THERE were special celebrations at Saddleworth WI in September as they celebrated 11 years since they reformed.
They raised a glass or two to mark the occasion and four ladies received a gift in recognition of 10 years unbroken membership.
By coincidence the group recently received three scrapbooks featuring the original Saddleworth WI dating back to the 1970s.
The books were donated by Viv Elvidge, daughter of former SWI President Marie Elvidge and include photos, drawings, menus, visitors, competitions and much more.
The group said: “The books are a window into life at the time, make fascinating and amusing reading. It was a delight to see our members enjoying them on our anniversary night.”
The group has also had a busy month of events and guest speakers, including Pam Jones of the Saddleworth Cookery School.
She talked candidly about her professional and personal life, including ‘burn out’ from being Head of English at a Rochdale school.
Instead, she decided to combine supply work with her other passion of cooking and she was proud to be a part of Tesco’s ‘Let’s Get Cooking’ initiative.
Her vision became Saddleworth Cookery School and she overcame the challenge of finding and refurbishing suitable premises and her business is still expanding and evolving today.
The WI’s next guest speaker on Wednesday, October 2 the is charity Blood Bikes Manchester.
Their work is to transport blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines, donor breast milk and any other urgently required medical items to hospitals and healthcare sites at night, daytime, weekends and bank holidays.
The WI will learn about the day-to-day running of the service, which is provided completely free of charge by volunteers.
Then on Thursday, October 24 is the WI’s annual Pop Up Fashion Show, when there is the chance to grab a bargain of clothes, shoes, bags and more from High Street retailers with fantastic discounts.
The event will be held at The White Hart, Lydgate opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm fashion show by Colours. Tickets cost £5 and are available by calling 07763 028466.
Saddleworth WI meets on the first Wednesday of every month at The White Hart, Lydgate, meeting at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Visitors are welcome with a small charge of £3.
For more information and the Saddleworth WI and their events visit their website: www.saddleworthwi.com
I was a founder member in the ’70’s with Ann Plackett. I also became a delegate for the area at the AGM n the Albert Hall one year. Unforgettable. I’m now a member in Overton, North Hampshire .
Judy Humphreys nee Whittle