were then invited to browse and shop at the Makers Market for which several of our members had brought their own home-produced goods to sell. The evening was rounded off with the raffle.
___________________________________________________________________
CHATSWORTH HALL - NOVEMBER 2016
After the usual Welcome, Safety and general notices, the Annual Meeting Business took place. Pauline Handley, Jennie Palin and Wendy Morris presented the Secretary's, Treasurer's and President's Annual reports respectively. Each outlined a summary of the past year from their own perspective and area of responsibility and all concluded what an amazing year we have had. Each Committee Member, including Jane Holland and Cathy Wallace, our newly appointed members, gave a short talk outlining their role on the Committee. The Committee was unanimously elected by a show of hands and subsequently, Wendy was unanimously elected as President for a further year by a paper ballot.
Following this, all members were invited to vote for their favourite dip from the 28 entries in the 'Dipathon'. Pat Pinnock with her 'Gorgonzola and Apricot Dip' was voted the winner and Jess Davidson and Lydie Donald were joint runners up.
Members were then invited to browse and shop at the Makers Market for which several of our members had brought their own home-produced goods to sell. The evening was rounded off with the raffle.
___________________________________________________________________
CHATSWORTH HALL - NOVEMBER 2016
On Friday 18th November, over 200 ladies from the NECG WI, including 42 from Fulshaw, visited Chatsworth Hall. Everyone had a wonderful time on this cold day which saw sunshine as well as snow. The tour of the House, dressed up on the theme of The Nutcracker, was magnificent and a visit to the Christmas Market in the grounds, as well as enjoyable trip to the tearooms, made the day complete. Thanks to Alia and Judith, President and Secretary of the NECG, for organising the day.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BLOOD BROTHERS - NOVEMBER 2016
On Tuesday 15th November, eleven ladies went to see Blood Brothers at the Lowry Theatre, Salford. We all laughed and some of us cried, whilst watching this captivating tale of twins separated at birth, who meet up again with fateful consequences. Everyone agreed it was a great night!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BLOOD BROTHERS - NOVEMBER 2016
On Tuesday 15th November, eleven ladies went to see Blood Brothers at the Lowry Theatre, Salford. We all laughed and some of us cried, whilst watching this captivating tale of twins separated at birth, who meet up again with fateful consequences. Everyone agreed it was a great night!
________________________________________________________________________________________
ANTHOLOGY - NOVEMBER 2016
ANTHOLOGY - NOVEMBER 2016
On Thursday 10th November, 22 ladies enjoyed a wonderful evening of tapas at Anthology in Wilmslow. A feast of culinary delights just kept on appearing, including chicken, prawns, halloumi and nachos, to name but a few. We did our best but were defeated in the end, so doggy bags were the order of the day!
Wendy organised a light hearted quiz and to keep the food theme going as the answers were all the names of chocolate bars. Well done to Dot, Jan, Pat and Cherry who were in the winning team and Margaret, Glenda and Anne, the runners up. Thanks to Jane for organising the evening and Wendy for the quiz and chocolate prizes!!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON WALK - NOVEMBER 2016
Wendy organised a light hearted quiz and to keep the food theme going as the answers were all the names of chocolate bars. Well done to Dot, Jan, Pat and Cherry who were in the winning team and Margaret, Glenda and Anne, the runners up. Thanks to Jane for organising the evening and Wendy for the quiz and chocolate prizes!!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON WALK - NOVEMBER 2016
Eleven ladies enjoyed a lovely walk on Wednesday 9th November 2016, starting from the Lambing Shed, just outside Knutsford. We crossed some very boggy open fields, walked through pretty woodland, stepped across an area of gravestones and admired some amazing houses and architecture on the outskirts of Knutsford. Not too taxing, but still a good reason to enjoy coffee and cakes at the Lambing Shed Café on our return. Another great walk from Jane.
_________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - OCTOBER 2016
The book discussed at this month's Book Club held on Thursday 27th October 2016 was A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler. Ten ladies attended the meeting and although no one greatly enjoyed the book, a good discussion with lots of debate and thought provoking analysis took place. Everyone agreed that a book that isn't universally loved by everyone usually makes for a more interesting and lively discussion on the night and A Spool of Blue Thread certainly proved this theory.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
RELATIVELY SPEAKING - OCTOBER 2016
12 ladies enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon at The Lowry Theatre on Wednesday 19th October. The play they went to see was Relatively Speaking, starring Lisa Goddard and Robert Powell. It was a delightful tangle of deceit and misunderstanding and provided plenty of laughs for everyone.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MORNING BIKE RIDE - OCTOBER 2016
Not the best of weather, but a mixed group comprising of 9 members of Fulshaw WI and U3A set out from the Rifleman's Arms on the morning of Tuesday 18th October for a 15 mile bike ride. The route took us out of Wilmslow, via Wythenshawe, to Handforth where we had a very welcome and warming coffee break. Toasted teacakes all round was the order of the day at Café Aroma at St Chad's Church. The café is staffed by church volunteers and Pure Innovations who volunteer staff with learning disabilities for retail training to develop skills in the community to gain long term employment. Well worth a visit if you are in the area! Thanks to Jane for arranging the bike ride.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
IT'S A FUNNY WAY TO EARN LIVING - OCTOBER 2016
_________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - OCTOBER 2016
The book discussed at this month's Book Club held on Thursday 27th October 2016 was A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler. Ten ladies attended the meeting and although no one greatly enjoyed the book, a good discussion with lots of debate and thought provoking analysis took place. Everyone agreed that a book that isn't universally loved by everyone usually makes for a more interesting and lively discussion on the night and A Spool of Blue Thread certainly proved this theory.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
RELATIVELY SPEAKING - OCTOBER 2016
12 ladies enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon at The Lowry Theatre on Wednesday 19th October. The play they went to see was Relatively Speaking, starring Lisa Goddard and Robert Powell. It was a delightful tangle of deceit and misunderstanding and provided plenty of laughs for everyone.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MORNING BIKE RIDE - OCTOBER 2016
Not the best of weather, but a mixed group comprising of 9 members of Fulshaw WI and U3A set out from the Rifleman's Arms on the morning of Tuesday 18th October for a 15 mile bike ride. The route took us out of Wilmslow, via Wythenshawe, to Handforth where we had a very welcome and warming coffee break. Toasted teacakes all round was the order of the day at Café Aroma at St Chad's Church. The café is staffed by church volunteers and Pure Innovations who volunteer staff with learning disabilities for retail training to develop skills in the community to gain long term employment. Well worth a visit if you are in the area! Thanks to Jane for arranging the bike ride.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
IT'S A FUNNY WAY TO EARN LIVING - OCTOBER 2016
Dr Michael Leach gave us a very entertaining talk on his life as a wild life photographer all over the world. After completing a degree in Zoology and a PhD in primate behaviour, Michael became a wild life photographer making many wild life films including for the BBC and working with David Attenborough. He now writes books (29 and translated into 18 languages) as his main occupation. As a cameraman Michael had many exciting film projects - filming bears and penguins and gorillas and many other animals in many countries worldwide. He gave us many fascinating insights into the world of photography e.g. it takes 24 hours to produce 1.5 seconds of useable film and it took him 3 years to produce a 48 minute film on snow leopards. The photographs he showed were superb and he told us some of the various ‘tricks’ of the trade to produce excellent shots of birds and animals in our own gardens. Michael could have talked to us for hours as he is an extremely entertaining speaker who clearly enjoys talking about wildlife and we could have listened to him for hours and we wanted to see more of his wildlife shots. Michael has that rare ability to entertain and educate the audience all at the same time!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
NECG AUTUMN MEETING - OCTOBER 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
NECG AUTUMN MEETING - OCTOBER 2016
The Autumn NECG Meeting took place on Wednesday 12th October 2016 and Jean Martyn, Britain's Got Talent finalist gave an entertaining talk about her life and career with plenty of musical interludes displaying brilliant talent on the piano. After her performance, she judged the 'Autumn Sunshine' competition and declared Fulshaw the winner! Congrats to everyone who contributed to the wonderful display of Autumn produce in the handmade basket. A lovely evening with great cakes baked by all of the NECG WIs.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
VISIT TO BURY MARKET AND BURY COLLEGE - OCTOBER 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
VISIT TO BURY MARKET AND BURY COLLEGE - OCTOBER 2016
On Wednesday 12th October 2016, nine ladies from Fulshaw travelled to Bury to sample the delights of Bury Market, followed by lunch at Bury College. Bury Market is a busy, very traditional market and lots of goodies were purchased to take home, including the famous Bury Black puddings, interesting cheeses, some winberry pies as well as some wool and other 'crafty' items. A three course lunch and coffee in the training restaurant made the day extra special. Thanks to Jane for organising it all.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PAINTING DAY - OCTOBER 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PAINTING DAY - OCTOBER 2016
On Saturday 8th October 2016, we held our third painting day, led as usual by the very talented Allie Pottinger. As well as ladies from Fulshaw attending, we were delighted to welcome members from Didsbury and Cottonopolis WIs to join us. The theme of the day was Autumn colours and as usual, some wonderful works of art were produced!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNK FOOD PROJECT DINNER - SEPTEMBER 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNK FOOD PROJECT DINNER - SEPTEMBER 2016
On Friday 23rd September 2016, 80 people including WI members, friends and family, enjoyed a terrific evening in collaboration with The Junk Food Project - Manchester. They produced a 'pop up' restaurant in the heart of Wilmslow and cooked a sumptuous meal for everyone using intercepted food from supermarkets that would otherwise go to waste. Mary-Ellen McTague, who has worked at The Fat Duck and The Sharrow Bay Hotel and appeared as a Great British Menu contestant, was the chef in charge, assisted by her right hand woman, Deb. Several members of the Committee were also on hand to help out on the evening. The meal was provided on a pay-as-you-feel donation and a raffle with some great prizes was held. Thanks to Wendy for arranging and co-ordinating this worthwhile project.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
OUR VERY OWN DCI TENNISON SOLVING A MURDER - SEPTEMBER 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
OUR VERY OWN DCI TENNISON SOLVING A MURDER - SEPTEMBER 2016
The talk on ’Solving a Murder Case’ was given by a member of our own WI who is a DCI with the Greater Manchester Police. The talk began with a discussion about the meaning of ’Inspiring’. The WI logo includes the words ’Inspiring Women’ and this could mean that women themselves are inspiring or rather that the WI inspires women! Something for us to reflect on as the talk started. The speakers we have had this year have all been very inspiring. Our speaker herself is an ’inner city’ girl from Liverpool with her own experience of abuse as a young woman and she wants now, in her police role, to help women who cannot help themselves. We were told about cultural norms and how it is extremely difficult to understand the cultural norms of other religions where women can be abused, assaulted or even killed in order to protect what they call ’family honour’. We were then told about a recent case of a pre-meditated murder of a whole Asian family (3 children and their mother) in Cheadle Hulme by the husband. The lengthy forensic work that went into solving this case was explained to us with BBC news videos showing interviews with the accused man who had fled the country the day after the murders. His only excuse was that he thought his wife was having an affair. She tragically paid with her life and so did her children - murders which in his culture are wickedly excused as so called ’honour killings’.
