WETLEY ROCKS WI
WETLEY Rocks WI were hosts for a special “get together” on October 25. The four branches of Churnet Valley Group (Wetley Rocks, Ipstones, Cheddleton, whiston) celebrated their 95th birthday.
As people arrived at Wetley Rocks village hall, the hustle and bustle of women meeting up provided an exciting atmosphere from the outset. With approximately 80 women attending, their rendition of Jerusalem was beautiful, before leading to a full agenda of business and celebrations.
Wetley Rocks President Pat Axon welcomed special guests as well as Presidents from the afore-mentioned neighbouring branches.
Minutes from the previous Group Meeting were read and approved and a financial statement briefly outlined, showing a good balance.
Pat went on to introduce special guest County Chair Helen Newman who informed on 2019 being the Centenary Year for Staffordshire Federation of the Womens Institute – the very first meeting having taken place at the Swan Hotel in Lichfield and resulting in many branches arising in Staffordshire including our very own group some 95 years ago.
Helen outlined the programme of events which has been planned in celebration of the SFWI Centenary. Branch secretaries will have the details of all these in due course. Additionally, there is a specially designed celebratory mug and tote bag which are available through Cornerstone, HQ.
Special guest, Helen Mansey in her role as WI Adviser invited contact from any member wishing for support or advice in regard to any WI matters. Indeed she was also on a recruitment drive for any member who is interested in joining her committee of advisers.
Last but not least, Pat finished business by announcing the next Group meeting scheduled for April 25, 2019 at Whiston branch. She then introduced Adam Smith, singer and the entertainment for our celebrations. Firstly though, our special guests cut the birthday cake which showed SFWI badge. Members subsequently enjoyed an evening of song and cake and maybe a shared glass of wine or two.
Adam said he had been performing since age 11, his interest originally being encouraged by his grandad who had a touring company in Yorkshire.
Since then he has been involved in the National Youth Theatre; a student at Paul Mccartney’s LIPA; and has been very active in London shows as well as cruise ship work. He claims in more recent years that he has settled down and stays closer to home, enjoying family life whilst working as a vocal coach as well as singing at various venues.
Adam treated us to songs from the musicals starting with Carousel’s “If I loved you”. There followed many songs which were popular and well-known and even though Adam invited everyone to join in, only few did and the majority seemed to find it more enjoyable just to sit and listen to Adam singing songs such as Music of the Night and Any Dream Will Do.