by Marilyn Cressell

OUR September meeting was a special one, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the National Federation of Women's Institutes and the 85th anniversary of the Cheshire Federation.

The celebration cake, made by Ann Hunt, was decorated with fuchsias as a tribute to Adelaide Hoodless, the founder of the WI whose favourite flowers they were. The cake was cut by Joan Penrith, one of our new members. Eve Armstrong read a poem she had composed.

The anniversary will be marked with a service at Chester Cathedral on November 15. We also have theatre visits to look forward to in October, to My Fair Lady.

Our speaker, Ian Uzzell, gave an interesting talk on the Vikings. He was dressed in costume with chain mail, sword and helmet but no horns, as Viking helmets were not, in fact, horned. His regalia would have cost the equivalent of a car or even a house for us. We learned a lot about the role of Viking women. A Viking chief's wife would have enjoyed an important position, holding the keys to their wealth and being involved in planning raids. She also had the power to divorce her husband just by telling him so, in front of witnesses!

A most enjoyable evening was rounded off with the competition for a limerick on the theme The Vikings. Winners were 1, Phyllis Fraser, 2, Eve Armstrong, 3, Pauline Wiseman. Lucky numbers winner was Beryl Bennett.

The next meeting, our annual meeting, takes place on Monday, October 3, at 7.15pm, in Penketh Leisure Centre.