WARMINGHAM WI

AT the July meeting of Warmingham & District WI members fell under the spell of Barbara Foster, who stepped in and out of her role as Isabella Collins, housekeeper at Dunham Massey for three decades.

Isabella started work at the house in 1898, as a housemaid.

A rapid rise saw her take on the role of housekeeper in 1906, a post she held until 1938.

The life and the work kept her fully occupied and so she was unmarried, but had the honorary title Mrs, as was common at the time.

Barbara Foster's lively account took WI members through her own years of voluntary work with the National Trust. Members learned a great deal about the workings of a grand house.

As well as learning about Dunham Massey and the work needed to keep such a household going, members learned of technologies available in the first decades of the 20th Century, not to mention the joys of being a volunteer with the National Trust.

Warmingham's craft entry at the Cheshire Show won first prize, as did one member's individual entry. This success provides a good springboard for Warmingham WI's own show on September 10.

At the August 2 meeting, Robert MacGregor will reveal the magic of toys. There are plans for a Pilates course to start in September.

The meetings take place in Warmingham village hall at 7.30pm.

Call 01606 737037 or email MMAHannon@aol.

com for further details.