GALLERY OF EVENTS 2022
Wednesday 7th December 2022
Today was our Christmas Celebration Lunch at Willington Hall; we had enjoyed last year's visit so much we decided to return this year. We arrived to be welcomed with a glass of Bucks Fizz, and after Dorothy said a few words to welcome us all, we enjoyed a two or three course lunch, depending on how hungry we had felt when making our booking! As always, there were some floral arrangements to be delivered to those not able to be with us. It was another lovely meal in glittering Christmas surroundings, made all the more seasonal by the very cold weather we are having at the moment, with snow forecast perhaps for tomorrow!
Today was our Christmas Celebration Lunch at Willington Hall; we had enjoyed last year's visit so much we decided to return this year. We arrived to be welcomed with a glass of Bucks Fizz, and after Dorothy said a few words to welcome us all, we enjoyed a two or three course lunch, depending on how hungry we had felt when making our booking! As always, there were some floral arrangements to be delivered to those not able to be with us. It was another lovely meal in glittering Christmas surroundings, made all the more seasonal by the very cold weather we are having at the moment, with snow forecast perhaps for tomorrow!
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CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL, December 2nd - 4th
St. Philips Church once again held their Christmas tree festival over the weekend, with a service, carol singing, a craft fair and a dancing display taking place over the 3 days. Kelsall WI's tree was a colourful collection of cooking utensils together with seasonal recipes, decorated by Jane and Carolyn. Our tree is on the left, the winner was the dancing school. |
VISIT TO CHESTER TOWN HALL, Monday 26th September 2022
Today a number of Kelsall WI ladies were greeted at Chester Town Hall by the Mayor of Chester, John Leather, and the Lady Mayoress, who is a member of Kelsall WI. We were introduced to Brendan who has worked at the Town Hall for 25 years, and he took us into every room in the building, explaining the history, showing us the tapestries, the paintings, artefacts, etc. He was extremely knowledgeable about everything there, and we learned a lot of most interesting facts. We went into the Lord Mayor's parlour where there were display cabinets holding silver etc. We were then taken into the Lady Mayoress's parlour, a bit like a dining room, with a lovely fireplace and a sideboard displaying treasures. The beautiful view from the front upstairs rooms was of the cathedral from the large windows.
We were then taken into one of the upstairs rooms where we were introduced to Sean, who has been the keeper of the regalia etc. and who has worked at the Town Hall for 10 years. He knows everything! He showed us the "best" chain of office which is worth thousands of pounds, and also the Lady Mayoress's chain; he showed us the beautiful formal pendants studded with diamonds and sapphires. These are worn on state occasions. The sceptre was of gold and he explained that it was a weapon and had originated from the truncheon, used for warding off thieves or attackers.
It was the most wonderful morning, culminating in a coffee, and we thank Heather so much for organising this very memorable outing.
Words and Photos: Liz
Today a number of Kelsall WI ladies were greeted at Chester Town Hall by the Mayor of Chester, John Leather, and the Lady Mayoress, who is a member of Kelsall WI. We were introduced to Brendan who has worked at the Town Hall for 25 years, and he took us into every room in the building, explaining the history, showing us the tapestries, the paintings, artefacts, etc. He was extremely knowledgeable about everything there, and we learned a lot of most interesting facts. We went into the Lord Mayor's parlour where there were display cabinets holding silver etc. We were then taken into the Lady Mayoress's parlour, a bit like a dining room, with a lovely fireplace and a sideboard displaying treasures. The beautiful view from the front upstairs rooms was of the cathedral from the large windows.
We were then taken into one of the upstairs rooms where we were introduced to Sean, who has been the keeper of the regalia etc. and who has worked at the Town Hall for 10 years. He knows everything! He showed us the "best" chain of office which is worth thousands of pounds, and also the Lady Mayoress's chain; he showed us the beautiful formal pendants studded with diamonds and sapphires. These are worn on state occasions. The sceptre was of gold and he explained that it was a weapon and had originated from the truncheon, used for warding off thieves or attackers.
