Tarvin WI Meeting March 2019

Tonight's meeting got off to a fine start with Margaret opening the meeting and warmly welcoming all members and guests.
Alison was pleased to report that the Soup and Puddings Lunch was a great success. The friendly buzz of conversation and the choice of soup and desserts on offer were much appreciated by all who attended. A special thanks goes to Gill for all her hard work. An event that's sure to be repeated later in the year.

If you have noticed the decline of bus services in Tarvin and elsewhere you may be pleased to hear that the Cheshire Federation of WIs recorded the highest votes in the country with the WI resolution, 'A call against decline in local bus services'.
'Don't fear the smear' also recorded a high number of votes.

Two events in April for members to look forward to are The tour of Liverpool Docks and Lunch at the George and Dragon.

This month's guest speaker was Judith Popley with 'Entrepreneurs – Their Empires and the rise and fall of Great British Companies.
We enjoyed a very extensive history of enterprising businesses starting before 1833 and finishing right up to the present day. Robert Owen's mill in New Lanark, Fielden in Todmordon, Samuel Gregg in Style Mill and Titus Salt on the river Aire all had one thing in common. They realised that a caring work place and decent wages produced reliable and hard workers. These philanthropists provided workers with not only a job but a home in a village community so amazingly different to some of the conditions in other factories.

This improvement was helped by The Factory Act of 1833 which ensured that only children over the age of 9 could be employed. In fact, the Labour Party itself has its roots in the Manninghill Mill in Bradford.
William Hesketh Lever and his beautiful garden village and soap factory started in 1888 were of particular interest to our Tarvin WI, many of us knowing the area well. We were then brought up to date with photos of John Cadbury's factory in Bourneville, household names such as Fry's and Schweppes, Henry Isaac Rowntree's factory in York producing 6 million Kit Kats a day.

Judy finished by reminding us of today's big names, Specsavers, Moon Pig, Matalan and Dyson to name but a few. Heather gave the vote of thanks for a very interesting talk reminding us of the changes brought about by these Great British companies.
Later, tea, coffee and biscuits were served and everyone had time to chat and catch up before Margaret closed the meeting wishing everyone a Happy Easter and a safe journey home.

The date of the next meeting is Wednesday 24th April, 2019 at 7.30pm in the Edna Rose Room at Tarvin Community Centre.
The Speaker will be Malcolm Hodgson with 'A clever use of your handbag'.
If you would like to join us as a visitor we would be delighted to welcome you.