Audlem WI May Meeting

As the Methodist Church Hall doors swung open, it was as if the Pied Piper of non alcoholic Prosecco had led the Audlem Wi ladies in. With determination in their strides and hearts they marched in like a battalion. The air was charged with the promise of scandalous whispers as they settled in, each chair creaking under the weight of decades of shared secrets and steadfast friendships. The stage was set for another chapter in the epic saga of Audlem WI, where the only thing stronger than the tea is the bond between these formidable women.

Our raffle Queen, Margaret, had the audacity to be absent so I volunteered as I have nothing much to do except write this article. My raffle ticket sales skills are so bad that I assumed a reverse psychology tactic to make people buy tickets out of sheer pity.it worked!

Brenda, our President, and Doreen, our secretary, dealt efficiently with the WI business and also announced an Art competition entitled ‘Life in Cheshire’ an artistic celebration of the WI.

Moira Stanistreet reminded us about the Charity Shop Quiz being held on May 18th in The Bridge. The Charity Shop is £5,000 down due to the inclement weather over the last few months, so if you can form a team and buy a ticket please do. I have been informed that the famous double act of Colin Cliffe and quiz supremo Dave Rodgers will be there so it should be fun!

Our treasurer Lin, gave us an updated financial report. Lin has shown immense strength and dedication in managing our finances despite facing health challenges, embodying resilience and inspiring us all with her unwavering commitment.

This month’s competition was, ‘a useful kitchen implement’. I opted to display a ‘seniors’ jar opener which is like having your own personal Hercules to wrestle those stubborn lids into submission! Our competitions are the only place where winning isn't just about skill, but also about mastering the art of gracefully losing your dignity...with style!

Our May speaker, Tina Jones, was from SureCare and gave us many tips on how to deal with those inconvenient frailties of life, because when life throws you a curveball, they'll be there to catch it... and maybe even turn it into a game of wheelchair dodgeball!

Despite the creaking hinges and the occasional groan that's not just from the floorboards, the elderly have mastered the art of staying put in their homes even when their bodies start to resemble a game of Jenga gone wrong. Armed with an arsenal of gadgets that could rival a James Bond villain's lair, they navigate their abodes with the grace of a seasoned ninja, wielding walkers like samurai swords and stairlifts like magic carpets. With a dash of stubbornness and a sprinkle of determination, they transform their humble dwellings into fortresses of independence, where even the most menacing of obstacles are met with a defiant "not today, gravity!”

Companies like SureCare are there to ensure that we can all access the help, and the gadgets, that we need. Sheila Jones gave Tina a warm vote of thanks.

As the raffle's imminent draw approached, our members frantically searched their purses, pockets, and even their hairdos for those elusive tickets. Their determined expressions were matched only by the comedic chaos of their quest, as each discovery seemed to lead to another bewildering mystery of where on earth they could have stashed those little slips of luck. Jennie won first prize and Joy second, staggering home under the weight of a superb flower arrangement.

Our birthday ladies were Sheila Jones, Jean Cook, Shirley Firth and Ann Meyer who all received beautiful bouquets constructed with love by Ann Poole.

Until next month.