EVERYONE was welcomed to the meeting on June 8 held in the Methodist Church Hall, Phipps Lane.

The meeting commenced with the singing of Jerusalem, apologies and birthday thanks were given, and thanks for the flowers and raffle prize.

We then continued with the introduction of our speaker Carol Codd who is a registrar for the Liverpool area whose office is now based in St George’s Hall.

Carol spoke of her experiences as a registrar and also gave us an insight into the duties she carries out.

She told us how the registrar service began in 1837 and Emily Pankhurst was a registrar from 1897 to 1907.

She informed us about all the changes that have occurred over the years including the discontinuation of the special licence service in 2012.

Her talk was mainly about the wedding ceremonies she had carried out.

Rena Bowden thanked Carol for her very amusing and informative talk.

A break for refreshments was then taken and members had time to look at the photographs and leaflets that Carol had brought.

The meeting then continued with the business and correspondence.

Information was given on the ‘WI inspiring women for 100 years’ exhibition in Knutsford Heritage Centre from August 4 until September 27, when the Millennium Tapestry will be on display.

There was also a reminder about the Bishop of Chester’s open day on July 22.

Ongoing outings were discussed regarding the visit to Gawsworth Hall and the Aboretum in July.

Alison Bond gave a short talk on her visit to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Carol Glynn told us how she and Linda Cooper had a very enjoyable time at the new members meeting at WI House Chester.

This year’s resolution was discussed, ‘Failing to care and assessment of need in long-term care’ and the possibility of getting under one umbrella the NHS and social services.

After lunch there was a video link to Anglesey and the chief curator of Hampton Court gave his talk.

The meeting closed with the national anthem.