NEWCHURCH’S Craft Group had a visual treat for everyone on July 8 – their entry for the Cheshire Show entitled WI Showcase.

This entry won them a commendation and two members of the group earned full marks.

Aileen Paterson’s landscape painting was also on show.

Kath Ellison’s pretty pink plant on the president’s table added to the summery atmosphere at the meeting and secretary Jean Riley reminded members of the Hazelwood Nursery trip and the July garden party.

A later event will be the photo competition in November, so members were urged to take summer photos.

President Doreen Procter passed on good wishes to the July ‘birthday girls’ and chose Ann Langridge and Phyllis Longson as the evening’s tea hostesses.

Members heard more about the Cheshire Show from Aileen who described the craft group’s banner and bunting made for the WI marquee and for centennial celebrations at Gawsworth Hall.

Newchurch’s own centennial party will be in September.

The evening’s speaker Joanne Halliday then gave an hilarious performance as Betsy the Scullery Maid.

Dressed for the part in mop cap and long skirts and a rather grubby pinny she created a lost world of life on a big estate with a bossy mistress and philandering master.

Her task was to find suitably plain additions to the staff and this meant very personal questions to selected candidates, along with Betsy’s own comments on life.

Members heard about her new sweetheart with his ‘roley eye’ and Newchurch’s new rector Chris Jones (who had come for a quick visit) very bravely agreed to be interviewed for a post as scullery assistant.

Sylvia Brown gave the vote of thanks and Joanne judged the July competition (a pretty tea towel).

The winner was June Cope with Paddy Poulter and Margaret Wilkinson coming second and third.

Newchurch very much hoped for a return visit from ‘Betsy’.

The next meeting is on August 12 and the competition will be Alice in Wonderland memorabilia.

Call Jean Riley for more details 762722.