Newsletters and Monthly Meeting reports 

RECORD OF THE W.I. MEMBERS’ MEETING – 1st November 2021

The meeting was attended by 28 members. and 1 visitor.

Janine Hampton welcomed everyone to the meeting and our WI members sang “Jerusalem”.

Janine reminded everyone about the fire exits and general safety when leaving the Hall after the meeting. She thanked Margery Hall for providing the flowers which would be given to Pat Plumb at Margery’s request.

 

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WAS THEN HELD. See separate minutes.

 

RECORD OF THE LAST MEETING.

Janine gave a brief resume of the October meeting.

 

MATTERS ARISING:

·        Janine read out an email from Sara Smith who has recently relocated in Portsmoutth, and we were informed about life at her new WI.

·        Janine mentioned that notices and correspondence announcements would be kept to a minimum and given out on a “need to know” basis.

·        Refreshments will resume after Christmas, which will be kept simple to be Covid secure. There will be mulled wine and mince pies available in December. Ladies were asked to bring a glass and a plate/dish.

·        Janine reminded members that November meeting is the AGM and that there would be an enjoyable activity afterwards!

·        Janine requested further help for serving refreshments on Remembrance Sunday, even if only for half an hour. Biscuits, preferably in wrappers, would be provided, rather than cakes, for Covid security.

·        Janine spoke to the room about the need for a new Secretary, now that Sara Smith has moved to the south coast.

·        Janine mentioned that the Cheshire Show will resume in 2022. Details at another time.

·        Janine reported that Ida Meakin has become unwell again, after seeming to be recovering from her hospital stay. Marion Kirkham has just come out of hospital after a brief stay. Janine offered to take flowers to her, with a card. Joyce Stock has also been taken ill and has had to cancel her holiday. Janine will also take flowers and a card to her.

 

·        TRIPS AND OUTINGS:

 

·        Lindsay Entwistle was absent, so Janine gave details for the outing–the Christmas shopping and illuminated walk at Trentham. There are now 3 spare tickets for the lights walk and room on the bus for anyone who just wants to shop. (£15 – bus only) WI members were reminded that payment is due. Timings were given – depart Hall 12.30, walk starts 4.30, leave Trentham 6pm aim to be back approx. 7.30pm.

·        Another pub lunch will take place on Tuesday 23rd November at the Partridge in Stretton. A board with menu was circulated to assess interest.

·        Information was given to members that Lindsay would welcome any suggestions for future outings, but she hoped to resurrect the cancelled Weaver Cruise and would like to organise a visit to the new RHS Bridgewater gardens.

 

 

VALE ROYAL GROUP:

Monica Beech reported from the Group Meeting: The Spring meeting will take place on 16th March 2022, at Winsford Academy, at 7.30pm. Speaker is Gareth Williams, a former Vet. Tickets will be on sale soon, at £6.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

 

·        There was no correspondence to be dealt with. CFWI sends most of it by email now, so it can be included on the information sheet.

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT:

·        This was covered in the AGM.

 

OTHER GROUPS:

              Ramblers: Ursula Ryder gave brief details about the previous outing and told members when the next meet-up will be. She asked for new members as 2 have now left.

               Crafts: Lyn McCulloch announced that the craft group is being kept small, so they are Covid safe. The next meeting will be on the 11th November at 2pm, at her home. Anyone wishing to join will be welcome.

               Reading: There was no report available.

 

 SPEAKER FOR THE EVENING.

There was no speaker arranged, as it was the AGM. Following conclusion of business, members enjoyed a wine tasting game “Whose wine is it anyway?” There were small prizes for the winning table, which was Monica Beech’s group. There was also a raffle, which raised £38, the items being donated by Janine and Rosie, and 1 prize being purchased.

 

AOB / REMINDERS:

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

 

 

RECORD OF THE W.I. MEMBERS’ MEETING –4th October 2021

 

The meeting was attended by 32 members.

Janine Hampton welcomed everyone to the meeting and our WI members sang “Jerusalem”.

Janine reminded everyone about the fire exits and general safety when leaving the Hall after the meeting. She thanked Rosie Rowe for providing the flowers which would be given to Diana Jones.

 

RECORD OF THE LAST MEETING.

No report was given but items were “revisited” as necessary.

