Saddleworth WI cooks the story

Pam Jones - Cooking Champ

Saddleworth WI heard a inspirational story from Pam Jones of Saddleworth Cookery School talking candidly about her personal life and struggles to follow her dream career. 

Having experienced “burn out” from being Head of English at a Rochdale school, Pam combined supply work with learning her other passion of cooking. 

She was proud to be a part of Tesco’s “Let’s Get Cooking” initiative when she realised she loved teaching children to cook. 

Her vision became The Saddleworth Cookery School, but  finding and refurbishing suitable premises was a mega challenge and her business is still expanding and evolving today. 

And this centre of learning is a favourite with Saddleworth WI and  members enthusiastically attend the varied and interesting classes.

Said a WI spokesperson: “It was very clear from Pam’s talk she is very keen on social responsibility and is now running classes to help those with learning difficulties as well as plans to start an apprenticeship scheme in the near future.”

The September meeting celebrated 11 years since Saddleworth WI had reformed and four members received a gift in recognition of 10 years unbroken membership.  

By coincidence Saddleworth WI  have recently been gifted a set of three scrapbooks featuring the original Saddleworth WI dating back to the 1970’s. 

The books, donated by the daughter of former SWI President, Marie Elvidge, illustrated of the 1970/80’s members worked hard and played hard, making their days with the WI memorable. 

The books are a window into life at the time, make fascinating and amusing reading.

On Wednesday October 2 Saddleworth WIs guest speaker will be the volunteer Blood Bikers Manchester 7 pm for 7.30pm at The White Hart.  The  amazing volunteers offer their time for no pay or reward, allowing the NHS to divert funds where they are needed most.

SWIs annual Pop Up Fashion Show is on Thursday, October  24,  7 pm for 7.30 pm st the White Hart . Tickets are £5 each. 

The Pop Up Fashion Show is an informal show of clothes, shoes, bags etc from High Street retailers.  They offer the items on the night of the show with fantastic discounts -  start your Christmas shopping.

SWI meet  the first Wednesday of every month at The White Hart. Visitors are welcome with a small charge of £3.  For full information visit:  www.saddleworthwi.com.

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