“ALL the nice girls love a sailor” but “there’s something about a soldier”: Whitley WI were rescued at the thirteenth hour, when Kate Madden, a music adviser for CWAC, stepped in to replace the planned speaker who had been taken ill, a couple of hours before their recent meeting.

Kate guided them through a vocal warm-up, encouraged them to sing holding a good posture and to “smile, smile, smile”. They sang a collection of familiar First World War songs, the words of which brought a nostalgic meaning to many, and the love song “you are my sunshine” brought tears to a few eyes.

Following a break for tea, cakes and sandwiches, Pat Sharp gave a simple demonstration of the properties of plastics. Specially designed plastics have unique properties. 

Members were intrigued as to why they had been encouraged to bring a plastic bag to the meeting. All was revealed by the use of simple origami when the bags were folded for future use.

Members enjoyed an afternoon tea prepared by pupils at Whitley Primary school, who also entertained with some delightfully happy singing.

There is a visit to the Cheshire West and Chester recycling centre near Winsford, followed by a pub lunch.

There are continuing bowls matches, monthly rambles and book club. The August outing to Adlington Hall is now finalised.

Come and join us when we meet at 7.30pm in Whitley Village Hall on the first Thursday of the month (except August). Further details are available from patsysharpy@hotmail.com.

Pat Sharp