Apparently it is often the female relations who contrive to incriminate the abused/at risk woman so that the men carry out the murder.
We were told about organisations that help women who feel threatened and at risk:- i) Karma Nirvana Campaign : ii) Stophonourkillings.com iii) Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) forced marriage unit: iv) the honour network helpline.
This talk was deeply troubling for all of us but as our DCI told us we must always be alert to listen if someone from another culture or indeed our own says they are at risk of abuse or worse.
Amanda gave our DCI a very thoughtful vote of thanks and we all felt inspired that one of our own members has had, and continues to have, a very important role in helping helpless women of cultures other than our own.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TENTH BIRTHDAY WEEKEND AWAY - SEPTEMBER 2016
Apparently it is often the female relations who contrive to incriminate the abused/at risk woman so that the men carry out the murder.
We were told about organisations that help women who feel threatened and at risk:- i) Karma Nirvana Campaign : ii) Stophonourkillings.com iii) Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) forced marriage unit: iv) the honour network helpline.
This talk was deeply troubling for all of us but as our DCI told us we must always be alert to listen if someone from another culture or indeed our own says they are at risk of abuse or worse.
Amanda gave our DCI a very thoughtful vote of thanks and we all felt inspired that one of our own members has had, and continues to have, a very important role in helping helpless women of cultures other than our own.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TENTH BIRTHDAY WEEKEND AWAY - SEPTEMBER 2016
As part of the continuing activities to celebrate Fulshaw's 10th birthday, 21 ladies enjoyed a fabulous mid-September at Springhill Farm which overlooks the Ceiriog Valley in Shropshire. The weather was perfect and a range of activities including a variety of crafts, horse riding, a full or a half day walk, a guided tour of Oswestry, quizzes and games. There was of course, plenty of fantastic food and drink in generous supply on offer and a big thanks goes to the organising committee as well as all those that went and entered into all the activities with such gusto! We hope we don't have to wait another 10 years for the next one.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2016
13 ladies met at the Rifleman's Arms on Thursday 8th September to discuss the summer read, 'The House of Hidden Mothers' by Meera Syal. Everyone had enjoyed reading the book despite some of the harrowing topics covered, which included rape, corruption, arranged marriages and surrogacy. Sarah Ervine who had chosen the book led a lively and thoughtful discussion. We look forward to watching the TV serialisation of the novel which we understand will appear on our screens in the not too distant future.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
WALKING TOUR - CRANFORD AND ELIZABETH GASKELL - AUGUST 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2016
13 ladies met at the Rifleman's Arms on Thursday 8th September to discuss the summer read, 'The House of Hidden Mothers' by Meera Syal. Everyone had enjoyed reading the book despite some of the harrowing topics covered, which included rape, corruption, arranged marriages and surrogacy. Sarah Ervine who had chosen the book led a lively and thoughtful discussion. We look forward to watching the TV serialisation of the novel which we understand will appear on our screens in the not too distant future.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
WALKING TOUR - CRANFORD AND ELIZABETH GASKELL - AUGUST 2016
On the evening of Monday 22nd August 2016, 14 ladies enjoyed a walking tour of Knutsford, inspired by the recent Book Club reading of Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. Travelling back in time with a guide to discover Knutsford as the real Cranford, they saw Heathwaite House, the childhood home of Elizabeth, the church where she married and was buried as well as the shops and residences that would have been frequented by the Cranford ladies. The tour was carried out by Knutsford Heritage Centre and a big thanks to Dot Bracegirdle who organised the evening for us. Another tour is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 13th September.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
EVENING CYCLE RIDE - AUGUST 2016
On the beautiful summer evening of Monday 15th August 2016, 6 ladies met at the Rifleman's Arms and then headed off in the direction of Handforth, passing through the Carrs en route. Back home via Styal, the airport runway route, up everyone's favourite hill near the Holiday Inn and then back to the Rifleman's for some liquid refreshment. Another great bike ride organised by Jane.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
EVENING WALK - JULY 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
EVENING CYCLE RIDE - AUGUST 2016
On the beautiful summer evening of Monday 15th August 2016, 6 ladies met at the Rifleman's Arms and then headed off in the direction of Handforth, passing through the Carrs en route. Back home via Styal, the airport runway route, up everyone's favourite hill near the Holiday Inn and then back to the Rifleman's for some liquid refreshment. Another great bike ride organised by Jane.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
EVENING WALK - JULY 2016
Just three ladies, Jane, Wendy and Diane, braved the weather on the evening of Thursday 28th July 2016 but after an earlier thunderstorm, they managed to complete the walk without getting wet. The walk covered the Dean Row area and finished with some liquid refreshment in the Unicorn Inn.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TEA AND TENTS - JULY 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TEA AND TENTS - JULY 2016
Wendy, Jane, Jennie and Cathy enjoyed their annual visit to Tea and Tents on the penultimate weekend of July 2016. They were blessed with good weather and participated in a wide range of activities which included knitting wherever there was a spare moment, cutting hair in a field, leading guided walks, Pilates in a field, embroidery class and not, of course forgetting, helping to erect tents.
We understand that Tea and Tents won't take place next year - but we are sure that some other weekend of entertainment will spring up from somewhere................
And, a date for your diary, the next Tea and Tents will take place at Walesby on the 20th to 23rd July 2018.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MORNING WALK - JULY 2016
We understand that Tea and Tents won't take place next year - but we are sure that some other weekend of entertainment will spring up from somewhere................
And, a date for your diary, the next Tea and Tents will take place at Walesby on the 20th to 23rd July 2018.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MORNING WALK - JULY 2016
The hottest day of the year so far on Tuesday 19th July 2016 and 5 ladies, led by Diana Beech, enjoyed a gentle walk around Wilmslow and the Lindow Common area. Setting off from the Lindow Common Car Park, they walked around Rossmere Lake and the Newgate Nature Reserve. The scenery was delightful and it is easy to forget just how close this area is to the busy traffic and shops of Wilmslow. There was a leisurely refreshment stop at Morley Garden Centre café where Pauline joined the walkers with a welcome flask of ice cold water. Thanks to Diana for stepping in to lead the walk whilst Pauline's ankle is still recovering and apologies about the confusion over the route.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MONTHLY MEETING - JULY 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MONTHLY MEETING - JULY 2016
Waitrose had cancelled due to illness and instead the committee put on a varied evening of very different topics.