It was the most wonderful morning, culminating in a coffee, and we thank Heather so much for organising this very memorable outing.
Words and Photos: Liz
VISIT TO RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER, WORSLEY. Thursday 18th August 2022
Although work on the garden started in 2017, it was not until May 2021 that the opening of the fifth RHS garden was possible; it is one of the largest and most spectacular gardening projects to be undertaken in Europe in recent years. The site covers 154 acres and now serves visitors and local residents with not only woodland, meadows and lakes, but the largest walled garden in Europe, set out in multiple garden "rooms".
Although our coach was a little late on Thursday morning, we safely arrived at the garden in plenty of time for our introductory talk so we could begin our exploration straight away. We had a quick look around and then went to the meeting point at lunchtime for our guided tour of the Weston Walled Garden. As we were a large group we were divided up and had several volunteer guides to show us round, explaining the history, process and aims of the varied planting in the different "rooms". Afterwards we agreed that all our guides had been exceptional - not only informative but interesting and approachable; some of them had been involved from the beginning, digging the ground and planting, before taking on additional responsibilities as the garden developed.
We then had plenty of time to continue our explorations ourselves, including trying out the various cafes for lunch, drinks, and cakes. We left promptly at 4pm and were back home by 5 o'clock; it's so near it would be easy to go back again and again to see the seasons changing.
Many thanks to Pat for organising such a lovely day.
Words: Fiona Photos: Marie and Fiona
Although work on the garden started in 2017, it was not until May 2021 that the opening of the fifth RHS garden was possible; it is one of the largest and most spectacular gardening projects to be undertaken in Europe in recent years. The site covers 154 acres and now serves visitors and local residents with not only woodland, meadows and lakes, but the largest walled garden in Europe, set out in multiple garden "rooms".
Although our coach was a little late on Thursday morning, we safely arrived at the garden in plenty of time for our introductory talk so we could begin our exploration straight away. We had a quick look around and then went to the meeting point at lunchtime for our guided tour of the Weston Walled Garden. As we were a large group we were divided up and had several volunteer guides to show us round, explaining the history, process and aims of the varied planting in the different "rooms". Afterwards we agreed that all our guides had been exceptional - not only informative but interesting and approachable; some of them had been involved from the beginning, digging the ground and planting, before taking on additional responsibilities as the garden developed.
We then had plenty of time to continue our explorations ourselves, including trying out the various cafes for lunch, drinks, and cakes. We left promptly at 4pm and were back home by 5 o'clock; it's so near it would be easy to go back again and again to see the seasons changing.
Many thanks to Pat for organising such a lovely day.
Words: Fiona Photos: Marie and Fiona
GARDEN PARTY Wednesday 10th August 2022
Kelsall WI's Garden Party took place in Dot's delightful garden on a very hot day. There were lots of tables and even more parasols to ensure sufficient shade for the 33 members who attended. Welcome drinks of Prosecco and Lime and Mint cooler were provided. Platters of delicious sandwiches and crudities were eagerly sampled by all. However, we all ensured we had room for the attractive cakes to follow, accompanied by teas and coffees.
Dot had organised a "Holidays Quiz" but sadly this proved to be a difficult challenge and the scores were low. A sympathetic person could blame the scores on the heat, rather than limited ability. Moving quickly on, Lesley won the lucky ticket prize and Dot was presented with a beautiful plant for playing host. Many thanks to the Committee and all those who worked hard to make this event such a success.
Words: Dorothy. Photos: Dot and Fiona
Kelsall WI's Garden Party took place in Dot's delightful garden on a very hot day. There were lots of tables and even more parasols to ensure sufficient shade for the 33 members who attended. Welcome drinks of Prosecco and Lime and Mint cooler were provided. Platters of delicious sandwiches and crudities were eagerly sampled by all. However, we all ensured we had room for the attractive cakes to follow, accompanied by teas and coffees.
