GUEST speaker Jude Beckett showed High Legh WI members how to spin a yarn from the silky curls of a Wensleydale fleece.

Although sheep wool is her particular favourite, she showed them samples of thread created from materials ranging from vegetable fibres like bamboo and banana to animal hair from angora rabbits to cocker spaniel.

It was fascinating to learn about how the different raw materials are suited to the creation of felt, woven and knitted mats, hats and scarves.

Member enjoyed a coach trip to Skipton and the walking group visited the Anderton Boat Lift and Marbury country park.

The craft group has been busy preparing for the Cheshire Show and were heartened to receive a note of thanks from Alder Hey Hospital for their gift of a quilt to comfort a child in hospital.

Members very much enjoyed the account from Pam Earnshaw, who represented them at the centenary garden party at Buckingham Palace.

She took the opportunity to chat to members from all over the country, including the the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

She told everyone what the Royal party wore and about the delightful nibbles that were served.

President Norma Wright gave an account of the Centenary National AGM, which was streamed over the internet to be enjoyed in Cheshire.

Members are looking forward to the WI Centenary celebration by Cheshire Federation to be held at Gawsworth Hall.

The speaker at the July meeting on July 14 will be Dorothy Nicolle with her talk entitled ‘Pub Signs’.

Meetings are at 7.30pm in High Legh Village Hall. Visitors are very welcome.