Pauline went on to highlight the reasons for ‘Time to Talk about Organ Donation’. 40 % of families refuse permission for their loved ones’ organs to be used after their death, even though many of them are on the ODR, often because the families are unaware of the wishes of their loved one. With the conversation, family consent goes up to 90%! Age is not a barrier – 50% Organ Donors are over 50, the oldest organ donor is 87 and medical conditions are not usually a barrier
HOW CAN WE TALK TO OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ABOUT ORGAN DONATION? It is a difficult topic to bring up, so we must make it a priority to find the opportunity.
Amanda then asked the ladies present how many were on the register and 34 were, roughly 49%. The average number of WI members on the register in the NW is 58% so this straw poll indicates that Fulshaw is slightly below the NW average. Amanda then asked how many of the 34 have had the conversation and 25 (73%) said they had. Amanda asked members to consider going on the register if they are currently not on it and for everyone to tell their relatives and friends their wishes. She will then ask the same questions again at the September meeting.
Lucy Jones, a double lung transplant recipient told us her inspiring life story: All her life Lucy has had cystic fibrosis and 10 years ago her quality of life was so bad that she decided to put her name on the waiting list for a lung transplant. Not an easy decision because of the risks linked with the operation. After the operation Lucy began to lead a normal life, exercising regularly, riding a bike and eventually travelling frequently worldwide. Lucy is passionate about telling people about the wonderful life-giving opportunities that organ transplant can give to very seriously ill patients, many of whom die while still on the waiting list. Lucy is a ‘transplant buddie’ at Wythenshawe Hospital and helps counsel patients waiting for a transplant. We were all inspired by her story and we were left with much to think about.
3. Cheese Tasting: 6 different cheeses were provided so that members could ‘guess the cheese’ after tasting all six. White or red wine was provided to help the cheese down! Identifying the cheeses proved tricky and the best table only got 3 correct!
4. Auction of Homemade Cake Stands to Raise Funds for ‘Early Essentials’: Amanda and Jennie donned white coats (on a hot evening), Jennie showed the sale goods and Amanda very ably auctioned off over 30 tiered cake stands that Dee had made for the 10th Anniversary party on the Sunday. About £120 was collected in a very entertaining way. Well done Amanda, Jennie and Dee!______________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON TEA 10TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS - JULY 2016
- NECG Presentation from the President, Alia El Asmar: Alia explained that the NECG comprised of 12 WIs in the region putting on joint events through the year. E.g. the Chatsworth visit and a walk from Disley in October. The NECG group that took part in the recent midnight walk will raise over £1,700 for St Ann’s Hospice. The speaker at the autumn meeting on October 12th will be Jean Martin (of Britain’s Got Talent fame) who will deliver an entertaining talk called ‘Signed, Sealed and Delivered’.
- 'Time to Talk' : Sheila , Pauline and Amanda introduced this campaign promoting organ donation.
Pauline went on to highlight the reasons for ‘Time to Talk about Organ Donation’. 40 % of families refuse permission for their loved ones’ organs to be used after their death, even though many of them are on the ODR, often because the families are unaware of the wishes of their loved one. With the conversation, family consent goes up to 90%! Age is not a barrier – 50% Organ Donors are over 50, the oldest organ donor is 87 and medical conditions are not usually a barrier
HOW CAN WE TALK TO OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ABOUT ORGAN DONATION? It is a difficult topic to bring up, so we must make it a priority to find the opportunity.
Amanda then asked the ladies present how many were on the register and 34 were, roughly 49%. The average number of WI members on the register in the NW is 58% so this straw poll indicates that Fulshaw is slightly below the NW average. Amanda then asked how many of the 34 have had the conversation and 25 (73%) said they had. Amanda asked members to consider going on the register if they are currently not on it and for everyone to tell their relatives and friends their wishes. She will then ask the same questions again at the September meeting.
Lucy Jones, a double lung transplant recipient told us her inspiring life story: All her life Lucy has had cystic fibrosis and 10 years ago her quality of life was so bad that she decided to put her name on the waiting list for a lung transplant. Not an easy decision because of the risks linked with the operation. After the operation Lucy began to lead a normal life, exercising regularly, riding a bike and eventually travelling frequently worldwide. Lucy is passionate about telling people about the wonderful life-giving opportunities that organ transplant can give to very seriously ill patients, many of whom die while still on the waiting list. Lucy is a ‘transplant buddie’ at Wythenshawe Hospital and helps counsel patients waiting for a transplant. We were all inspired by her story and we were left with much to think about.
3. Cheese Tasting: 6 different cheeses were provided so that members could ‘guess the cheese’ after tasting all six. White or red wine was provided to help the cheese down! Identifying the cheeses proved tricky and the best table only got 3 correct!
4. Auction of Homemade Cake Stands to Raise Funds for ‘Early Essentials’: Amanda and Jennie donned white coats (on a hot evening), Jennie showed the sale goods and Amanda very ably auctioned off over 30 tiered cake stands that Dee had made for the 10th Anniversary party on the Sunday. About £120 was collected in a very entertaining way. Well done Amanda, Jennie and Dee!______________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON TEA 10TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS - JULY 2016
More afternoon tea! this time to celebrate the 10th birthday of Fulshaw WI and what a brilliant afternoon we had at the Phoenix Sports Club on Sunday 17th July 2016. We were entertained by Libra and Rick Powell, had a raffle with lots of fantastic prizes, admired the flowers and decorations prepared by the Sub Committee and had our photos taken wearing lots of silly clothes. The main event of the afternoon was however the afternoon tea. All prepared by the Refreshment Committee, we enjoyed a selection of sandwiches, Jennie's beautiful scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam which had been donated by The Cream Tea Association and this was followed by a variety of home made cakes. Dee had created lots of 2 and 3 tier cake stands which were auctioned off at our monthly meeting the next day. Once all the figures have been calculated, we will be able to confirm exactly how much profit we made on the afternoon and this will all be donated to Early Essentials.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON TEA AT WILMSLOW HIGH SCHOOL - JULY 2016
____________________________________________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON TEA AT WILMSLOW HIGH SCHOOL - JULY 2016
For the fourth year running, Wilmslow High School invited the ladies of Fulshaw WI to attend their Annual Afternoon Tea Celebrations on Thursday 14th July 2016. Eight ladies accepted and enjoyed a splendid array of sandwiches, scones and Victoria sandwich cake, all prepared and served by the Food Technology students. Throughout the event, there was entertainment by the School orchestra and jazz band who played a wide assortment of music, both classics and pop. From the 'full on' band to solo performances, the music was great. A collection followed the Afternoon Tea in aid of the Food Technology Department's Blast Chiller Fund.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
ORIENTEERING - JULY 2016
On Tuesday 12th July 2016, a group of 25 WI ladies from Fulshaw, Great Moor & District and Middlewood & Higher Poynton WIs met at the Governor's Pub before setting out on an orienteering challenge around the streets of Cheadle Hulme. We are hugely grateful to Kate Bryant and her husband Dave for organising this annual challenge and we were delighted that we could invite our local WIs to join us. Donna and Andrew were the winners on the night, Jane's team were runners up with Christine and her husband taking a respectable third place. Once back in the pub, there was time for socialising and a few well earned drinks.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
WILMSLOW SHOW - JULY 2016
Unfortunately Wilmslow show, planned for Sunday 10th July 2016, had to be cancelled because all the recent heavy rain has made the field at Wilmslow High School were it was due to be held, unfit to use. This was sad news for everyone concerned and meant that our planned joint stall with Row of Trees and could not go ahead.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PAINTING DAY - JULY 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
ORIENTEERING - JULY 2016
On Tuesday 12th July 2016, a group of 25 WI ladies from Fulshaw, Great Moor & District and Middlewood & Higher Poynton WIs met at the Governor's Pub before setting out on an orienteering challenge around the streets of Cheadle Hulme. We are hugely grateful to Kate Bryant and her husband Dave for organising this annual challenge and we were delighted that we could invite our local WIs to join us. Donna and Andrew were the winners on the night, Jane's team were runners up with Christine and her husband taking a respectable third place. Once back in the pub, there was time for socialising and a few well earned drinks.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
WILMSLOW SHOW - JULY 2016
Unfortunately Wilmslow show, planned for Sunday 10th July 2016, had to be cancelled because all the recent heavy rain has made the field at Wilmslow High School were it was due to be held, unfit to use. This was sad news for everyone concerned and meant that our planned joint stall with Row of Trees and could not go ahead.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PAINTING DAY - JULY 2016
Fourteen ladies, some first timers and other ladies who had attended the sea shore painting day earlier in the year, enjoyed the second of our one day art work shops, led by Allie Pottinger on Saturday 9th July 2016. Based on summer flowers, it proved to be a relaxing day with the opportunity to learn, create, chat and of course, eat cake!
