Audlem WI March Report

March Audlem WI Meeting

The Methodist Hall, a venue usually echoing with the solemn tones of APC, or as reported recently, a cacophony of conflicting opinions, witnessed its monthly transformation as the doors swung open to a gust of elegance and laughter, leaving the room decidedly more fabulous than it was mere moments before.

Entering the hall is like attempting a real-life game of Twister, thanks to our diverse, but perfect, range of sizes. It's a doorway dilemma that keeps us all on our toes, ready to face Margaret W. with her stash of raffle tickets.
Why is Margaret W. our best raffle ticket seller? Because she's got a black belt in persuasion and a PhD in convincing people they need more chances to win a prize they probably don't even want! If there was an Olympic event for selling raffle tickets, Margaret would take home the gold, silver, and bronze – and probably raffle those off too!Just to add to her skills, she brings along her dog, named Flossy, who sits obediently on a chair throughout the entire meeting!

Our Secretary, Doreen, prepared to read out this months business agenda but before she started, our President, Brenda, requested phones to be put on silent in order to prevent any unexpected symphonies or surprise serenades from our pocket maestros.
Our members were now on a quest, delving into the mystical abyss of their hand- bags, bravely navigating through lipsticks, receipts, and crumpled tissues, all in pursuit of that elusive treasure known as their phone. Then, trying to find airplane mode, was like embarking on a scavenger hunt in a labyrinth where the clues are hidden behind a cascade of confusing settings and a bunch of apps that provide unsolicited advice and random facts about their lives.

This month's business included important matters concerning a Bowls Tournament, a Literary Lunch with Milly Johnson the speaker, a visit to Gladstone Hall with a personal tour of the gardens on 27th June ( one lady asked if we could bring husbands, another asked if she could swap hers! ) and volunteers to set up a new Craft Group.

We then faced the pressing issue of who would attend our Annual Conference which was discussed with a level of seriousness that was like trying to assemble IKEA furniture with only the vaguest instructions. At least we have fancy pens to make everything look important.

This month's entertainment was 'Memories of That Certain Age' by David Payne.
At the tender age of four, David's musical journey began with a family Xmas present of a multi-stacking record player, each family member receiving their own 45rpmdisc. His mum grooved to Frank Ifield's "I Remember You," whilst David rocked out to Pinky and Perky – the true legends of toddler turntables.

Fast forward to the moment his family decided to splurge on an electric organ for him, probably hoping he'd stick to pressing keys as education hadn't appeared to be his forte! Little did they know David would use this accidental organ encounter to become a maestro of musical mischief and an anecdotal wizard. Now, he was here to serenade us with tunes that unlocked the forgotten hilarity and shared experiences hidden deep with- in our universal teenage memory banks. It was a musical journey that started with Pinky and Perky and ended up tickling our collective funny bones!

Ann Poole stole the show this month with her mind-blowing table flower arrangement, thanks to an epic collaboration with her daughter Susie, who whipped up a colossal papier mache Easter Egg vase.Jane S, Susan K, and Jenny S hit the jackpot as the proud owners of a Spring birthday bouquet, courtesy of the floral fairy dream team!

As the meeting drew to a close, the ladies dispersed, leaving the Methodist Hall in the usual state of joyful chaos, knowing that N-M would immediately be initiating 'Operation Furniture Furlough' sending those scattered tables and chairs on a well deserved vacation to the storage area.
And so, the good ladies of Audlem left the hall, having conquered yet another WI meeting with a perfect blend of camaraderie, laughter, and their usual touch of organised chaos because when it comes to the Women's Institute, business is best served with a side of humour and a sprinkle of mischief.

See you all in April.......

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