 

MATTERS ARISING:

·        Janine read out a thank – you card from Ida Meakin, who is making a good recovery, and an email from Sara Smith who has recently relocated in Portsmoutth.

·        Janine mentioned that notices and correspondence announcements would be kept to a minimum and given out on a “need to know” basis.

·        Refreshments will resume after Christmas, which will be kept simple to be Covid secure. There will be mulled wine and mince pies available in December.

·        Janine reminded members that November meeting is the AGM and that there would be an enjoyable activity afterwards!

·        Janine spoke to the room about the need for a new Secretary, now that Sara Smith has moved to the south coast.

·        Janine asked Rosie to speak about her role, with a view to someone ultimately taking over as Treasurer.

 

TRIPS AND OUTINGS:

 

·        Lindsay Entwistle was absent, so Janine gave details for the outing–the Christmas shopping and illuminated walk at Trentham. There is one spare ticket for the lights walk and room on the bus for anyone who just wants to shop. WI members were reminded that payment is due.

·        Another pub lunch will take place on Wednesday 20th October at the Leigh Arms. A board was circulated to assess interest.

·        Information was given to members that Lindsay would welcome any suggestions for future outings, but she hoped to resurrect the cancelled Weaver Cruise and would like to organise a visit to the new RHS Bridgewater gardens.

 

-VALE ROYAL GROUP:

            

·        Monica Beech attended the Group Meeting a with their dates of completion reported:

·        There will be a performance of “Calendar Girls” at the Grange Theatre in Hartford between 24th and 27th November. Tickets will be £17 or £15 for concessions.

·        The Group wants to record any collective walking done by Wis and photos will be welcomed.

·        The Group would like our official tablecloth and other “key” items marked with Dates of completion.

·        The knitted scarves will be donated to the Salvation Army.

·        There will be no Group Autumn Meeting. The next meeting will be in the Spring – March/April.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

 

·        There was no correspondence to be dealt with. CFWI sends most of it by email now, so it can be included on the information sheet.

 

OTHER GROUPS:

              Ramblers: Ursula Ryder gave brief details about the previous outing and told members when the next meet-up will be.

               Crafts: Mary Tilley announced that the craft group is being kept small so they are Covid safe. The next meeting will be on the 14th October.

               Reading: Sara Smith has now left but the group will continue. Marion Kirkham has organised the books and Lindsay Entwistle will host the next meeting.

 

 

 SPEAKER FOR THE EVENING.

Janine welcomed Bernice Philps to the meeting. She gave an illustrated talk about “My volunteering experiences in Africa”. The vote of thanks was also given by Janine.

 

 

AOB / REMINDERS:

 

 

             The meeting closed at 9.30pm

 

RECORD OF THE W.I. MEMBERS’ MEETING – 6th September 2021

 

The meeting was attended by 29 members.

Janine Hampton welcomed everyone to the meeting and our WI members sang “Jerusalem”.

Janine reminded everyone about the fire exits and general safety when leaving the Hall after the meeting. She thanked Lindsay Entwistle for providing the flowers which would be given to Cynthia Jones.

 

RECORD OF THE LAST MEETING.

Not applicable as last meeting had been a general gathering.

 

SPEAKER FOR THE EVENING.

Janine welcomed Mr. George Pilkington to the meeting. He gave an illustrated talk about “The Birds and the Bees”. The vote of thanks was given by Anne Saville.

There was a break at the end of the talk for refreshments. Janine had brought some drinks and biscuits so we could at least raise a glass to being back together, since our Birthday Party had been cancelled due to Covid, and we wanted to give Lesley Smith a bit of a send-off.

 

MATTERS ARISING:

  • Rena Bradley : Janine informed the meeting that a cheque for £50 had been sent to Rena’s family, in recognition of all she had done for our W.I. The money will be put towards the cost of a memorial bench.
  • Janine mentioned that notices and correspondence announcements would be kept to a minimum and only the most important items would be announced, with less important items being listed on an information sheet which will be emailed or hand delivered to our WI members as necessary. Ramblings newsletter is now finished.
  • Janine spoke to the room about the need for a new Secretary, now that Sara Smith has moved to the south coast.
  • Janine also mentioned that Rosie has done her term as Treasurer, and someone should come forward to shadow her in her role, with a view to ultimately taking over as Treasurer.
  • TRIPS AND OUTINGS:
  • Lindsay Entwistle gave details for the two outings which are planned – the shopping trip to Marks and Spence, near Cheshire Oaks, and the Christmas shopping and illuminated walk at Trentham. WI members were reminded that payment is due.
  • Janine is planning another pub lunch on Wednesday, 22nd September at the Antrobus Arms. A board was circulated to assess interest.

