WI PRESS REPORT – MEETING 26TH JAN 2012

Over Peover Village Hall echoed to the sweet rendering of Jerusalem when Over Peover WI returned from the Christmas break. June Leach introduced the new officers on the committee and the minutes were read. Ann Brooks got off to a good start by briefing us on the Cheshire Show and encouraging entries. Possible visits were discussed and the Treasurer’s report delivered. The Parish Council have found a caretaker for the Village Hall from end of March and the clerk to the PC will be managing the bookings and dealing with finances. The trip to see “Wonderful Town” at The Lowry is eagerly anticipated and dates in November were discussed for a Fizz Fashion Show.

Judy Popley mesmerised us with a plethora of information on “Stately Homes” particularly those in the north of England. She kept up a steady stream of historical facts to accompany her slides and was clearly very enthusiastic about her subject. She showed her passionate dislike for ugly modern architecture. Historical anecdotes gave the financial background for many stately homes which often changed hands on the turn of the dice or a bankruptcy. One day a banker, the next an Earl. Such changes of fortune and property affected many of the houses she covered including Castle Howard which was used as the setting for Brideshead Revisited on TV, courtesy of the Earl of Carlisle, Rivaulx Abbey, Sutton Park – Samantha Cameron is the daughter of the owners- Lord & Lady Sheffield, Harefield House and its legendary gardens, The Wentworth Estate, Blaise Castle – now owned and sensitively used by Bristol City Council, Chatsworth – one of many of the Devonshire’s properties and a leader in the management of stately homes, Bolton Abbey, Downham Hall, Gawthorpe Hall, Crewe Hall and closer to home – Tatton and Tabley. It was fascinating and appalling to hear how whole villages were cleared to create a privacy zone around some of these houses. Judy knew her subject well and imparted a huge amount of information in a short time.

The tasty cupcakes, cookies and shortbread were provided by Viv Cunningham and Janet Winrow as was the pot plant which was sent to Minty Day. The speaker at the next meeting will be Ted Hawker on “RMS Queen Mary”.