Aston and District W.I. Report September 2026

After our communal singing of Jerusalem, our President, Jenny Bourne warmly welcomed our Guest Speaker, David Owen, the resident Historian at the Lyceum Theatre, Crewe.

History of Lyceum Theatre

How many of us have passed this historic building, commented on the architecture but never gave a moment`s thought as to the history of it. Well, Mr. Owen enlightened us by giving an amusing and entertaining talk.

We learnt that the building of the railway in Crewe opened up many opportunities for workers from Ireland, mainly Roman Catholic, and the Lyceum Theatre was originally built as a Church, to this day there is a Well beneath the stage, though quite redundant now!

When the Church was no longer required, it was purchased by a Thomas Cliffe, who converted it into a theatre. Unfortunately, it burnt to the ground but, in 1887 a new theatre was erected on the footprint of the old one. Call it bad luck, but it burnt down a second time in 1910!! Not to be deterred, and as they say in Theatreland – `The Show must go on` – once again it was rebuilt and re-opened in 1911.

As you may expect with old theatres that have a lot of history, The Lyceum is said to be haunted by at least 5 spirits from the past A Monk An Actor who smokes A Stage hand who whistles, a small child and a Lady in White who wears a crinoline and allegedly hanged herself! Don`t be put off going, they all seem to be harmless and obviously still feel at home in the theatre!

Many famous names started out their acting careers in Crewe, including Richard Beckinsale and Linda Baron.

After extensions and improvements, Princess Margaret performed another re-opening ceremony and had to have a special staircase so that she made it safely onto the stage!

Mr. Owen was very warmly applauded for his superb knowledge of this building and its many star performers and Denise Fisher thanked him most sincerely.

Please support the Theatre if you can.

Other items

Tea and cakes were then served and everybody participated in a Quiz provided by Sue Sullivan anagrams of films and plays!

Notices were read and people were informed of future events a Noticeboard is now available above the Bring and Buy table for Members to peruse!

Thankyou to:
Janet Wright for providing flowers for the Presidents table
Heather Pass our Sunshine Secretary
Pamela Greatorex for running the raffle please support the raffle if you are able
Rosalind Mason for organising the competition
Rosie Lomas for organising darts and bowls
Sue Sullivan for organising our outings
AND TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS OF THE W.I. FOR SUPPORTING ASTON AND DISTRICT W.I.

Some of our Members are also looking forward to the River Boat Trip taking place on Wednesday, 9th September at Shrewsbury. Let`s hope the sun will be shining on us!

Our next meeting takes place on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2ND AT 2.P.M.The theme is `FROM COW TO CONE` (The story of ice cream! Yum!)The Competition will be `A SUNDAE DISH`

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE ABOVE AND ANY INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE ON OUR W.I. AT ASTON PLEASE LOG ONTO:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3461119860775431
Barbara Ann McMahon