The new chairs were all in use as members of Acton Bridge WI and visitors reunited after Christmas to share the usual excellent cakes, tea, coffee, and chat at the first meeting of 2015.

The air was perfumed as guest speaker Emma Wilkinson from the Cheshire Beauty Barn at Davenports Tea Rooms, Bartington gave an introduction to the world of Aromatherapy. She passed around examples from the range of possible top, middle and bottom notes used to blend her different fragrant oils. She has been a practitioner for over 20 years and explained the need for careful consultation between therapist and client before using the powerful oils, especially as it is not a regulated industry.

The budget for the year was reviewed with the treasurer, Jane Evans, who explained that no fund raising is necessary this year following last year’s successes.

A number of activities and outings have been planned and members plan to mark the national Centenary of the foundation of the WI with a Centenary Autumn Fest on September 19 with soup, a Ploughman’s Lunch and Picklefest of autumn preserves.

The next meeting will be in Acton Bridge Parish Rooms at 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 10. Speaker Jeff Clarke will be talking about 'Birds and Migration'. Details of activities can be found on the website at www.actonbridge.org. Visitors are very welcome.