Didn't we have a 'LLLovely' time

Audlem Women's Institute November Annual Meeting

Didn't we have a 'LLLovely' time ..........

Sometimes I think that we Grandparents exist in our children's minds like a set of wind up dolls, cranked into life every now and then by their presence, but otherwise sat in their favourite chairs, covered in some kind of protective sheet, just biding their time until the children call upon them for assistance!

Thus it was that I missed the WI Annual Meeting as I was called upon to do my bit in foreign parts and watch the children instead of my television!

Now it is true to say that Grandparents are similar to a piece of string, handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of their Grandchildren, however fortunately I have a great WI Committee, who grabbed their cameras and pens to ensure that upon my return, I would have enough information to complete a Centenary year of write ups on Audlem WI Meetings.

Thank you Pat Smith, who amongst her many floristry talents can also take a decent photo and Doreen Hubbard, whose secretarial talents are notorious along with her Apple cake!

Our President, Lin Nicholas welcomed everyone to the Annual Meeting, which included three visitors, always a welcome sight, especially when we sing Jerusalem as I like to spot those who are not sure of the words – I have mine on a card!

Amongst the announcements was the important date of our Annual Lunch. Which will be held on 22nd January at The Bhurtpore in Aston. The cost of a two course meal will be £17 and names and money will be collected at the January 2016 meeting.

Irene Cunliffe announced that the Christmas Group Service will be held on 7th December in Nantwich. Programmes will be on sale for £1.50.

Sue Davies reminded our members that the Cheshire News subscriptions are due for next year and will cost £4, this is a enormously informative newsletter and Sue encouraged members to subscribe.

Kath Disley, an extremely hard working and diligent member of our committee handed over the Treasurer baton to Anne Hollins, who has been working alongside Kath for several months now. Thank you Kath for all your hard work over the past few years. It's not easy ensuring that money balances, it slips through my fingers easily enough!

Lin Nicholas was re-elected as President and we welcomed two new committee members, Sarah Edmunds and Janice Richards who I'm sure will help us with fresh creative and exciting ideas to ensure that Audlem WI continues to inspire and challenge members with innovative speakers and outings!

I can only describe the ensuing talk as "LLLovely." Merely by chance did a light hearted chat in Steve Williams' dazzling Audlem shop lead to a suggestion of maybe holding a 'Chocolate Tasting' table at one of our meetings....it would have been rude to refuse!

When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile, and I am personally a woman of many moods, as my husband can confirm, and all of them need chocolate.

Chocolate is to women what duct tape is to men – it fixes everything! It is the ultimate satisfaction, synonymous with perfection. Chocolate holds power over depression, victory over disappointment............ I have this theory that chocolate slows down the ageing process.... It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?

OK, I've probably gone on about chocolate a bit too much, but surely that denotes the strength of feeling that the mere hint of
chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries, which all count as fruit in my book, drive women to chocolate fantasies – I think I'll stop there!

Steve, along with his able assistant Pam, gave a short introductory talk on how he came to be selling chocolates in Audlem – he saw a gap in the market! I can only surmise that upon viewing the potential customer footfall, he envisaged saving us money as, until his shop opened, we were all having to stagger further afield for our delectable delights?

Steve informed our members, who, by now, were beginning to drool at the selection of mouth watering chocolates on display, that he knew very little about chocolate making, but a lot about ice cream. I can personally vouch for this as I do my part by ordering Cappuccino ice cream at least once a week from Steve....it is to die for!

Steve has learnt his trade incredibly quickly from an experienced Chocolatier and now Pam is experimenting with various chocolate flavours and fudge. Needless to say all of his chocolate is pure, with no additives and he even sells diabetic chocolates!

At this point Steve, who was slowly becoming a saint in my book, handed around trays, yes, I did say trays, of chocolates for sampling. By this time our members were 'women on the edge' having to look but not touch, and the relief and ecstasy etched upon their faces was a joy to behold! After all we have a duty to our economy to keep industry afloat and if it were not for chocolate, an entire control garment industry would be devastated!

I could give up chocolate, but I'm not a quitter and the delectable array of packaged chocolates and fudge in 'Lllovely' is a sight to behold, so do go in and look around as the shop is amazingly decorated and has a mind-blowing display of chocolates that need to be sampled.

Thank you Steve and Pam for an interesting and stimulating talk. It has given our members great ideas for Christmas presents.

After all that tasting, a cup of tea was a welcome sight and members were reminded that our next meeting would be our Christmas Party, so those attending please bring along a wrapped gift to the value of £3.

Birthday Flowers were handed out, the raffle was drawn and Lin wished everyone a safe journey home, although several members only made it as far as the LLLovely shop!!

See you all in December.

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