Allie was an inspirational and helpful tutor and many ladies produced wonderful pictures of summer gardens.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Allie was an inspirational and helpful tutor and many ladies produced wonderful pictures of summer gardens.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
BIKE RIDE - JULY 2016
Having trained up on several of Jane's shorter bike rides, an intrepid group of ladies ventured out on a longer bike ride on Wednesday 6th July 2016. As well as a coping with a broken chain and lost glasses, they enjoyed the delights of the Cheshire countryside and also the lovely café at the Plantation Garden Centre in Plumley. For the third year running, the annual long bike ride has been blessed with good weather.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
MANCHESTER MIDNIGHT WALK - JUNE 2016
On Friday evening, 24th June 2016, Wendy, Sarah and Sheila joined a group of WI ladies from the NECG to participate in the Manchester Midnight Walk, in aid of St Anne's Hospice. They set off at midnight with over 1,500 other walkers to walk the 10K route around Manchester city centre and the 3 ladies from Fulshaw completed the course in just 1hour 50 minutes. A great, fun filled evening in aid of such a great charity. So far, around £1,700 has been collected on the NECG giving page and donations are still being gratefully received.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - JUNE 2016
The chosen book for June was Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, a choice inspired by our visit to Elizabeth Gaskell House earlier this year. Many thanks to Dot Bracegirdle for leading a light hearted and interesting discussion of the book. Although not as well loved as some of our other books, it was agreed that it gave an good reflection of what life was like for the ladies of Cranford/Knutsford. As a result of this, we are hoping to arrange a guided tour of Knutsford which will highlight the shops and residencies that would have been frequented by the Cranford Ladies as well as viewing the childhood home of Elizabeth Gaskell and the church where she married. Watch out for further details.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The chosen book for June was Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, a choice inspired by our visit to Elizabeth Gaskell House earlier this year. Many thanks to Dot Bracegirdle for leading a light hearted and interesting discussion of the book. Although not as well loved as some of our other books, it was agreed that it gave an good reflection of what life was like for the ladies of Cranford/Knutsford. As a result of this, we are hoping to arrange a guided tour of Knutsford which will highlight the shops and residencies that would have been frequented by the Cranford Ladies as well as viewing the childhood home of Elizabeth Gaskell and the church where she married. Watch out for further details.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
WOMEN WHO MADE MANCHESTER - JUNE 2016
Anne Beswick, Manchester tour guide, gave an illustrated talk about women who made Manchester great. Ann mentioned the names of 14 significant Manchester women and gave us more details on the 7 that she had selected to tell us about from her own research. Ann is now a Green badge tour guide for Manchester after her previous life as a teacher and a gardener. Ann started her talk in the 18th Century when women began to work in the woollen and cotton industries in the North West. During this time she said that there were opportunities for strong women to make their own unique careers.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Anne Beswick, Manchester tour guide, gave an illustrated talk about women who made Manchester great. Ann mentioned the names of 14 significant Manchester women and gave us more details on the 7 that she had selected to tell us about from her own research. Ann is now a Green badge tour guide for Manchester after her previous life as a teacher and a gardener. Ann started her talk in the 18th Century when women began to work in the woollen and cotton industries in the North West. During this time she said that there were opportunities for strong women to make their own unique careers.
- Elizabeth Raffald (1733-1781): the first ‘domestic goddess’ who made the first Manchester Street map, wrote the first ever cookery book and wrote a book on midwifery. This all during a life giving birth to 16 daughters of whom only 3 survived. Elizabeth is to be immensely admired.
- Anne Lee (1736-1784): after her own personal unhappy life having been committed to an Asylum, she was then inspired to start the extreme religious ‘Shaker’ movement and she took it over to New York.
- Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) was a very significant woman in literature and social reform. She is best known for her books – Mary Barton, The Cranford novellas and Ruth.
- Lydia Becker (1827-1890): a botanist who started the Suffragist movement.
- Elizabeth Wolstenholme (1833-1914): an ardent feminist, suffragist and poet.
- Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928) is probably the best known of these ‘Manchester Women’ and has been named as one of the most important people of the 20th Century. She was of course a political activist and leader of the Suffragette movement. She also founded the Womens Social and Political Union (WSPU) and her daughter Christabel is almost as well known.
- Marie Stopes (1880-1958) was a paleo botanist and the first female lecturer at Manchester University. She was a pioneer in sexual health and birth control and wrote the first popular sex manual in Britain. She also started the first birth control clinics so Marie is also an extremely important figure in Manchester and the rest of the UK.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
STORY OF A WHITE WEDDING - JUNE 2016.
Six ladies exprienced a visual and amusing journey of the wedding dress on Saturday 10th June 2016 at Macclesfield Silk Museum. Lucy Adlington from A History of Wardrobe had a tale to tell about each original dress, one from each decade, which were all modelled by her assistant Meredith Towne. Can you guess which decades are shown above? Click on the photos to find out! Thanks to Lorna for arranging this lovely afternoon out.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TABLEY HALL VISIT - JUNE 2016
Fulshaw WI ladies enjoyed a tour of Tabley House, the only 18th Century Palladian house in Cheshire, on Thursday 9th June 2016. The ladies admired a wide array of paintings, porcelain and furniture as well as a 17th Century Chapel that had been moved to a nearby 'island' due to subsidence. Following the tour, in great WI tradition, they visited the tea rooms and enjoyed massive pieces of cake. Another great outing organised by Jane.
________________________________________________________________
MIKRON THEATRE - JUNE 2016
A great performance of the Canary Girls by the Mikron Theatre Company at Flixton High School on Friday 3rd June 2016. We saw the same company perform last year and so we had high expectations this year, but we were not disappointed! Thanks to the Social Lites for organising the evening and providing delicious cakes, great entertainment and a chance to meet old and new friends alike.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
MIKRON THEATRE - JUNE 2016
A great performance of the Canary Girls by the Mikron Theatre Company at Flixton High School on Friday 3rd June 2016. We saw the same company perform last year and so we had high expectations this year, but we were not disappointed! Thanks to the Social Lites for organising the evening and providing delicious cakes, great entertainment and a chance to meet old and new friends alike.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
EVENING BIKE RIDE - JUNE 2016
A group of our ladies enjoyed a lovely evening cycle ride around the Cheshire lanes on Thursday 2nd June 2016. Blessed with good weather, they followed Jane along quiet roads and country paths and then enjoyed some liquid refreshment at the Rifleman's pub to round the evening off.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
A group of our ladies enjoyed a lovely evening cycle ride around the Cheshire lanes on Thursday 2nd June 2016. Blessed with good weather, they followed Jane along quiet roads and country paths and then enjoyed some liquid refreshment at the Rifleman's pub to round the evening off.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
HIGHGROVE TRIP - MAY 2016
32 ladies from Fulshaw and Didsbury WIs enjoyed an overnight stay and visits to Highgrove, Bourton on the Water and Stow on the Wold on Tuesday and Wednesday, 24th and 25th May 2016. The gardens at Highgrove were the highlight of the trip but unfortunately no cameras, so no photos! A great couple of days with lovely friendships and companionship.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
32 ladies from Fulshaw and Didsbury WIs enjoyed an overnight stay and visits to Highgrove, Bourton on the Water and Stow on the Wold on Tuesday and Wednesday, 24th and 25th May 2016. The gardens at Highgrove were the highlight of the trip but unfortunately no cameras, so no photos! A great couple of days with lovely friendships and companionship.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MORNING WALK - MAY 2016
Five ladies enjoyed a pleasant walk around Wilmslow and Styal on Tuesday 17th May 2016. As Jane always likes to ring the changes, we started this morning walk from a post box with its very own post code. The weather was kind to us and the sun shone as we walked along some lovely footpaths. One tradition we are always keen to maintain is a coffee stop during the walk and the visit we made to Wilmslow garden centre did not disappoint.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Five ladies enjoyed a pleasant walk around Wilmslow and Styal on Tuesday 17th May 2016. As Jane always likes to ring the changes, we started this morning walk from a post box with its very own post code. The weather was kind to us and the sun shone as we walked along some lovely footpaths. One tradition we are always keen to maintain is a coffee stop during the walk and the visit we made to Wilmslow garden centre did not disappoint.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
3 Cs - CHRISTIES, CANCER and CANCER RESEARCH UK - MAY 2016
Professor Andrew Hughes gave an extremely thought provoking and informative talk entitled ’3Cs: Christie, Cancer and Cancer research UK’. Andrew began with an 11 question quiz relating to cancer in the UK e.g What % of people will get cancer in their life time? (Answer 50%); How many different types of cancer are there? (Answer 200); How much does it cost to develop a new cancer drug? (Answer £1 Billion)......etc. Needless to say most of us scored 5 or lower. But this was a great way of getting facts across to us. Tumours may take 5 -10 years to reach a size of 0.5cm and they are difficult to detect and after diagnosis there are a number of strategies taken to treat cancers. But often patients may have to take one drug after another to try to cure the cancer with all the side effects involved.
