Introduction
2016 was a fantastic year for us all. Whilst still keeping to our traditions and maintaining our established Ludworth and Mellor WI activities, there have been a couple of new things to try and old traditions re-kindled, such as competing in the Royal Cheshire Show and going out for our Christmas lunch. We have welcomed more new members again this year, who have already made a significant contribution to what we do. As a long established WI we are in a strong position. There will be plenty for all members to get involved in this year as we start to plan to celebrate 100 years of Ludworth and Mellor WI in 2018. A Happy New Year to you all, wishing you a healthy and fun 2017. Elaine Fisher
Christmas at Chatsworth Monday 21st November saw an intrepid group of ladies, setting off for an outing to Chatsworth, on probably the wettest day in a decade - (I exaggerate a bit but nevertheless). Our coach picked us up from Hazel Grove and away we went. A stop was made in Bakewell for coffee (and cake) then on to Chatsworth for both the Christmas stalls and the beautiful house, transformed into The Nutcracker. Because you will be amazed to learn that we were not the only group at Chatsworth that day (!), our entrance to the house was timed for 3.15, so plenty of time to look round the stalls, both inside, where we spent most of the time because of the relentless rain, and outside, where we all felt desperately sorry for the stall holders, as not many people wanted to face the weather. Lunch was an uphill battle, with queues everywhere, but, fortified with soup and a roll, it was time to go round the house. I can only say the decorations were magnificent, I cannot imagine how long it takes to decorate each room, or how many people were involved. The Christmas trees alone - of which there were many, were stunning, and each decorated tree was a different theme and colour. It was all truly a work of art, including a ballet being superimposed on the walls of one room. All too soon it was time to board our coach for the journey back - this was not the greatest of experiences actually getting to the bus, which couldn't have been parked further away if he'd tried, and by this time, the grounds at Chatsworth were a quagmire with a river running through it! It was good to shed wet coats, hats, gloves and dripping umbrellas and settle down for the journey home. By this time the roads were like rivers, but our driver coped brilliantly. So we all had a good day, despite the horrendous conditions. Were we daunted? Of course not - we're the W.I. Sue Shonfeld Winter Wonderland Our prayers for better weather for this years Winter Wonderland were answered with a calm, dry day. We were even bold enough to dispense with the gazebo which we had practised erecting in the Hall just in case. We had a slight contretemps with the owner of popcorn stall next door to our pitch outside the Maple Tree who thought we were encroaching on his candy floss display but all was smoothed over and we set out our wares. The street soon became thronged with visitors, especially after Santa's arrival on his sleigh, and we did brisk business at our stall throughout the afternoon. The Guess the Weight of the Hamper competition proved popular and we sold lots of handicraft items, particularly the knitted and crocheted toys and novelties. One young girl said we were the best stall in the whole street! At the end of the day we had made £41.00 on the hamper and £251.40 on the handicrafts to add to the £80.50 we make at out stall at the November Meeting, giving a grand total (after deducting the cost of the pitch) of £332.90! Many thanks to all those who made such lovely items for the stall (one of our handicraft group members is already working on stock for Winter Wonderland 2017!) or who donated an item for the hamper or who found time to come and help out on the stall on the day. It was a real team effort which is much appreciated. Caroline Turner |
Diary Dates Thursday 6th April Pennine Group Spring Meeting Singer Adam Smith will take us on a trip from the West End to Broadway through Musical Theatre History. Tickets are £4 and include a glass of Buck's Fizz and homemade Cake. See Caroline for tickets. Wednesday 7th June NFWI Annual Meeting at the Liverpool Echo Arena.The speakers this year are Jo Fairley and Susie Dent. Tickets are £20. The deadline for applications is 23rd January so please see Marilyn at the January meeting if you would like to attend. 20th and 21st June The Royal Cheshire Show (See below) 
Members' Recipes
Marilyn's Restorative Soup (Serves 2) Take 1/2 onion, 1 stick celery and 3 oz Kale, all chopped and cooked gently in a pan, with a little olive oil, until onions look tender. Add 3 oz of washed red lentils, 3oz of any chopped ham, plus 1 pint of chicken stock and 1/2 a grated lemon zest. Bring to the boil then simmer, covered for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, stir up and then serve in warm bowls with crusty bread or crackers. For more of a kick, add a smashed clove of garlic and a sprinkle of chilli flakes before simmering. Enjoy and be restored!! 
Royal Cheshire Show 2017 We were thrilled to receive Highly Commended for our entry in last year's show and it has inspired us to see if we can do even better in 2017! The overall theme of this year's competition is "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and there are classes for both individuals and groups in crafts, arts, photography, cooking, preserves and floral art. It would be great to see our members showing off their talents so please see Caroline at the January meeting if you would like to have a go at taking part. We will then have a meeting to thrash out ideas and make sure we don't fall foul of those pesky competition rules We also need help with staging our entries so, if you have a flair for display or are handy with tools, please join the team. Caroline Turner Handbell Group News
Concert: On Monday December 5th, the bells team gave a concert to the residents of Brabyns House residential care home. We played a selection of Christmas music and carols. Many of the residents joined in the singing to the carols and appeared to enjoy the experience. We were then treated to tea and biscuits before packing up the bells and returning them to the WI premises. Party; On Monday 12th December, the bells team gave a "Bring and Share" party for Margaret Wood who has been a member of the team for 55 years - ever since her daughter started school! Despite a few gaps in her membership, she has always been a very loyal member. Molly Fowler 
Knitting for Dogs I am pleased to announce that several of our members have responded to an appeal by the National Dogs Trust for knitted coats and blankets. The work of the Trust includes rescuing stray and neglected dogs until "forever homes" can be found for them. All dogs taken into care are neutered, de-wormed and micro-chipped as well as being fed and watered. The knitted dog coats are particularly needed for lurchers and dogs with sparse fur. If anyone would like to knit for this appeal, please see me for the pattern. Molly Fowler |
