Boothsmere WI by Linda Mansell

President, Chris Cameron, welcomed members to the recent meeting of Boothsmere WI. Business matters were discussed and dealt with and items read from the Cheshire News. There will be no calendars for 2016 but will be reinstated for 2017. Members were asked to submit photos early in 2016 of favourite views of Cheshire.

Tickets are on sale for the group meeting at Plumley Village Hall on October 24. The guest speaker will be Richard Westcott with ‘Confessions of a Pantomime Dame’. A trip to Chester cathedral for the birthday celebration service in November is also planned. A list is being circulated for contributions to the Christmas hampers.

Members were asked to help make cakes for the Macmillan coffee morning which takes place at Cheshire Health Club and Spa, Warford on Friday, September 25, 10:30–12:00.

The speaker for the evening was Frederick Jones, Toastmaster, who amused members with tales from weddings. Nervous grooms, best man setting fire to his speech, embarrassing speeches by various members of families and inebriated guests. It was explained that “wedding breakfast” is so called because it was the first meal the newly married couple shared. The cake in mediaeval times was a symbol of the groom’s ability to provide for his bride. He had to provide all the ingredients for the cake and his bride’s mother would bake it. Freddie showed members the samurai sword that he takes weddings for the cutting of the cake. It always goes down well, especially with any children. Apparently, it is fathers of the bride who cry most at weddings. These days only 20 per cent of weddings take place in a church.

The next meeting will be on Monday, October 12 at 7.30 pm.