 VALE ROYAL GROUP:

Monica Beech has taken over the role of representative for our WI from Margery Hall, but has not attended any meetings yet, so there was no report.

CORRESPONDENCE:

 

There was no correspondence to be dealt with. CFWI sends most of it by email now, so it can be included on the information sheet.

 

OTHER GROUPS:

              Ramblers: Ursula Ryder gave brief details about the previous outing and told members when the next meet-up will be.

               Crafts: Mary Tilley announced that the craft group is re-starting.

               Reading: Sara Smith has now left but the group will continue. Arrangements have been made for the books to be collected, and Lindsay Entwistle will host the next meeting.

            

 

AOB / REMINDERS    The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

 

It was noted that our WI members seem to be in favour of the new layout for the furniture. Feedback since the meeting has been that having members seated at small tables gives a nice atmosphere and there were many positive comments about the meeting.

      

 

January 2020 meeting 

2020 started off with a fun filled evening in January – you can always rely on a Beetle Drive to bring out the competitive edge among Comberbach WI members.  Our members threw the dice with gusto and there were some very interesting variations of beetles, partially and fully drawn!  The winner – Ellen Buckhurst was given a very creative bowl of a variety of cacti.   

The guest speaker at the February meeting was Ruth Thomson who delivered a very enlightening talk about the role of women in the War.  She detailed the various organisations in which women played a key part in the war effort with actual stories about the women who made such a difference.  Women were key contributors within all the war organisations - WAFS, The RAF Balloon Brigade, WRENs, Factory workers, the SOE, Land Army and the  Auxiliary Territorial Service, which the Queen joined as a young Princess.  Stories about individual contributions – such as Mary Ellis – whose job was to deliver Spitfires, and on her 100th birthday once again piloted a Spitfire!.  There was generally a degree of resistance from men to women joining the war effort – especially in the Aviation, however women more than proved their worth and capability over the duration of the war.   Some 7.5 million women contributed to the war effort, which was ground breaking. It seems that once the war was over the majority of them returned to their pre war occupations – or returned to their housewife roles.  Their efforts were finally recognised in 2005 by the unveiling by the Queen, of the Monument to the Women of World War II.

 

Plans are underway for the Comberbach WI 70th Birthday on April 24th and a full programme is planned for the year.   The March meeting will welcome Philip Powell speaking on Art from and Alternative angle and the April guest speaker is George Pilkington – with the intriguing subject – Even the Birds and Bees do it! Do come along to join our welcoming members on the first Monday of the month at the Memorial Hall, 7.30pm. 

2020 started off with a fun filled evening in January – you can always rely on a Beetle Drive to bring out the competitive edge among Comberbach WI members.  Our members threw the dice with gusto and there were some very interesting variations of beetles, partially and fully drawn!  The winner – Ellen Buckhurst was given a very creative bowl of a variety of cacti.   

The guest speaker at the February meeting was Ruth Thomson who delivered a very enlightening talk about the role of women in the War.  She detailed the various organisations in which women played a key part in the war effort with actual stories about the women who made such a difference.  Women were key contributors within all the war organisations - WAFS, The RAF Balloon Brigade, WRENs, Factory workers, the SOE, Land Army and the  Auxiliary Territorial Service, which the Queen joined as a young Princess.  Stories about individual contributions – such as Mary Ellis – whose job was to deliver Spitfires, and on her 100th birthday once again piloted a Spitfire!.  There was generally a degree of resistance from men to women joining the war effort – especially in the Aviation, however women more than proved their worth and capability over the duration of the war.   Some 7.5 million women contributed to the war effort, which was ground breaking. It seems that once the war was over the majority of them returned to their pre war occupations – or returned to their housewife roles.  Their efforts were finally recognised in 2005 by the unveiling by the Queen, of the Monument to the Women of World War II.

