Speaker Helen Avraam explained about ‘human energy and Reiki’ and a number of members took part in various experiments.

At the November AGM, Mrs J Hitchen agreed to stay as president and all the officers and committee members remain also.

Classes were organised for a Christmas craft and flower arranging session prior to Christmas.

Following business, members enjoyed soup served by committee members in Hallowe'en outfits.

For details about joining upcoming activities, ring 01270 528367.

At Lach Dennis WI, president Olive Reed led a minute’s silence in memory of popular member, Phyllis Anderson, aged 93.

She then gave a report of the year’s numerous and successful activities – and the interesting speakers arranged by Sylvia Holmes.

The president and committee members were re-elected to serve for another year.

Judy Beckett was the overall winner of competitions for the year, second was Vera Hardman. Both received prizes.

Speaker John Hooley then gave a slide illustrated talk on the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

A Christmas coffee morning has been arranged to take place at the president’s home on Friday, Nov 21. On December 8, members leave from the village hall at 9.45am for a trip to Walton Hall for a day of festivities and Christmas lunch.

Whitley WI’s AGM began with a minute’s silence for former member Gloria Billington, who had worked tirelessly for the branch over many years.

Sue Abott was re-elected president and reviewed a very successful year.

Secretary Dorothy Thompson highlighted the successful Seeds to Saucepan project which had forged links with the f Whitley Primary School – and the enjoyable spring fashion show which had raised funds for the WI and for new curtains for the village hall.

Treasurer Mary Highmore reported on an excellent financial year.

Sue Roberts was congratulated on being given an award at the Cheshire World Rural Women’s Day event for her work in the county as Cheshire Federation of WIs science & skills co-ordinator.

Members Paula Priestner and Yvonne Corfield gave a talk about their Denman College studying the Alexander Technique.

For information about branch activities, email president@whitleywi.org.uk or ring Helen on 01925 730329.

Moulton WI members enjoyed a hot-pot supper prior to their AGM.

Secretary Joan Christie reviewed a busy and active year but treasurer Gladys Kirkham’s report was held over after her recent surgery.

Margaret Hale announced her retirement from the committee – the only change – and re-elected president Sharon Boden thanked her for her services, especially forming the bowls team. Joan Slobom agreed to fill the vacancy on the committee.

Cuddington & Sandiway WI reviewed a successful year at their AGM.

Re-elected president Margaret Dooley and secretary Pat Wrench gave their annual reports, the highlight being the coach trip to Denman College for the WI’s diamond anniversary celebration.

Treasuer Jen Oakley saud the branch was financially sound and details were given of trips to Sainsbury's, to Tatton Park and next month’s Christmas party at Forest Hills Hotel. There will be shortly be a collection of toiletries for the ‘Save the Family’ charity in Chester in the New Year.

Members were then divided into groups and asked to list their favourite money saving and recycling ideas. Thirty tips were produced to help people in these recession-hit times.

1. Dry clothes outside on a line if possible to save using the tumble drier.

2: Buy a pack of labels and re-use jiffy bags and envelopes.

3: Cut off the blank parts of greetings cards and junk mail for use as notes or shopping lists. Use the front of Christmas and birthday cards to make gift tags.

4. As your old light bulbs fail, buy energy efficient bulbs.

5. Use farmers’ markets where possible and buy bulk when in season.

6. Place polystyrene packing at bottom of plant pots. Sow seeds in old egg boxes.

7. Replace some of the compost at bottom of plant pot with shredded paper. Shredded paper can also be composted in the garden.

8. Boil up chicken bones to make stock. Liquidise left-over stew and cooked vegetables to make a basis for soup.

9. Go food shopping after a meal – you don’t buy as much. Stick to a list to avoid impulse buying. Keep store vouchers in your purse so you don’t forget to use them.

10. Look on the bottom shelves in a supermarket. Items are generally better value there, than those at eye level. Don’t forget the local market.

11. Take advantage of ‘bogofs’ – buy one, get one free – and store in the freezer or cupboard.

12: Try to avoid convenience foods and start with fresh ingredients. Cook enough for two or three meals at a time and freeze surplus.

13. Recycle gift wrapping. An iron comes in handy here.

14. Use the internet to shop around for the best prices. Plan ahead – no impulse buying or falling for sales talk.

15. Use old washing up water for watering plants. Save water by turning off tap when cleaning teeth. Don’t boil more water than needed. Pour any left over into vacuum flask.

16. Don’t buy clothes that are ‘dry cleaning’ only.

17. Cut up old tights and stockings and use to stuff cushions or strips as plant ties.

18. Cut empty toothpaste & cosmetic plastic tubes in half to use up the residue which cannot be obtained by squeezing.

19. Use butter or margarine paper to grease and then to line cake tins. Also to stop items being burnt black in the oven.

20. Make firelighters from newspaper. Scrunched up newspaper gives a good final polish to windows.

21. Don’t leave lights on in unused rooms and close the doors so heat does not escape from the main part of the house.

22. Form a magazine group, each member buying one magazine and then passing it round.

23. Think – is your car journey really necessary? Can a lift sharing scheme be operated?

24. Only use your washing machine or dishwasher when you have a full load.

25. Cut up old cotton items (eg. teatowels, underwear) and use as dusters, floorcloths, for polishing the car. These can be put in the wash and used again.

26. Use up stale cake by putting it in a jelly or serve with custard or yoghurt.

27: Keep a ‘parcels box’ to store usable brown paper, string, adhesive tape, old scissors, gift tags and any packing materials such as bubble wrap.

28. Don’t use the oven for one item. Plan to use the heat to cook several items at a time.

29. Always take a spare plastic bag when you go shopping. Use any others to line wastebins, etc.

30. In the garden, keep your young plants safe by putting little heaps of bran nearby, covering with cabbage leaves. Slugs and snails will congregate underneath ready for disposal.

The next meeting is at St John’s Church Hall in Sandiway on January 13. Ring 01606 888446 for further information.