Dot had organised a "Holidays Quiz" but sadly this proved to be a difficult challenge and the scores were low. A sympathetic person could blame the scores on the heat, rather than limited ability. Moving quickly on, Lesley won the lucky ticket prize and Dot was presented with a beautiful plant for playing host. Many thanks to the Committee and all those who worked hard to make this event such a success.
Words: Dorothy. Photos: Dot and Fiona
CFWI Literary Lunch - for some inform on this event please see CFWI page.
VISIT TO WOLLERTON OLD HALL GARDEN June 29th 2022
Wollerton Old Hall was built in 1530 and was the childhood home of Lesley Jenkins, who now lives there with her husband John, having moved back into the house in 1983. John himself gave us an entertaining introduction to Wollerton and the way in which they came to be there; where the garden is now was simply a field when they arrived and they have spent 40 years transforming it into the quintessential English Garden. Lesley designed the garden with 3 east-west and 3 north-south vistas, resulting in a collection of "rooms", each with their own character and style.
We had booked lunch in the tea room so after a brief look around we gathered there for a bowl of tasty soup and bread. The food served in the tea room is home made and locally sourced. It's a pretty building and we ended up there again later in the afternoon when our tour of the garden was over.
Andy Goodwater is the Head Gardener and he was a mine of information about the history and planting as he led us round the garden after lunch. As you can see from the photographs below, in the summer it is a spectacular sight; Andy enthusiastically recommended we come again in all seasons as it changes dramatically with each one. In summer they specialise in roses and salvias, and the blue delphiniums were amazing pillars of colour.
After a welcome cup of tea and another look round the garden and the plant sales area, it was nearly time for the coach to arrive. However it was also time for the black clouds which had been approaching for some time to open; the rain was torrential for quite a while and we were grateful for the trees along the drive! At last the coach arrived and we managed to steam it up very quickly as we hustled aboard. It's only a 50 minute drive back to Kelsall so perhaps a visit in each season is not a bad idea! Many thanks to Pat S for arranging such an interesting visit.
Words: Fiona Photos: Marie and Fiona
Wollerton Old Hall was built in 1530 and was the childhood home of Lesley Jenkins, who now lives there with her husband John, having moved back into the house in 1983. John himself gave us an entertaining introduction to Wollerton and the way in which they came to be there; where the garden is now was simply a field when they arrived and they have spent 40 years transforming it into the quintessential English Garden. Lesley designed the garden with 3 east-west and 3 north-south vistas, resulting in a collection of "rooms", each with their own character and style.
We had booked lunch in the tea room so after a brief look around we gathered there for a bowl of tasty soup and bread. The food served in the tea room is home made and locally sourced. It's a pretty building and we ended up there again later in the afternoon when our tour of the garden was over.
Andy Goodwater is the Head Gardener and he was a mine of information about the history and planting as he led us round the garden after lunch. As you can see from the photographs below, in the summer it is a spectacular sight; Andy enthusiastically recommended we come again in all seasons as it changes dramatically with each one. In summer they specialise in roses and salvias, and the blue delphiniums were amazing pillars of colour.
After a welcome cup of tea and another look round the garden and the plant sales area, it was nearly time for the coach to arrive. However it was also time for the black clouds which had been approaching for some time to open; the rain was torrential for quite a while and we were grateful for the trees along the drive! At last the coach arrived and we managed to steam it up very quickly as we hustled aboard. It's only a 50 minute drive back to Kelsall so perhaps a visit in each season is not a bad idea! Many thanks to Pat S for arranging such an interesting visit.
Words: Fiona Photos: Marie and Fiona
THE ROYAL CHESHIRE COUNTY SHOW. June 21st/22nd 2022
Once again Kelsall WI had a very successful Cheshire Show. The Group Entry was entitled "Plant a Tree for the Jubilee" and achieved a Highly Commended. Seven ladies contributes to this entry in various ways; Cathy Peel donated the oak tree, which Mary Diggle bonsaid; she also helped with the staging. The other group members were Judy Blair, Margaret Davies, Mary Gaskath, Marion Haddow, and Pat Symms. These five ladies were also all placed in their individual classes:
Judy Blair, Gold Work Embroidery, 3rd.
