It's official - Ludworth and Mellor WI is a thriving WI with 57 members on its register! It has been really great to see so many new faces at our meetings. I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new members and thank our existing members for their ongoing support and loyalty. I hope the visitors and new members feel as welcome as I did on my first visit and, as I did, love us for what we are now but also see our potential.
Ludworth and Mellor WI now has its own website, thanks to the work of new committee member Sheila Maguire. it is an important step forward for us and something the committee has wanted to do for some time. It is an additional source of information for those who want to find out about Ludworth and Mellor WI and will not replace what we are already doing. A big thank you to Sheila Maguire.
I've been hearing some very positive feedback from those members who came to our keep fit taster session organised by Sandra (see below). A big thank you to Sandra.
We are lucky to have our own hall (see below) and, the more it gets used by us or local groups, the better it is. I'm always keen to hear ideas for new activity groups or a one off event so if you have any ideas please let me know. It's our hall so let's make even more use of it. Best WishesElaine Fisher
Ludworth and Mellor WI Members like to keep fit
Despite some initial doubts expressed by some members at March's monthly meeting, 9 of you took advantage of the free keep fit taster session last month and declared it a resounding success! The exercises, done to music, were not onerous and particular mobility issues were worked around so everyone benefitted. There was a good light hearted atmosphere and Angie, who takes the classes, was very friendly. We finished the session with the beginnings of two dances, and it was clear that everyone enjoyed themselves. Feedback was positive all round and everyone want to know when the next class would be and was it open to non-WI members Keep fit will be on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 10.30-11.30 am Next two sessions April 13th and 27th Charge £3.00 WI Members - £4.00 for non-WI members. Sandra Barnes
Members Trip to Cheshire Federation HQ in Chester 10 members spent a sunny day in Chester on 31st March Our first stop was coffee and a tour of The WI Cheshire Federation Headquarters at Whitefriars. The Georgian building was once a gentlemen's club! Many of the original features still remain and after climbing up to inspect the rooms and loft area we all paused to have a discussion and put the world to rights. This is what we do. We thanked our generous guides for their time as we had gained a greater understanding of their work and commitment. Please visit if you can, there is always a warm welcome and refreshments are available. Afterward we separated into smaller groups to shop, sightsee and of course have lunch, some of us even had a splendid afternoon tea. The sun was still shining as we made our way along the city walls to pick up our coach, the end of a very pleasant day. Marilyn Henderson
Our Own Stately WI Hall
We all love having our own hall and there are some real advantages to it but it is also a responsibility. The current committee has custody of it for now on behalf of the members and has to ensure that it continues to be well maintained for future generations of the Ludworth and Mellor WI members. As well as being uses by us, for activities and meetings, our hall is also let out to other groups and is popular for children's parties. It is self financing and any surplus above our agreed reserve is put back into the hall in the form of improvements. The committee is responsible for a Hall Maintenance and Improvement Plan and last year members were happy to endorse the Plan. Last year we were able to invest £6,500 in improvements to the heating system, which included removing asbestos from the cellar. Asbestos removal was costly with nothing to show for our money but, as you know, it was something that had to be done. The Plan has now been up-dated for 2016-17 and it will be on the meeting notice board for members to see at the April and June Meetings - so please have a look at it. This year we are proposing to spend roughly the same amount of money as last year and these are our priorities for 2016/17: * Boxing in of the central heating flue in the ladies cloakroom * Refurbishment fo the floor in the hall and ladies cloakroom * Repairs to the crack in the outside kitchen wall * Improvements to ventilation in the hall and kitchen * Service and update our public address systems, including the purchase fo a new wireless microphone. * Rehouse the pa equipment in a cupboard on another wall. Re-decorate the hall and refurbish the wooden plaque
The committee is in the process of examing quotations for all this work and depending on cost we may not be able to do it all. Once we have a clearer idea of cost we will put the proposals to you for your endorsement. We know it is important to keep the traditional appearance of the hall and always have this at the front of our mind when planning improvements to the hall. Elaine
Diary Dates
April 14thLunch on the Canal Boat the Judith Mary
April 14th Pennine Group Spring Meeting at Woodley Civic Centre 7.00 for 7.30 pm This event is ticket only.
April 14th WI Resolution Meeting 2.00pm at WI House Chester - Find out more about this year's resolutions.
April 21st "Hats Gloves and Pearls" celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday. Don't forget to dress up in your finery!
5th May New Members Meeting 10.00 for 10.30am at WI House Chester.
21st 22nd June The Royal Cheshire Show.
Outings
Is anyone interested in a trip out to Boundary Mill? If you are there will be a list going round at the April meeting. I need 14-15 people to take it further. I am also looking for other ideas from members for future trips. If the trip is within the Greater Manchester area we qualify for a grant towards the travel costs. A trip to Chatsworth is also being organised for November Barbara Preston
www.ludworthandmellorwi.com
Yes, the website is now up and running, although it is a work in progress. Those of you who use the internet can help us by having a look and letting us know what you think about it. All feedback is extremely useful - after all it is our website and should reflect our ethos. Ideas as well, please! The website is there for those of you who use the internet to check up on meetings, outings etc. and also to advertise us to the wider world. It is also linked to the Cheshire Federation and National Federation sites. The website is readable on computers, laptops,tablets and mobile phones. Go on, have a look, and tell us what you think. Sheila Maguire
Marilyn's Pear, Raisin and Walnut Jam Recipe - Delicious This is an easy and yummy jam recipe, ideal for autumn and Xmas fairs (committee approved)
Recipe 1.4g (3 lbs) pears peeled weight - any I used conference. 2 oranges, peeled, finely chopped 1.4g (3lbs) sugar 450g (1lb) raisins 150ml (1/4pt) water 176g (6oz) walnuts finely chopped
Method Peel and cut pears into quarters then slice crosswise, Mix with oranges, sugar, water and raisins in pan. Gently bring to the boil then cook gently for 1.5 hrs Then add chopped walnuts and cook for a further 15 mins. Test set readiness, by dropping a little onto a cold saucer. Cool mix slightly then spoon into WARM sterilised jars. Cover all with a cloth until cool, then seal and label. Makes 5lbs (This could make 9/10 jars if you use smaller ones) Easy, peasy! Marilyn
