IT NEVER rains but it pours!

Water – our most precious resource, was a very apt title at the November meeting of Whitley WI. Chris Matthews, Head of Sustainability at United Utilities, followed the journey of tap water, from the rainfall on the North Welsh hills, which surround Lake Vyrnwy, along many kilometres of pipelines, via pumping stations and treatment works to the taps in houses.

Waste water makes its own journey, being cleaned along the way, back into rivers, where the whole water cycle starts again.

November was also the AGM. Pat Sharp is continuing as President for her third year, and the committee has been strengthened with four new members.

Sally Riley, secretary, reviewed the year with a photographic presentation of the many and varied activities. Members seemed to delight in looking at themselves, as well as recalling some very happy memories and events.

A warm tribute and thanks was paid to Beryl Medland who is stepping down from the committee. Beryl’s involvement and knowledge of over 45 years with the WI must be second to none.

The Christmas party is in early December and there is the prospect of three theatre outings with the newly formed and thriving Culture Club to enjoy.

2015 is the 100th anniversary of the National Women’s Institute, looking forward, with a reflection on the past will be the theme for next year.

An enterprising and varied programme of excellent speakers has been put together by Gill Alcock, starting on January 8, with a 'musical journey through time', followed on February 5, when it is their birthday meeting.

They will be learning about and savouring cheese, washed down with a glass of wine. There will be numerous events organised by the Cheshire Federation of WI’s, as well as a special Celebration of Whitley WI at the end of July.

Further information is available from President Pat Sharp, patsysharpy@hotmail.com

Pat Sharp