Margaret Davies, Watercolour, 2nd.
Mary Gaskarth, Passion Fruit Curd, 3rd;Knitted Scarf, 2nd.
Marion Haddow, Embroidery, 2nd.
Pat Symms, Jacket, Highly Commended.
Once again Kelsall WI had a very successful Cheshire Show. The Group Entry was entitled "Plant a Tree for the Jubilee" and achieved a Highly Commended. Seven ladies contributes to this entry in various ways; Cathy Peel donated the oak tree, which Mary Diggle bonsaid; she also helped with the staging. The other group members were Judy Blair, Margaret Davies, Mary Gaskath, Marion Haddow, and Pat Symms. These five ladies were also all placed in their individual classes:
Judy Blair, Gold Work Embroidery, 3rd.
Margaret Davies, Watercolour, 2nd.
Mary Gaskarth, Passion Fruit Curd, 3rd;Knitted Scarf, 2nd.
Marion Haddow, Embroidery, 2nd.
Pat Symms, Jacket, Highly Commended.
Wednesday 30th March
Centenary Tree Dedication.
Today at 10.30 am on a very cold and gloomy day, a good number of WI members met up on the Green for a short Dedication Ceremony next to our Centenary Tree. We were very fortunate to welcome as our special guest Georgina Denny, CFWI Advisor. Our brass information plaque had been mounted on a piece of local sandstone by our President's very obliging husband and this was placed by our tree, planted in January by that same husband on another very cold day, see below.
After braving the weather, the Morris Dancer welcomed us into their lovely warm private dining room where we enjoyed coffee, cake and shortbread. Let's hope the weather warms up enough for our tree to blossom very soon!
Words: Fiona. Photos: Jane B and Marie
Centenary Tree Dedication.
Today at 10.30 am on a very cold and gloomy day, a good number of WI members met up on the Green for a short Dedication Ceremony next to our Centenary Tree. We were very fortunate to welcome as our special guest Georgina Denny, CFWI Advisor. Our brass information plaque had been mounted on a piece of local sandstone by our President's very obliging husband and this was placed by our tree, planted in January by that same husband on another very cold day, see below.
After braving the weather, the Morris Dancer welcomed us into their lovely warm private dining room where we enjoyed coffee, cake and shortbread. Let's hope the weather warms up enough for our tree to blossom very soon!
Words: Fiona. Photos: Jane B and Marie
25th January 2022
Today we finally planted our Cheshire Federation Centenary Tree on The Green. As you'll remember in 2020 when it was the centenary of Cheshire Federation, all the WIs in Cheshire (around 200!) were challenged to plant a tree locally as a memorial, but also as a statement towards our commitment to climate change awareness and action. So on an extremely cold and gloomy morning our President persuaded her husband to do the hard labour while she, our Treasurer and our Climate Change Ambassador added their support and encouragement! The tree is a Sorbus "Joseph Rock" so we can look forward to spring blossom, autumn colour and some glowing yellow berries in the future.
Words and Photos: Fiona
Today we finally planted our Cheshire Federation Centenary Tree on The Green. As you'll remember in 2020 when it was the centenary of Cheshire Federation, all the WIs in Cheshire (around 200!) were challenged to plant a tree locally as a memorial, but also as a statement towards our commitment to climate change awareness and action. So on an extremely cold and gloomy morning our President persuaded her husband to do the hard labour while she, our Treasurer and our Climate Change Ambassador added their support and encouragement! The tree is a Sorbus "Joseph Rock" so we can look forward to spring blossom, autumn colour and some glowing yellow berries in the future.
Words and Photos: Fiona