 

Plans are underway for the Comberbach WI 70th Birthday on April 24th and a full programme is planned for the year.   The March meeting will welcome Philip Powell speaking on Art from and Alternative angle and the April guest speaker is George Pilkington – with the intriguing subject – Even the Birds and Bees do it! Do come along to join our welcoming members on the first Monday of the month at the Memorial Hall, 7.30pm. 

 

Report of the meeting December 2nd 2019

Attendance 41 members

 

The business of the meeting reported on past events – Trip to John Lewis, Rememberance Sunday and the Parish Council Open Day. 

Forthcoming events included – Christmas meal on the 13th December, and the Centenary Concert in Feb 2020.  Also the darts match 17th march at Winnington Hall, as well as the Spring meeting 10th March at Winsford – theme – Spring Flowers. The County quiz is scheduled for the 17th February.  

Subs are £43 and are now due – please pay by cheque or bank transfer asap. 

Ideas were sought for 70th Birthday party in 2020.  – Please let the committee members know if you have any ideas!  Also volunteers were encouraged to come forward to help with events and other functions of the WI. 

 

Reports were submitted by the Walking and Craft group. 

 

We had a great Christmas meeting. Fun and games, laughter, mince pies and mulled wine - whilst being entertained by 'The Robinsons.' The duet delivered beautiful renditions from musicals - ranging from Cabaret, Pal Joey, Show Boat to Les Misérables to name a few. They got everyone reminiscing and toe tapping - and ended the evening with Christmas carols. A great start to the new President and committee.

 

 

June Monthy Meeting 2019

A sweepstake was held to kick start the fundraising for next years 70th birthday celebrations of Comberbach WI.  Other events are in the planning stage.

Details were shared re the Cheshire Show entries and contributors. The WI group will have a produce stall at the Comberbach Fete 29th June, theme this year is the Greatest Showman, helpers are encouraged to ‘dress up’.

A garden party will be held on the 1st August, tickets £5.  Contributions and helpers are required. Knitters are required to make poppys for the Remembrance  Day Service.  Patterns available.  Reports were shared by the Rambling Group, Craft group, Book club and the Walking Netball team.  Future trips to Llandudno and Tutbury Castle were announced. 

 

The King and I

A fascinating talk was given by Norma Walmsley, who started off her presentation by playing a recording of "Shall we Dance?" from "The King and I" with sub titles, so everyone could sing along… It set the scene for an interesting insight into life in the  royal palace. Norma was the Governess for the Brunei Royal family for 10 years looking after their 12 children. 

 

Photos were shown of the palace, built on a specially constructed hill, as the King has to be higher than everyone else. The opulence was staggering. 

 

Under Norma's tutelage, the children flourished and the King was delighted. We were given a pictorial tour of the palace, but didn't see all the 1,700 rooms - just a selection, with plenty of gold in evidence.

 

Norma required a classroom at the palace and was invited to choose one. She was then given a generous budget to buy materials and books traveling to Singapore in the King's private jet to go shopping! The interior of the 'plane was as lavish as that of the palace.

A stranger gift was a large box, which she was keen to open, but she found it to be full of toilet rolls!! (Perhaps the King thought they were a luxury back in England...)  Norma's mother has also received a gift...she had been in the WI and had baked a traditional Bara Brith Welsh cake to gift to the King. He was so impressed; he gave Norma an envelope to pass on to her mother. Her mother assumed it was a letter of thanks and was astonished to find £1,000 inside. The talk and slideshow concluded with pictures of the children, who had all gone on to study at University and gained degrees - Norma's work was done.

 

The next meeting is Monday 1st July at 7.30.  Speaker Hazel Griffiths, Motion of the Ocean.

There will be a Bring and Buy Sale – to help raise funds for the Big party.  All members and guests welcomed. 

 

 5th August Monthly meeting 2019

This was a members meeting attended by some 48 members.  The structure of the meeting was informal, with members having brought a wonderfull array of food waiting ti be enjoyed by all.  

 

The business of the meeting was kept very short.  But a minutes silence was observed in respect of the recent very sudden and sad loss of valued fellow member Pat Kingston.  RIP. She will be greately missed by the Comberbach WI friends.