WI May Meeting Wednesday 30th May 2018

President Margaret Matthews opened the meeting at the earlier time of 7 pm to allow time for the annual Resolution business after which Margaret invited group coordinators to report back on a very busy social month.

Elizabeth told members about the members' day out to Manchester which started with an extensive delay before the coach arrived. However, the group was soon on their way to the first venue at the Whitworth Art Gallery. A historic building with a modern extension. Visitors are able to gaze at the view of Whitworth Park through floor to ceiling windows whilst enjoying a delicious lunch served by pleasant young staff in the modern caf�After lunch, members browsed through modern art before moving onto the second venue at Elizabeth Gaskell house. During the tour of the house an excellent Guide informed the group about the Gaskell family and their famous visitors. Tea and home made cake was served later before returning home after a very successful day out. Photo at Gaskell House.

Luncheon Club

Heather talked about this month's luncheon club venue. The group met before lunch at the 14 century St Boniface Church in Bunbury. There was an interesting guided tour of many aspects of the church including an alabaster effigy of the founder of the college, Sir Hugh Calveley and a 17th-century tomb. An appetising lunch was enjoyed by all at the Dysart Arms.

The Strollers

Elizabeth reported on two Strollers group walks during the month. The first event took place on a lovely day out at Beeston canal. Two weeks later the group had to change plans due to inclement weather when a number of enthusiastic walkers made it to Okell's garden Centre for a welcome cup of coffee despite the heavy rain. The next walk will be 22nd June. Photo at Beeston.

Forest Group.

Pauline congratulated Irene, Margaret and Nancy on their first event for the group, a very successful musical evening. Jean Martyn entertained us with her extensive range of musical genres interspersed with humorous anecdotes of her career. The flower competition with a musical theme was won with a stunning CATS arrangement. Photo Jean Martin and Irene

Future plans

Margaret brought members' attention to new transport opportunities. A community bus will now run on Tuesday and Thursday while a community taxi to the Countess of Chester Hospital is available price £5. More details are available in Tarporley Talk.

The next Luncheon Club is on 25th June at the Morris Dancer.

A visit to Chester Zoo on 6th July.

The trip to Llandudno to see 'The Play That Went Wrong' is planned for 12th September. A visit to Ness Gardens is being also being arranged.

Visiting Speakers

Mo and Tec Evans gave an interesting account with a superb slide show of their trip to Yunnan in China. Their experiences ranged from visiting a primitive island, a tea ceremony, a Tibetan monastery, paddy fields and Shangrila. Members really appreciated the Chinese background music which set the scene and transported us to these far off places.

Jackie Bland thanked the couple for sharing their experiences and said it was akin to a world tour. The hilarious translation of some of the signs were especially appreciated.

After the raffle, tea was served and members were able to spend time catching up with friends old and new. Margaret wished everyone a goodnight and a safe journey home.The meeting finished at 9.30pm.

The date of the next meeting is Wednesday 27th June at the usual time of 7.30pm in the Edna Rose room at Tarvin community centre. The speaker is Nick Lightfoot and his topic is 'Understanding Ness Botanic Gardens'