Andrew is Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust and he leads a team carrying out clinical trials of new cancer drugs. He is also developing new techniques to match the best drug to each cancer type. Currently only 10% of drugs entering into Clinical Trials are successful. Also a cancer patient taking part in a clinical trial only stands a 5% chance of being successfully treated. Andrew then explained the technique in cancer treatment of using DNA sequencing of tissue sample DNA to find the exact mutation causing the cancer, in order to select the best drug. This approach has the much improved treatment success rate of 30 -70%. There are now 50-60 DNA sequences that have been recognised as causing a wide range of cancers and now clinicians have 33 drugs to match these sequences. So more targeted drugs are urgently needed. However diagnosis and treatment are clearly being rapidly improved as techniques advance. The current research that Andrew and his team are pioneering is to use blood samples for the DNA sequencing instead of the more invasive tissue sampling.
We were very lucky to be able to hear about the latest cancer treatment research from Professor Hughes who is one of the foremost authorities in the world in this area of cancer research. Andrew told us of his career path that started in Liverpool when he wanted to be a bus driver! However an inspirational Chemistry teacher managed to get him to settle down to work and Andrew became absorbed by science and he studied Medicine at Cambridge. This led him to do a PhD followed by cardiology and research in the coronary care unit and then onto drug development at Astra Zenenca and finally to the Christie Hospital.
Cancer has taken the lives of many people close to WI members present and all of us were very moved as Andrew played us a video to the sound track of ’Everybody Hurts’ by R.E.M. showing photographs of many well known and well loved people from many walks of life who had succumbed to cancer or who are living with it. 50% of us escape cancer in our lives but many will live with it and many more will be cured as a result of the innovative techniques being poineered at the Christie hospital under the leadership of Professor Hughes and his collaborators.
Andrew answered a wide range of questions and then Amanda gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to Andrew for an inspiring talk that had helped members better understand how cancer is being combatted. Andrew was given a spontaneous round of applause for an excellent talk.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Professor Andrew Hughes gave an extremely thought provoking and informative talk entitled ’3Cs: Christie, Cancer and Cancer research UK’. Andrew began with an 11 question quiz relating to cancer in the UK e.g What % of people will get cancer in their life time? (Answer 50%); How many different types of cancer are there? (Answer 200); How much does it cost to develop a new cancer drug? (Answer £1 Billion)......etc. Needless to say most of us scored 5 or lower. But this was a great way of getting facts across to us. Tumours may take 5 -10 years to reach a size of 0.5cm and they are difficult to detect and after diagnosis there are a number of strategies taken to treat cancers. But often patients may have to take one drug after another to try to cure the cancer with all the side effects involved.
Andrew is Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust and he leads a team carrying out clinical trials of new cancer drugs. He is also developing new techniques to match the best drug to each cancer type. Currently only 10% of drugs entering into Clinical Trials are successful. Also a cancer patient taking part in a clinical trial only stands a 5% chance of being successfully treated. Andrew then explained the technique in cancer treatment of using DNA sequencing of tissue sample DNA to find the exact mutation causing the cancer, in order to select the best drug. This approach has the much improved treatment success rate of 30 -70%. There are now 50-60 DNA sequences that have been recognised as causing a wide range of cancers and now clinicians have 33 drugs to match these sequences. So more targeted drugs are urgently needed. However diagnosis and treatment are clearly being rapidly improved as techniques advance. The current research that Andrew and his team are pioneering is to use blood samples for the DNA sequencing instead of the more invasive tissue sampling.
We were very lucky to be able to hear about the latest cancer treatment research from Professor Hughes who is one of the foremost authorities in the world in this area of cancer research. Andrew told us of his career path that started in Liverpool when he wanted to be a bus driver! However an inspirational Chemistry teacher managed to get him to settle down to work and Andrew became absorbed by science and he studied Medicine at Cambridge. This led him to do a PhD followed by cardiology and research in the coronary care unit and then onto drug development at Astra Zenenca and finally to the Christie Hospital.
Cancer has taken the lives of many people close to WI members present and all of us were very moved as Andrew played us a video to the sound track of ’Everybody Hurts’ by R.E.M. showing photographs of many well known and well loved people from many walks of life who had succumbed to cancer or who are living with it. 50% of us escape cancer in our lives but many will live with it and many more will be cured as a result of the innovative techniques being poineered at the Christie hospital under the leadership of Professor Hughes and his collaborators.
Andrew answered a wide range of questions and then Amanda gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to Andrew for an inspiring talk that had helped members better understand how cancer is being combatted. Andrew was given a spontaneous round of applause for an excellent talk.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
NECG WALK - MAY 2016
A group of Fulshaw ladies joined the NECG walk on Wednesday 11th May 2016 for a lovely walk around Styal and the surrounding countryside. A total of 26 ladies representing 9 branches of the NECG made for a great day out and thanks go to everyone who helped make it happen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
STOCKPORT PLAZA and AIR RAID SHELTERS - MAY 2016
A group of Fulshaw ladies joined the NECG walk on Wednesday 11th May 2016 for a lovely walk around Styal and the surrounding countryside. A total of 26 ladies representing 9 branches of the NECG made for a great day out and thanks go to everyone who helped make it happen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
STOCKPORT PLAZA and AIR RAID SHELTERS - MAY 2016
A group of 12 ladies visited Stockport Plaza, enjoyed a sandwich and scone lunch and then went onto to a tour of the nearby Air Raid Shelters on Tuesday 10th May 2015.
The tour of the Plaza included a talk on the fascinating history of this Art Deco building as well as visiting areas not usually seen by the public. It was built in 1932 in Mersey Square, following the compulsory purchase of the ten cottages which were located at the base of sandstone rock face into which it was finally located after digging out 10,000 tons of rocks.
The Air Raid Shelters also proved to be another interesting history lesson and it started with the sounds of the sirens and the declaration of war. We learned that during some raids as many as 4,000 people used the shelters, with people travelling from Manchester in bus loads to gain safety.
Thanks to Dee for organising such a great day out.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The tour of the Plaza included a talk on the fascinating history of this Art Deco building as well as visiting areas not usually seen by the public. It was built in 1932 in Mersey Square, following the compulsory purchase of the ten cottages which were located at the base of sandstone rock face into which it was finally located after digging out 10,000 tons of rocks.
The Air Raid Shelters also proved to be another interesting history lesson and it started with the sounds of the sirens and the declaration of war. We learned that during some raids as many as 4,000 people used the shelters, with people travelling from Manchester in bus loads to gain safety.
Thanks to Dee for organising such a great day out.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CYCLE RIDE - MAY 2016
The first cycle ride of the year took place on Wednesday 4th May 2016 and 7 bikers enjoyed cycling along the lanes around Mobberley in glorious sunshine. En route, they stopped at Quirkeee Café and sat outside to take in more of those much awaited rays! Rosemary and Fiona were escorted back to Wilmslow by Maurice, Jennie's husband, whilst the rest of the group carried on and cycled a slightly longer route home.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The first cycle ride of the year took place on Wednesday 4th May 2016 and 7 bikers enjoyed cycling along the lanes around Mobberley in glorious sunshine. En route, they stopped at Quirkeee Café and sat outside to take in more of those much awaited rays! Rosemary and Fiona were escorted back to Wilmslow by Maurice, Jennie's husband, whilst the rest of the group carried on and cycled a slightly longer route home.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - APRIL 2016
Nine ladies met at The Rifleman's on Thursday 28th April 2016 to discuss the book chosen by Jennie, 'Eleanor and Park' by Rainbow Rowell. This story or teenage love was enjoyed by most and proved to be a reminder for some of their own first loves.
We will be taking a complete change of writing style and content for our next book 'Cranford' by Elizabeth Gaskell.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Nine ladies met at The Rifleman's on Thursday 28th April 2016 to discuss the book chosen by Jennie, 'Eleanor and Park' by Rainbow Rowell. This story or teenage love was enjoyed by most and proved to be a reminder for some of their own first loves.
We will be taking a complete change of writing style and content for our next book 'Cranford' by Elizabeth Gaskell.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - APRIL 2016
Another event on Tuesday 26th April, this time with 12 ladies and Wendy's 2 sons enjoying a great performance of 'Singin in the Rain' at the Brookdale Theatre in Bramhall. We watched a fine selection of dancing and singing, but without a doubt, the star of the chorus line was definitely our very own Rosemary who gave a stunning performance and who never stopped smiling all evening. Well done Rosemary!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Another event on Tuesday 26th April, this time with 12 ladies and Wendy's 2 sons enjoying a great performance of 'Singin in the Rain' at the Brookdale Theatre in Bramhall. We watched a fine selection of dancing and singing, but without a doubt, the star of the chorus line was definitely our very own Rosemary who gave a stunning performance and who never stopped smiling all evening. Well done Rosemary!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
TEN PIN BOWLING AGAIN! - APRIL 2016
The ten pin bowling mornings have proved to be very popular and so Dee is now kindly organising them on a regular basis. 12 ladies, some new and some regulars, enjoyed a couple of games of ten pin bowling on Tuesday 26th April 2026 at Macclesfield Superbowl. Their hard work was rewarded with an egg or bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee or tea. Look out for the next event, scheduled to take place sometime in June.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The ten pin bowling mornings have proved to be very popular and so Dee is now kindly organising them on a regular basis. 12 ladies, some new and some regulars, enjoyed a couple of games of ten pin bowling on Tuesday 26th April 2026 at Macclesfield Superbowl. Their hard work was rewarded with an egg or bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee or tea. Look out for the next event, scheduled to take place sometime in June.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PAINTING DAY - APRIL 2016
A group of 14 ladies enjoyed a fabulous day recently and unearthed some hidden talents with the help of Allie Pottinger. Allie is a local artist who lead the art workshop on Saturday 24th April 2016 and by the end of the day, everyone has produced a seaside sketch to take home. The artwork was enjoyed, as were the Bucks Fizz and homemade cakes that made an appearance!
