April 2023
‘April might start with pranks, jokes and humour, but it is also an excellent time to spread kindness when things cool down’.
Anon
A Message from Kate
Simon Michael was an entertaining and interesting speaker, I hope those of you that bought his books enjoy them as much as I have.
Congratulations and a very big thank you to everybody who helped make our coffee morning for Signpost for Carers such a success. Special thanks to the fundraising team, the helpers on the day, the bakers and those who contributed the chocolate and everyone who supported the event. We will be inviting a representative of the charity to a future meeting to donate the cheque; amazingly there was only one chocolate egg left.
We didn’t have anybody volunteer to be a buddy so we are thinking of other ways we can make visitors and potential new members welcome.
The committee revisited the birthday messages on WhatsApp as promised. There was a lot of support for the decision we took, but in recognition that, for some members, it was seen as important we have decided that we could set up a birthday WhatsApp group which members could request to belong to. Birthday messages could then be posted on that group. In order for this to happen we need a volunteer to set it up and manage it by posting when there is a birthday. Could anyone willing to do this contact a committee member please?
We have been looking for a suitable venue to restart the President’s coffee mornings. The Heaton Pub on Didsbury Road have very kindly agreed to open early especially for us on the second Saturday of each month. The first of these will be on Saturday May 13th, I hope you can join us for this informal get together.
Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting to hear Mairead Smith from the BBC, she interviewed our members about the jubilee postbox toppers last May and agreed to come and talk to us then.
Kate
Birthday Greetings
Many happy returns to members celebrating their birthdays in April
Lynda G., Barbara D., Linda McD., Helen, Eileen
Monthly Meeting
Thursday, 20th April
7.30pm
Speaker- “No Two Days Are the Same”. Talk by BBC Journalist and TV Presenter, Mairead Smyth
For those wishing to join us by Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
Competition-None
Raffle
Rota Volunteers-Door-Margaret L., Raffle-Shirley S., Sue Westwood Refreshments-Carolyn, Pat F.
Meet & Greet-Lynda
We would be grateful if those of you on meeting duties please arrive by 7.15pm. Thank you.
Trading Table-Bric a brac bring and buy sale. Please bring along any bric a brac you may have which is in good condition. We will be asking for donations which will be for our funds. Any leftover items need to be taken away by the bringer.
March Meeting Report-Attendance: Members 41 Zoom 2 Visitors 2 Income: Visitors:£10 Raffle:£56 Cakes:£14.50
May Competition-A no-bake cake.
Heatons WI News
Duties at meetings-We still have a number of gaps for duties at meetings. Please sign up for one. If you are unable to attend there is no problem finding somebody else.
Secretary-Suze kindly stepped in this year as secretary but said she only wanted to do it for one year. This means we will be looking to somebody to take on the role in November. Please consider becoming part of the committee. We meet on 1st Thursday of the month at 7.30pm and the meetings usually last approximately two hours. Suze is happy to explain the role of secretary to anybody who is interested. Please contact her at heatonswisec@outlook.com or at the monthly meeting or speak to a member of the committee.
Plant Sale-We will be holding our annual plant sale at the May monthly meeting. If you have cuttings, seeds or spare plants you are happy to donate please bring them along to the May meeting. The funds raised will be for our WI.
Nominated Charity 2023/24-This is going to be Stockport Feeding the Community. The fundraising team will be Sue J., Trish, Kate W. and Pat F.
Competition Winner-Congratulations to Ann Marshall who was our overall winner.
Cheshire News-If you would like a free paper copy of the Cheshire News please contact Suze at heatonswisec@outlook.com.
New Members-As some members are not renewing this year we no longer have a waiting list and have a number of spaces. We would encourage you to ask family and friends to come along to a meeting. They are able to have three visits, at a charge of £5 per visit, before having to make a decision. We have a programme for 2023/24 which is exciting and varied which we are sure many will enjoy.
Reminder-The bar at the Sports Club is card only.
Tea and Coffee-Available from the bar.
Heatons WI Events
Saturday, 22nd April-The coach will be leaving from outside Norris Bank Primary School on Green Lane. Please be there for 9.15am for a prompt departure at 9.30am. If there are any problems please contact Karen. Arriving back at approximately 6.00pm.
Saturday, 13th May-Our first President’s coffee morning at the Heaton Pub, Didsbury Road from 11.00am.
North East Cheshire Group News
If anybody is interested in any NEC Group activities please contact Karen
Monday, 22nd May-Trip to Tutbury Castle with speaker Lesley Smith who will speak as Boudicca. The cost is £15 with an additional £6.50 for an optional cream tea. Please give money in an envelope to Karen at this month’s meeting.
Friday, 21st July-Summer trip to be confirmed.
Cheshire Federation News
If anybody is interested in any Cheshire Federation activities please contact Angela
A Note from Angela-Why not enhance your WI experience and make the most of your membership by taking advantage of the many Federation and National events offered? Suze has already sent you the latest information by email and I will have signup sheets at the April meeting. If you would like any further information, or would like to book an event, please contact me.
CFWI VIRTUAL WI-If anyone is interested in joining, as a dual member, or has a friend who would be interested in finding out more, please contact Angela B.
Friday, 28th April-Chester Boat Trip, 11.00am-2.00pm, A 30 minute trip on the river plus a trail/quiz back to WI House, including a light lunch. Tickets £15.
Saturday, 13th & 20th May-Craft Course at WI House, Chester. Kate Cawley will lead a 2 day course to make a character doll, involving some work at home. Cost £55 to include all materials (lunch not included).
Member’s Notice Board
If you have a notice you would like to be included in the Members’ Notice Board section of the newsletter, or know of any local events other members may be interested in please send details to Linda
St Martin’s Foodbank-1st Wednesday of the month. Please drop off at Kate J’s house. There will be a box for donations on the drive if the weather is dry or in the porch if wet, from 10am until the evening. They need tinned potatoes, tinned rice pudding, tinned steamed puddings, tinned fruit, baked beans, tinned tomatoes and toilet rolls.
Recycling
RNIB Stamp Collection-Shirley Shaw is collecting used postage stamps for the RNIB. She will bring boxes to WI meetings for members to put their used postage stamps in. You will need to separate UK mainland from the rest of the world, including Isle of Man, Jersey etc. Shirley will collect and send them to the RNIB, who get £20 per kilo.
B&Q is recycling plastic plant pots, small electrical items, batteries, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
Superdrug Pharmacy at the top of Merseyway Shopping precinct is collecting empty medicine blister packs.