Audlem Wi March Report

Audlem WI March 2020 Report

Our President, Elizabeth, welcomed members and visitors to the March meeting in the Methodist Chapel. The minutes of the February meeting were read and approved. Following Mr Plume's inspection of the sound system, the Scout and Guide Hall's management will be approached regarding an upgrade to the speakers. The Turnpike Field Committee have agreed to the WI planting a rowan tree and installing a plaque. A plaque will also be require for the snowdrops outside St. James' church.

Elizabeth also outlined the initial preparations for VE Day and members were pleased to hear that the Quiz team had finished in fourth place. The dates of the various clubs were announced: Lunch Club at the Italian restaurant in Nantwich on 17th March; Bridge 6th March; Scrabble 11th March; Rummicub 23rd March; Mah Jong 18th March and 1st April; and Book Club 9th April.

Our speaker for the afternoon was Alan Patterson. The title of his talk was 'Baptists and Buttons', which is also the title of his book. He started his talk by taking us back to Thursday 3rd February 1763 when Joseph Thursfield married Esther Bromley. He then led us through their family history to the present day. Three of their seven children became founder members of the Baptist Chapel in Audlem in 1814. Services were held in a home until the Baptist Chapel was built in 1840 at a cost of just over £328.

As we moved down the generations we learnt that one Robert Thursfield formed a business partnership with his best man and opened a Tailor and Draper's shop on what is now Stafford Street. Other twists and turns led us to a well-known present day business (name withheld so as not to spoil it for those who wish to read the book, which can be purchased in Williams. No prizes for educated guesses).

The Vote of Thanks was given by Elizabeth Green. The competition of a Religious Memento was won by Joyce Clydesdale with her miniature prayer book. Jessica Trudgill came second and Lin Nicholas third.

Joyce Clydesdale advised us of the planned outings, including the Anderton Boat Lift and River Trip on 25th June, The Sound of Music on 16th April, Bluebell walk at Rode Hall on 30th April and the CFWI Pie and Peas (and band) on 31st July.

Margaret Bailey was thanked for her table plant and the tea ladies were thanked. Birthday Flowers were handed out.

Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 2nd April at 7.30pm in the Scout and Guide Hall. The speaker will be J. Baddeley and his talk is entitled 'A Lancashire Lad and his Ukulele'. The competition will be 'A small Spring Flower Arrangement'. Visitors and new members are always given a warm welcome.
Christine Rhodes

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