SYLVIA Thomas, our President, welcomed everyone to the meeting.

All members were presented with a gold pen commemorating the WI centenary year.

Members who had attended the county quiz said how they had enjoyed the evening.

Following the discussions on the correspondence received, our forthcoming outings were discussed.

Haigh Hall history and tour is on April 28, and information was given regarding times of pick up and return.

A trip to the arboretum to see the land girls’ bronze statue is to be arranged for the July 27.

Members have also been asked to give some thought to our Christmas meal as it was thought a change of venue was a good idea for this year.

Names are being taken for the Gawsworth Hall CFWI 95th celebrations on July 8.

Regarding the Royal Garden Party for the centenary celebrations when each WI can nominate one person to attend, Alison Bond is to be our representative.

A walk around Burtonwood followed by coffee has been arranged for March 30, weather permitting. Meet at the Recreation Ground at 10am.

It has been decided that Burtonwood's own centenary celebrations will be in the form a garden party/afternoon tea to be held in the Methodist Church Hall on Saturday afternoon, August 8.

The CFWI meeting held at Winsford on March 3 was attended by four members, and Rena Bowden gave a summary of the day’s events, which had been enjoyed by all.

Our speaker for the evening was Mr Todd Bulmer from Kenyon Hall Farm.

Todd came to talk to us about the farm which has been in the family for last 500 years.

In 1919, which was a very memorable year for farming, his father was able to buy the farm, having previously been tenant farmers.

He told us how over the years the farm has changed, how they have had to diversify to make it a sustainable business, and how the appearance of supermarkets had revolutionised the markets which made huge changes to the farming industry.

Over the years they have introduced 'pick your own fruit and vegetables', added a cafe, a shop, a plant centre, and an outdoor play area.

Todd supports a charity providing up-to-date technology to African countries which allows them to improve their own farming industry.

Sylvia thanked him for his interesting and informative talk.

The meeting was brought to a close with a reminder of next month's speaker, and the national Anthem was sung.