Tarvin WI Meeting held on 30th January 2019

A warm and friendly welcome awaited a considerable number of members and a few guests who had braved the snow, ice and cold weather to attend the first WI meeting of 2019 and it wasn't long before the room was buzzing with activity.

The evening got off to a grand start when President Margaret Matthews introduced Anthony Annakin Smith, as the evening's speaker.

Anthony, who had joined us from Parkgate, Wirral, gave a very informative talk on the Slave Ships of Parkgate and Neston. Members learnt that Parkgate in the eighteenth century was once a thriving port with its own ship building industry, many of the ships were then used to carry goods from Liverpool to Africa where they were exchanged for slaves who were then transported to the Americas and sold for huge sums of money. The ships would then bring back more goods and the financial profits back to Liverpool. The trade was dangerous, many of the ships were lost at sea, sailors died from diseases, killed by pirates or the island natives. Many people grew rich on the trade but many investors were not so lucky. Vote of thanks: Janet Howard.

Christmas 2018
After a refreshment break Margaret reflected on the past Christmas events. She was delighted to report that the Tombola Stall at the Christmas Market was a huge success. The stall was busy all evening with a continuous line of people. She thanked members for their support and generosity providing the prizes. Everyone agreed that Willington Hall Christmas lunch had been a really enjoyable event, helped from Father Christmas and his little Elf while Tom and his karaoke machine also proved to be good fun.

Events News
The Luncheon Club, organised by Pauline Bedington, enjoyed a good lunch at the Ring O'Bells in January; WI Team Tarvin: Alison Holden, Ann Lilley, Heather Exell and Bridget Hobson will take part in the WI County Quiz; Members are looking forward to bringing husbands and friends to the Soup & Puds Lunch + Bring and Buy in the Edna Rose Room on 1st March; last but not least, Lorna Fitzpatrick has taken on the role of Treasurer.
Margaret closed the meeting at 9.15 pm thanking everyone for coming and wishing them a very safe journey home.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 27th February at the usual time of 7.30 pm in the Edna Rose Room at the Tarvin Community Centre.

The speaker for the evening is Peter Turner with 'Through the Eyes of a Magician' and if you would like to join us as a visitor you will be made very welcome.