Goostrey WI held its 1,010th meeting and AGM recently. Marilyn Lloyd was again elected as president and thanked all members for their support through the year.

The recent jumble sale was a success and there were some pleasing results from the Macclesfield Show – two firsts, two seconds, two thirds and a highly commended. They also won a share of the Art Cup thanks to Gillie Bueshaws' success in the art section.

Speaker for the meeting was Ray Elkes on the Royal Secrets of Spode. He spoke of the history of the Spode factory from its beginning in the18th century with Josiah Spode to it closing down eight years ago when manufacture was transferred to foreign countries. It proved to be a disaster.

A few years ago, Portmeirion took over the making of Spode and Wedgwood and sales are growing by 40 per cent year-on-year.

Ray worked at Spode for many years, his role included working with prestigious people, among them the Royal Family. He also brought with him many examples of pottery which had been commissioned by them and allowed them to be handled.

Competition results for a a pretty cup and saucer: 1) Hazel Harcourt; 2) Madeleine Brown; 3) Helen Wood. The raffle was won by Norah Relph.

The Christmas party is in December and the next meeting is on Wednesday, January 15, with Alan Russell’s Snaggers Amazing Balloons. Meetings are held at Goostrey Village Hall on the third Wednesday in the month at 7.30pm.

Sheila Thomlinson