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
SMALL PERSON IN A TALL PERSONS WORLD - APRIL 2016
Penny Dean OBE gave us an inspirational talk entitled ’Small in a Tall Persons World’ and she kept us entirely engrossed for 60 minutes with her very wide ranging talk on her life story. Penny told us about the problems she faced growing up with dwarfism and about the charity work that she and her husband Arthur have done and are doing to coach children with dwarfism in the field of national and international sport.
Penny was born into a ’tall family’ with tall siblings and she did not know she was different until she went to school but she made friends easily and only realised how difficult life could be when she went to secondary school where she was bullied for her small size. Penny’s mother was always very positive and gave Penny a strong self image to cope with the many problems of her smallness in a tall world.
Going to the circus one day changed her life forever as she met Arthur, a circus dwarf clown, and they built a relationship that led to marriage when Penny was 16! They stayed in the circus for three years and then left to have a family and settle down. Penny now has three grown up children who also have dwarfism. One was her own child and two were adopted as their tall parents did not want to bring up dwarf children. However Penny told us movingly that in trying to give birth to her own children she and Arthur had very sadly lost two babies, one prematurely at 28 weeks and one after 10 months of life. Her three children all lead very normal lives and have gone through higher education and all now have jobs and are very happy.
One of Penny’s major roles in life is to find adoptive parents for babies with dwarfism that have been rejected by their tall parents. She has managed to successfully place 15 babies through her charity ’Little People UK’ with other families with dwarfism. Penny & Arthur have set up the Dwarf Sports Association UK (www.dsauk.org) to promote the teaching of sports to children and young people with restricted growth and they train children from the age of 2. Ellie Simmonds who won gold medals (and the hearts of the nation!) at the 2012 London Paralympic Games was trained through this system and is now the charity patron. Ellie was ’the face of the paralympics’ and they are immensely proud of her. Many sports are taught e.g. swimming, running, weight lifting, football and many others.
Penny runs the NW region of the DSAUK in the UK who are involved in coaching the athletes and raising money for competitors to attend both international and national dwarf sport competitions. The World Dwarf Sports are held regularly around the world and at the last one in Michigan the UK won 188 medals. Penny and Arthur were both awarded OBEs last year at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their work in setting up and running the DSAUK. Penny explained to us that she is passionate about ’the integration of difference’ for people with dwarfism in the wider community and that she is working to hard to change the negative attitudes that have prevailed.
Penny’s inspirational talk opened our eyes to a world that we were almost unaware of. We were left feeling an immense respect for Penny and Arthur and their life time of achievement in massively improving the quality of life and the happiness of small people in a tall world.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Penny Dean OBE gave us an inspirational talk entitled ’Small in a Tall Persons World’ and she kept us entirely engrossed for 60 minutes with her very wide ranging talk on her life story. Penny told us about the problems she faced growing up with dwarfism and about the charity work that she and her husband Arthur have done and are doing to coach children with dwarfism in the field of national and international sport.
Penny was born into a ’tall family’ with tall siblings and she did not know she was different until she went to school but she made friends easily and only realised how difficult life could be when she went to secondary school where she was bullied for her small size. Penny’s mother was always very positive and gave Penny a strong self image to cope with the many problems of her smallness in a tall world.
Going to the circus one day changed her life forever as she met Arthur, a circus dwarf clown, and they built a relationship that led to marriage when Penny was 16! They stayed in the circus for three years and then left to have a family and settle down. Penny now has three grown up children who also have dwarfism. One was her own child and two were adopted as their tall parents did not want to bring up dwarf children. However Penny told us movingly that in trying to give birth to her own children she and Arthur had very sadly lost two babies, one prematurely at 28 weeks and one after 10 months of life. Her three children all lead very normal lives and have gone through higher education and all now have jobs and are very happy.
One of Penny’s major roles in life is to find adoptive parents for babies with dwarfism that have been rejected by their tall parents. She has managed to successfully place 15 babies through her charity ’Little People UK’ with other families with dwarfism. Penny & Arthur have set up the Dwarf Sports Association UK (www.dsauk.org) to promote the teaching of sports to children and young people with restricted growth and they train children from the age of 2. Ellie Simmonds who won gold medals (and the hearts of the nation!) at the 2012 London Paralympic Games was trained through this system and is now the charity patron. Ellie was ’the face of the paralympics’ and they are immensely proud of her. Many sports are taught e.g. swimming, running, weight lifting, football and many others.
Penny runs the NW region of the DSAUK in the UK who are involved in coaching the athletes and raising money for competitors to attend both international and national dwarf sport competitions. The World Dwarf Sports are held regularly around the world and at the last one in Michigan the UK won 188 medals. Penny and Arthur were both awarded OBEs last year at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their work in setting up and running the DSAUK. Penny explained to us that she is passionate about ’the integration of difference’ for people with dwarfism in the wider community and that she is working to hard to change the negative attitudes that have prevailed.
Penny’s inspirational talk opened our eyes to a world that we were almost unaware of. We were left feeling an immense respect for Penny and Arthur and their life time of achievement in massively improving the quality of life and the happiness of small people in a tall world.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
NECG SPRING MEETING - APRIL 2016
A group of 20 ladies from Fulshaw joined an audience of 200 other NECG members on the evening of Wednesday 13th April 2016 to listen to a talk given by Graham Walton, father of the only all female sextuplets in the world. Graham gave an amusing and sometimes heart-rending account of their family life since the birth of the girls 32 years ago.
Fulshaw were also delighted to learn that our very own Susie Withington was runner up in the decorated card competition. Congratulations to her and we hope she enjoys spending her John Lewis voucher.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A group of 20 ladies from Fulshaw joined an audience of 200 other NECG members on the evening of Wednesday 13th April 2016 to listen to a talk given by Graham Walton, father of the only all female sextuplets in the world. Graham gave an amusing and sometimes heart-rending account of their family life since the birth of the girls 32 years ago.
Fulshaw were also delighted to learn that our very own Susie Withington was runner up in the decorated card competition. Congratulations to her and we hope she enjoys spending her John Lewis voucher.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
NEW MEMBERS EVENING - APRIL 2016
A great evening was enjoyed by new members, committee members and existing members alike at the Old Dancer on Monday 11th April 2016. The evening comprised of a quiz, people's bingo and silly games - all aimed at having fun and getting to know everyone. The evening was rounded off with some delicious platters of refreshments. Thanks to everyone involved, especially Wendy for her brilliant organisation of the evening.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A great evening was enjoyed by new members, committee members and existing members alike at the Old Dancer on Monday 11th April 2016. The evening comprised of a quiz, people's bingo and silly games - all aimed at having fun and getting to know everyone. The evening was rounded off with some delicious platters of refreshments. Thanks to everyone involved, especially Wendy for her brilliant organisation of the evening.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON WALK - APRIL 2016
Another lovely walk on Wednesday 6th April on a day with a great mix of weather, including hailstones, torrential rain and bright sunshine. The walk started in Alderley Edge and then headed up to The Wizard at Alderley Edge via unknown lanes and woods. As always, refreshments were enjoyed after the walk. Thanks to Jackie for leading us.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON WALK - MARCH 2016
Six ladies enjoyed a relaxing walk starting and finishing in Prestbury on Wednesday 23rd March 2016. We headed to Tytherington and then out towards Macclesfield, through Riverside Park before going back to Prestbury where we looked round St Peter's Church including the Norman Chapel which dates back to the early 12th century. Walk and history lesson over, we made our way over to The Chocolate Box, where we enjoyed some lovely afternoon refreshments. Thanks Jane!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
ARC VETS - MARCH 2016
Dave Walker of the Ark veterinary surgery in Mobberley, talked to us for an hour and the time flew by as he kept us totally entertained. He told us about his life as a vet with many amazing and often amusing anecdotes about the various animals and situations he had encountered during his professional career. At the age of 10 he had been allowed by his local vet in Dewsbury to help out every day after school treating animals and he had continued to do this until he went to London University to train as a vet. After being a vet in Hampshire, Knutsford, Denbydale and Bolton he finally set up the Ark practice in 1999 in Mobberley (with another clinic in Northwich) and he now has 6 vets and 25 staff working for him. They have a wide range of diagnostic equipment ‘in house’ which saves vital time and thus saves lives of seriously ill or injured animals.
