WEAVERHAM women loved to make a song and dance about things, and they liked even more for everyone to know about it.

This week, Winifred Ellwood, 94, formerly of Northwich Road, shares her fond memories of the community events that used to bring the whole village together.

After growing up living on Church Road, Northwich, she moved to Weaverham in 1937 following her marriage to a vicar's son from nearby Barnton.

A resident in the village for more than 60 years, Winnie chose to reminisce about the laughter, music and drama that made her want to stay in the area all her life.

"St Mary's Church was at the centre of all that went on", she began, "and it was always so nice to see everybody out to support the yearly festivals."

The most popular was the parish church garden party, held every August Bank Holiday Monday. Winnie said: "The garden parties were always lovely days and great social occasions.

"The highlight was watching the children dancing the Maypole - they never failed to entertain the crowds that gathered."

Entertainment was an ever present part of both Winnie's and Weaverham's life as the village WI hosted musicals and plays regularly.

She played the piano and sang in the choir, although her primary passion was for dancing.

A regular at the Kitty Oakes dancing school, she was a much sought after partner when she was called upon to help give classes to beginners.

She said: "The school was a good place to meet people as well as learn to dance. Quite often I went down to lend a hand and secretly enjoyed being courted to dance the tango."

Winnie admitted that she had to be active to keep up with her three brothers, and her talents took another twist - making people laugh.

Adored by the local children who called her the 'comedian', Winnie used to tell amusing stories and do hilarious impersonations to keep them entertained at the annual harvest festival.

"I was bit wicked", she chuckled with a fleeting sparkle in her eye, for a brief moment one of those Weaverham women again.