The May meeting of Pickmere WI opened on a sad note as members were asked to observe a minute’s silence in memory of Jim Whitlow, husband to the Vice president and father to the president.

Arrangements were discussed for a painting lesson with Gill Adlington in July and a meal at Manor Farm in June.

Literature was handed about the NFWI 2014 annual meeting resolution briefing. Members voted unanimously to support the resolution to make their wishes regarding organ donation known and to encourage families and friends and local communities to do likewise.

Speaker for the evening was Ian Cliff a manager at M&S in Stockport with a talk entitled “It is amazing what a penny can do”.

He spoke about the history of the store and how it evolved. It is hard to believe that what started as a market stall has grown to a chain of worldwide stores.

Seven hundred stores in the UK are visited each week by 21 million people.

There are no bins in stores as everything is recycled; the list of interesting facts is endless. The vote of thanks was given by Sue MacMillan followed by refreshments provided by Sandra Crooke and Helen Brown.

The winner of the competition for the oldest penny was Joyce Kirkpatrick; 2. Jean Whitlow; 3. Margery Broady. Beryl Hobdey won the raffle.

The next meeting is Wednesday, June 25 with speaker Judith Townsend and her talk entitled “Bib Baby”. The competition is the most amusing photograph of a child under five years old.

Kathryn Whitlow