Over Peover WI heard at their recent meeting that the banner to celebrate the centenary of the WI is coming along nicely with guidance from Sue Newhouse, the mastermind of the Knutsford Tapestry. £400 was donated to the village hall when the Bowls Club closed; arrangements and ticket sales for the Fizz fashion show are going well; members were invited to the Probus cheese and wine party. A shopping trip to Boundary Mill on November 6 is eagerly anticipated.

Guest speaker for the meeting was Ron McLaverty who spoke about The Samaritans. They started in 1953 with the phone number MAN9000. It's use spiralled and the nickname The Good Samaritans stuck. 18 people on average end their lives every day and every five seconds someone rings them for help. Their remit is to listen; they don’t make judgements, assumptions, criticise or give advice.

Training, funding and the emotional challenges of being a Samaritan were covered in what was a very powerful talk. Sometimes people call to thank them for their help. The mood was serious but contemplative as members enjoyed tea and tantalising cakes provided by Judy Wienholdt and Angela Eccles who also provided the lovely floral decoration.

For those without Angela’s natural talent, Brenda Proudlove gave a classic demonstration of floral arranging which was much enjoyed by members. Flowers and delicious dainties were provided by Kathy Doyle and Marion Walker.

Meetings are at 7.30pm on the last Thursday of the month at Over Peover Village Hall. New members are very welcome.