EVENTS AND VISITS 2025
6th November 2025 Visit to Kelsall by Aphra Brandreth, Conservative MP for Cheshire South and Eddisbury.
On Thursday 6th November, Kelsall had a visit from the local Conservative MP, Aphra Brandreth. Kelsall Community Centre was the venue for an "Older Peoples Fair" exploring opportunities for those nearing retirement.
Kelsall WI was there to meet Aphra and talk to people about what the WI can offer.
See our photos below: Barbara and Douglas had a chat with Aphra, whose wedding they attended!
Fiona, Jane and Danielle working
our stall.
Kelsall WI was there to meet Aphra and talk to people about what the WI can offer.
See our photos below: Barbara and Douglas had a chat with Aphra, whose wedding they attended!
Fiona, Jane and Danielle working
our stall.
Thursday 4th September 2025
RIVER DEE TRIP
The weather this summer has been exceptionally dry and sunny. However as we sat on the patio of the Hickory pub drinking our coffee, it was neither of those things; the clouds were laden with rain and there was a brisk breeze coming off the water, blowing spots of rain towards us. We were waiting by the River Dee for our morning trip on The Lady Diana, the largest of ChesterBoat's fleet, and we were pleased to board and settle down in the lower deck where we were to have our cream tea - for elevenses! We headed south from the mooring, past some very lovely houses with beautiful gardens leading down to the river as we approached the water treatment works. The trees beside the water showed signs of autumn much too soon; the drought has hastened the turning of the leaves this year. The river here is very peaceful and full of wildlife and we saw lots of ducks and geese on the way to the Aldford Iron Bridge. This was designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1824 as a private route from the village to Eaton Hall, The Duke of Westminster's private residence; it is Grade 1 listed. The boat turned around here and we began our return to Chester. As there is no forward-looking window on the top decks it was good to be able to see where we had been heading as we gathered at the rear panoramic window! We all enjoyed the views and a good chat and were glad to be aboard as the rainy squalls hit the windows. Arriving back on the quay we thanked Pat for a lovely outing and set off for the Little Roodee and the cars.
Words: Fiona Photos: Cathy/Fiona
RIVER DEE TRIP
The weather this summer has been exceptionally dry and sunny. However as we sat on the patio of the Hickory pub drinking our coffee, it was neither of those things; the clouds were laden with rain and there was a brisk breeze coming off the water, blowing spots of rain towards us. We were waiting by the River Dee for our morning trip on The Lady Diana, the largest of ChesterBoat's fleet, and we were pleased to board and settle down in the lower deck where we were to have our cream tea - for elevenses! We headed south from the mooring, past some very lovely houses with beautiful gardens leading down to the river as we approached the water treatment works. The trees beside the water showed signs of autumn much too soon; the drought has hastened the turning of the leaves this year. The river here is very peaceful and full of wildlife and we saw lots of ducks and geese on the way to the Aldford Iron Bridge. This was designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1824 as a private route from the village to Eaton Hall, The Duke of Westminster's private residence; it is Grade 1 listed. The boat turned around here and we began our return to Chester. As there is no forward-looking window on the top decks it was good to be able to see where we had been heading as we gathered at the rear panoramic window! We all enjoyed the views and a good chat and were glad to be aboard as the rainy squalls hit the windows. Arriving back on the quay we thanked Pat for a lovely outing and set off for the Little Roodee and the cars.
Words: Fiona Photos: Cathy/Fiona
Wednesday 9th July 2025
Today we held our annual Kelsall WI Garden Party. Barbara Walters and her husband Douglas very kindly allowed us to hold it in their lovely garden in the heart of the village. It was a very warm afternoon but each table was protected from the sun by a parasol or the canopy of the garden trees. The afternoon started at 2pm with a glass of chilled Cava or Elderflower Spritzer, followed by afternoon tea. Three lucky members won a prize each in the ticket draw. Barbara and Douglas were thanked for their generosity and were presented with a bouquet of flowers. There was much chat and laughter around the tables until the event finished at 4pm.
Jane Pearson (President)
Photos: Fiona/Andrea
Today we held our annual Kelsall WI Garden Party. Barbara Walters and her husband Douglas very kindly allowed us to hold it in their lovely garden in the heart of the village. It was a very warm afternoon but each table was protected from the sun by a parasol or the canopy of the garden trees. The afternoon started at 2pm with a glass of chilled Cava or Elderflower Spritzer, followed by afternoon tea. Three lucky members won a prize each in the ticket draw. Barbara and Douglas were thanked for their generosity and were presented with a bouquet of flowers. There was much chat and laughter around the tables until the event finished at 4pm.
Jane Pearson (President)
Photos: Fiona/Andrea
Saturday 24th/Sunday 25th May 2025.
The Chester Folk Festival is held each year in Kelsall on the Green; there are always lots of visitors in the village who camp either on the Green or on the fields near Green Lane, and this year they were next to Weetwoods. The weather had been beautiful for 2 months in the run up to this years event but as it was a Bank Holiday weekend and also the Folk Club's 50th Anniversary, it was always on the cards that things would change. And they did - we had a very changeable weekend of weather with rain and high winds alternating throughout the long weekend of the event. Kelsall Wi joined other stall holders on the Green this year, selling soft drinks, hoping for hot sunshine! Many thanks to our volunteers who braved rain and gusty winds for 2 days - here are some photos of the event.
Fiona
The Chester Folk Festival is held each year in Kelsall on the Green; there are always lots of visitors in the village who camp either on the Green or on the fields near Green Lane, and this year they were next to Weetwoods. The weather had been beautiful for 2 months in the run up to this years event but as it was a Bank Holiday weekend and also the Folk Club's 50th Anniversary, it was always on the cards that things would change. And they did - we had a very changeable weekend of weather with rain and high winds alternating throughout the long weekend of the event. Kelsall Wi joined other stall holders on the Green this year, selling soft drinks, hoping for hot sunshine! Many thanks to our volunteers who braved rain and gusty winds for 2 days - here are some photos of the event.
Fiona
Saturday 29th March 2025
It was our Annual Coffee Morning today, held in St. Philips Church as usual. We had to postpone our January meeting as the weather was snowy and icy at the time and we decided it was just too dangerous for people to come out! But the sun shone on us today and it was dry which was a bonus as we brought in all our cakes and items for the raffle and sales table. Jane welcomed us all and explained that the raffle would be drawn at 11.30 - this was well worth knowing as there was a great selection of gifts on the raffle table, plus the star prize of a hamper, which had been donated by Liz.
The sales table was a hive of activity too as everyone checked out an array of items to suit every taste. We were pleased to welcome quite a number of guests from the village as well as members and they all enjoyed the cakes, coffee and tea.
Not only was it a very friendly and happy event, we raised nearly £400 to go into our activities for the rest of the year. Thank you all for coming and it was lovely to meet new friends.
Words/photos: Fiona