Dave is passionate about his work and has a wide experience of treating a huge range of farm animals, birds, family pets, zoo animals, wild animals and exotic pets. To be a good vet Dave says it’s vital to love the animals but to like the people more! We learned (among many things!) that it is possible to anaesthetise and operate on Koi carp (each worth up to £35K), to open up a tortoise for internal surgery and that he helped save the life of a critically ill baby elephant at the Elephant orphanage in Nairobi. Hippos, crocodiles and flamingos also featured in his endlessly entertaining dash through his life as a vet!
He gets involved with a wide range of other animal related activities such as export and import of animals, the Big Cat Diaries for the BBC, Charity Guide dogs and the international rescue dogs, based in Knutsford, to name but a few. Dave ended his entertaining hour by showing us a range of weird pieces of equipment used for various vet ‘jobs’ e.g. castration, dehorning, and many others.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - MARCH 2016
Another interesting debate about this month's book, 'A God in Ruins' by Kate Atkinson. The general consensus was that people enjoyed the book, especially the unexpected ending. Thanks to Dot for leading the discussions and for the time she spent getting to know the book so well.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
SHOOTING AGAIN! - MARCH 2016
Another lovely walk on Wednesday 6th April on a day with a great mix of weather, including hailstones, torrential rain and bright sunshine. The walk started in Alderley Edge and then headed up to The Wizard at Alderley Edge via unknown lanes and woods. As always, refreshments were enjoyed after the walk. Thanks to Jackie for leading us.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON WALK - MARCH 2016
Six ladies enjoyed a relaxing walk starting and finishing in Prestbury on Wednesday 23rd March 2016. We headed to Tytherington and then out towards Macclesfield, through Riverside Park before going back to Prestbury where we looked round St Peter's Church including the Norman Chapel which dates back to the early 12th century. Walk and history lesson over, we made our way over to The Chocolate Box, where we enjoyed some lovely afternoon refreshments. Thanks Jane!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
ARC VETS - MARCH 2016
Dave Walker of the Ark veterinary surgery in Mobberley, talked to us for an hour and the time flew by as he kept us totally entertained. He told us about his life as a vet with many amazing and often amusing anecdotes about the various animals and situations he had encountered during his professional career. At the age of 10 he had been allowed by his local vet in Dewsbury to help out every day after school treating animals and he had continued to do this until he went to London University to train as a vet. After being a vet in Hampshire, Knutsford, Denbydale and Bolton he finally set up the Ark practice in 1999 in Mobberley (with another clinic in Northwich) and he now has 6 vets and 25 staff working for him. They have a wide range of diagnostic equipment ‘in house’ which saves vital time and thus saves lives of seriously ill or injured animals.
Dave is passionate about his work and has a wide experience of treating a huge range of farm animals, birds, family pets, zoo animals, wild animals and exotic pets. To be a good vet Dave says it’s vital to love the animals but to like the people more! We learned (among many things!) that it is possible to anaesthetise and operate on Koi carp (each worth up to £35K), to open up a tortoise for internal surgery and that he helped save the life of a critically ill baby elephant at the Elephant orphanage in Nairobi. Hippos, crocodiles and flamingos also featured in his endlessly entertaining dash through his life as a vet!
He gets involved with a wide range of other animal related activities such as export and import of animals, the Big Cat Diaries for the BBC, Charity Guide dogs and the international rescue dogs, based in Knutsford, to name but a few. Dave ended his entertaining hour by showing us a range of weird pieces of equipment used for various vet ‘jobs’ e.g. castration, dehorning, and many others.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB - MARCH 2016
Another interesting debate about this month's book, 'A God in Ruins' by Kate Atkinson. The general consensus was that people enjoyed the book, especially the unexpected ending. Thanks to Dot for leading the discussions and for the time she spent getting to know the book so well.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
SHOOTING AGAIN! - MARCH 2016
Another great night of shooting. Dee, Helen and Wendy came again to hone their shooting skills and nine ladies tried it out for the first time. After a practice session, the competition began and then the results were eagerly awaited. Handicap points were added to the three returners, scores added and the places were announced in reverse order.Helen and Iris were joint third, Liz won a silver medal and Justine took gold position. Well done to everyone and also thanks for contributing to the array of food that was enjoyed by all. Also, a big thanks to Wendy for suggesting and organising both evenings.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
THE PANKHURST CENTRE AND ELIZABETH GASKELL HOUSE - MARCH 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________
THE PANKHURST CENTRE AND ELIZABETH GASKELL HOUSE - MARCH 2016
Fifteen ladies enjoyed fascinating and thought-provoking visits to The Pankhurst Centre followed by Elizabeth Gaskell House on Thursday 10th March 2016. The Pankhurst Centre was the birthplace of the Suffragette movement and now also serves as a woman's community centre. Whilst there, we were lucky enough to meet Helen Pankhurst, Emmeline Pankhurst's great-granddaughter, who now lives in Ethiopia and like her forebears before her, is heavily involved in campaigning on women's rights.
Next, we moved on to visit Elizabeth Gaskell House where we saw inside the house where Elizabeth Gaskell lived for 15 years with her husband and four daughters and where she wrote most of he famous novels including Cranford and North and South as well as the biography of her friend Charlotte Bronte. Thank you Jane for organising such a great day with so many unexpected treats!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Next, we moved on to visit Elizabeth Gaskell House where we saw inside the house where Elizabeth Gaskell lived for 15 years with her husband and four daughters and where she wrote most of he famous novels including Cranford and North and South as well as the biography of her friend Charlotte Bronte. Thank you Jane for organising such a great day with so many unexpected treats!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
STARLIGHT EXPRESS - MARCH 2016
A group of ladies went to see Starlight Express at the Wilmslow Leisure Centre on Tuesday 9th March. The performance, produced by the Tempo Leisure Theatre, Wilmslow was amazing. If you haven't been, its well worth trying to get tickets.
Thanks to Amanda and Pat P for getting us there.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
RIFLE SHOOTING - MARCH 2016
A group of ladies went to see Starlight Express at the Wilmslow Leisure Centre on Tuesday 9th March. The performance, produced by the Tempo Leisure Theatre, Wilmslow was amazing. If you haven't been, its well worth trying to get tickets.
Thanks to Amanda and Pat P for getting us there.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
RIFLE SHOOTING - MARCH 2016
A great evening as several members had a go at rifle shooting for the first time on Tuesday 1st March. Dee was the Gold medal winner of the night, with Silver going to Margaret and Bronze to Pat with Wendy winning the Best Single shot - cross these ladies at your peril! Other, more traditional WI pursuits such as knitting and cake eating were also enjoyed. Another evening has been arranged for Tuesday 15th March and there are still a few places available. Contact Wendy for more info or to book.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CHESHIRE FEDERATION COUNCIL MEETING - MARCH 2016
At the Annual Council Meeting, held on Tuesday 1st March, Frances Woollam handed over the 'Chain of Office' to the new Federation Chairman, Jean Harding. Speakers on the day included the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Bill Holroyd who spoke about his YouthZone scheme and Lynne Stubbings, NFWI Vice-Chair, who spoke about the history of the WI and explained how she is one of our 'Inspiring Women'.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CHESHIRE FEDERATION COUNCIL MEETING - MARCH 2016
At the Annual Council Meeting, held on Tuesday 1st March, Frances Woollam handed over the 'Chain of Office' to the new Federation Chairman, Jean Harding. Speakers on the day included the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Bill Holroyd who spoke about his YouthZone scheme and Lynne Stubbings, NFWI Vice-Chair, who spoke about the history of the WI and explained how she is one of our 'Inspiring Women'.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TEN PIN BOWLING - FEBRUARY 2016
Due to popular demand, Dee organised another ten pin bowling event which took place on Tuesday 23rd February 2016. A group of eager ladies had strikes and high fives aplenty, as well as some disappointing gully balls, before tucking into their sausage and egg barm cakes. Great value and great fun - thanks Dee!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Due to popular demand, Dee organised another ten pin bowling event which took place on Tuesday 23rd February 2016. A group of eager ladies had strikes and high fives aplenty, as well as some disappointing gully balls, before tucking into their sausage and egg barm cakes. Great value and great fun - thanks Dee!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
DECORATING CUPCAKES - FEBRUARY 2016
Dee Waugh of Sweet Temptation gave us a brilliant demonstration of how to convert a cup cake, some icing, a sugar twist and some tiny decorations into a 'Jimmy Choo' style shoe. We were all inspired by this, and happily she provided us with two cup cakes each, plus all the other items we needed to make a pair of shoes each to take home. Everyone had great fun and enjoyed a very sociable evening. Dee was deservedly warmly thanked.
