WI stalwarts are true lockdown heroes

Saddleworth WI members Sarah Adams and Kath Lacey presenting cakes to Home Instead’s Managing Director, Michael Sheehan

Stalwarts from Saddleworth WI have been recognised as 'lockdown heroes' in a novel initiative to provide home baked cakes for front line teams fighting the Covid virus.

They volunteered their time and skills and ingredients to bake 550 cakes towards the 10,000 #cakesofkindness target. 

Recipients were chosen for the help they give the community during lockdown, which included GPs surgeries, pharmacies, the Oldham Sorting Office and individual post deliverers, two fire stations, Home Instead, Oldham Mountain Rescue, primary school teachers, food outlets, care homes, Ingleside Birthing Centre, refuse collection teams and other individuals.

Lily Newman, founder of the scheme, wrote on Saddleworth WI's commemorative certificate: ”Thank you for brightening the lives of so many in these difficult times.”

A team of the group’s ‘Neonatal Knitters’ produced 18 handmade baby blankets and nearly 200 bonding squares for the Royal Oldham Hospital from materials donated by the ladies.

And it prompted a message from the ward manager of the hospital, saying: “It is such kind acts of generosity that are keeping us going during these very anxious times."

Meanwhile, July’s members' zoom meeting was hosted by Alison Marsden of “Gardening by Design” in Kent, whose talk focused on "Right Plant, Right Place, helping our plants to thrive.” 

And later last month, Sally Mabey gave an entertaining talk entitled “From Eggheads to Mastermind” about the Glamorgan Poppies WI team’s winning appearance on Eggheads and her own appearances on Mastermind.

Their walking group is now back in action and trialled a “staggered ” social distancing event in groups of up to six.

The group’s photo challenge, when members posted photographs relating to letters of the alphabet, proved a daily highlight and new themes are being arranged for this month.

When things get back to ‘normal’, Saddleworth WI meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 for 7.30pm in the Oak Room of the White Hart, Stockport Road, Lydgate, OL4 4JJ.

Visitors are welcome with a small fee of £3. 

Contact: 07763 028466 or visit: www.saddleworthwi.com

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