___________________________________________________________________
MORNING WALK - FEBRUARY 2016
A group of 8 met at Lindow Common Car Park on Tuesday 16th February and from there, enjoyed a walk in cold but bright conditions. They made their way over fields and paths to Morley Green Garden Centre where they stopped for tea and cake before heading back to the car park to pick up their cars and then two of the group headed off to work. What commitment!
Jane, as usual led the walk, and we look forward to the calendar of walks and bike rides she has arranged for us from now up until the summer months.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
DEADLY BEAUTY - FEBRUARY 2016
A group of 10 ladies enjoyed a fascinating insight into the world of beauty in the 17th Century and some of the lengths that ladies of that era went to, all in the name of beauty. For example, they believed that the use of urine would help maintain a beautiful complexion, though in reality it had the opposite effect, creating pot marks in the skin leading to the need for decorations to cover the holes! Ladies thinned their eyebrows and then stuck mouse skin on instead. Oh how lucky we are with our sophisticated beauty regimes. Tea and large slices of cake made a pleasant finish to the afternoon.
________________________________________________________________________________________
There was lots of interesting debate about the chosen book 'The Sunrise' by Victoria Hislop at the Book Club meeting on Thursday 11th February. Everyone agreed that 'The Island', Victoria's first novel was a much better read, however, although some enjoyed 'The Island' more than others, we all felt that it was an important read as it highlighted the terrible happenings that took place in Cyprus, relatively recently.
________________________________________________________________________________________
DINNER AT THE ITALIAN LAB - FEBRUARY 2016
18 ladies enjoyed an evening of food, wine and an Italian-themed quiz at the newly opened 'The Italian Lab' in Wilmslow on Monday 1st February. As well as an array of cichetti (small Italian dishes, often served in Venice), there was lots of laughter, conversation and interesting stories told, all of which added to the enjoyment of the evening. Thanks to Jane for masterminding and organising such a great evening.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
MORNING WALK - FEBRUARY 2016
A group of 8 met at Lindow Common Car Park on Tuesday 16th February and from there, enjoyed a walk in cold but bright conditions. They made their way over fields and paths to Morley Green Garden Centre where they stopped for tea and cake before heading back to the car park to pick up their cars and then two of the group headed off to work. What commitment!
Jane, as usual led the walk, and we look forward to the calendar of walks and bike rides she has arranged for us from now up until the summer months.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
DEADLY BEAUTY - FEBRUARY 2016
A group of 10 ladies enjoyed a fascinating insight into the world of beauty in the 17th Century and some of the lengths that ladies of that era went to, all in the name of beauty. For example, they believed that the use of urine would help maintain a beautiful complexion, though in reality it had the opposite effect, creating pot marks in the skin leading to the need for decorations to cover the holes! Ladies thinned their eyebrows and then stuck mouse skin on instead. Oh how lucky we are with our sophisticated beauty regimes. Tea and large slices of cake made a pleasant finish to the afternoon.
________________________________________________________________________________________
There was lots of interesting debate about the chosen book 'The Sunrise' by Victoria Hislop at the Book Club meeting on Thursday 11th February. Everyone agreed that 'The Island', Victoria's first novel was a much better read, however, although some enjoyed 'The Island' more than others, we all felt that it was an important read as it highlighted the terrible happenings that took place in Cyprus, relatively recently.
________________________________________________________________________________________
DINNER AT THE ITALIAN LAB - FEBRUARY 2016
18 ladies enjoyed an evening of food, wine and an Italian-themed quiz at the newly opened 'The Italian Lab' in Wilmslow on Monday 1st February. As well as an array of cichetti (small Italian dishes, often served in Venice), there was lots of laughter, conversation and interesting stories told, all of which added to the enjoyment of the evening. Thanks to Jane for masterminding and organising such a great evening.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
NECG WALK - JANUARY 2016
Wendy and Pauline joined ten other ladies from the NECG of WIs to enjoy their winter walk around Lyme Park on Friday 29th January. The walk began at Nelson's Pit car park in Higher Poynton, then went up into Lyme Park and a coffee stop and ended up back at the Boar's Head for lunch. The weather was mixed and there was a lot of mud but everyone had a great time. The next NECG walk will take place in May so watch out for more details.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Wendy and Pauline joined ten other ladies from the NECG of WIs to enjoy their winter walk around Lyme Park on Friday 29th January. The walk began at Nelson's Pit car park in Higher Poynton, then went up into Lyme Park and a coffee stop and ended up back at the Boar's Head for lunch. The weather was mixed and there was a lot of mud but everyone had a great time. The next NECG walk will take place in May so watch out for more details.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
COLOURING AFTERNOON - JANUARY 2016
A relaxing afternoon at the Old Dancer on Wednesday 27th January 2016. Around 15 ladies spent a couple of hours enjoying the latest craze of colouring which followed on nicely from the talk on Mindfulness at our last meeting. We coloured pictures and postcards and of course, we ate cake!!
Thanks to Jane for organising the event and also to all the ladies that kindly baked and provided us with such delicious goodies.
___________________________________________________________________
THE GIRLS, THEATRE VISIT - JANUARY 2016
Thanks to Jane for organising the event and also to all the ladies that kindly baked and provided us with such delicious goodies.
___________________________________________________________________
THE GIRLS, THEATRE VISIT - JANUARY 2016
There was a great turn out of ladies to see The Girls at The Lowry Theatre on Wednesday 20th January 2016 and they were all richly rewarded by a superb performance on the night. The Girls is a new musical, written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, inspired by the story of the Calendar Girls. It proved to be both hilarious as well as heart rending and the audience laughed and cried as a result. One not to be missed!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
MINDFULNESS - JANUARY 2016
The speaker was Jan Bloor who gave us a very absorbing talk on Mindfulness. Janet teaches mindfulness skills to schools, organisations and charities. She explained through the talk how the technique can help people to reduce stress and anxiety, improve their self-esteem, live more fully, deal with illness and pain, access greater calm and increase their ability to cope. She explained how people tend to constantly look back and imagine forward and often worry incessantly rather than ‘living in the moment’. We are all bombarded with information and are overloaded with work and looking after others. As a result we do not look after ourselves and we cannot switch off.
Mindfulness teaches us to pay attention to the moment and during the talk Jan asked us to do one minute exercises in switching our minds off and paying attention to breathing. The whole room was silent as we closed our eyes and focused in on the moment (the baby gurgled and the puppy chewed quietly on a bone!). Janet explained how mind and body are linked and the gut has its own neurons and reacts to stress as well as our brain. Stress reduces the immune system functioning in many ways making stressed people much more susceptible to illness. Mindfulness training will improve the ability of people to respond to stress in the future and help us to better control our mental and physical responses to challenging situations.
Jan and her colleague Jo run a variety of courses on Mindfulness and they can be contacted through their website www.mindfuloutlook.co.uk . Jan’s talk was very well received and she was warmly applauded.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
The speaker was Jan Bloor who gave us a very absorbing talk on Mindfulness. Janet teaches mindfulness skills to schools, organisations and charities. She explained through the talk how the technique can help people to reduce stress and anxiety, improve their self-esteem, live more fully, deal with illness and pain, access greater calm and increase their ability to cope. She explained how people tend to constantly look back and imagine forward and often worry incessantly rather than ‘living in the moment’. We are all bombarded with information and are overloaded with work and looking after others. As a result we do not look after ourselves and we cannot switch off.
Mindfulness teaches us to pay attention to the moment and during the talk Jan asked us to do one minute exercises in switching our minds off and paying attention to breathing. The whole room was silent as we closed our eyes and focused in on the moment (the baby gurgled and the puppy chewed quietly on a bone!). Janet explained how mind and body are linked and the gut has its own neurons and reacts to stress as well as our brain. Stress reduces the immune system functioning in many ways making stressed people much more susceptible to illness. Mindfulness training will improve the ability of people to respond to stress in the future and help us to better control our mental and physical responses to challenging situations.
Jan and her colleague Jo run a variety of courses on Mindfulness and they can be contacted through their website www.mindfuloutlook.co.uk . Jan’s talk was very well received and she was warmly applauded.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON WALK - JANUARY 2016
A small group of ladies enjoyed an afternoon walk on Wednesday 13th January.
En route to getting there, one lady got stuck in the horrendous traffic queues and another got lost in the Cheshire countryside, so neither managed to make the walk. Those that did had a very muddy walk on paths around Mobberley but were well rewarded with lovely tea and cakes at Barnshaw Smithy, the start and finish point for the walk. Our thanks to Jane for organising and leading another lovely walk.
En route to getting there, one lady got stuck in the horrendous traffic queues and another got lost in the Cheshire countryside, so neither managed to make the walk. Those that did had a very muddy walk on paths around Mobberley but were well rewarded with lovely tea and cakes at Barnshaw Smithy, the start and finish point for the walk. Our thanks to Jane for organising and leading another lovely walk.