Members of the Timbersbrook WI and Buglawton in Bloom have planted a tree to celebrate the 100th birthday of The Cheshire Federation of the Women's Institute.

The tree has been planted next to the 'Happy to Chat' bench in Buglawton.

During 2019, the Chairman of the Federation, Jean Harding, suggested that all WIs in Cheshire should plant a tree during 2020 as a way of celebrating the anniversary.

Timbersbrook WI, which in normal times meets on the second Thursday of the month in St John's Community Hall in Buglawton and currently has a membership of around 60 people, decided that they would not only plant a tree, but go one step further and provide a bench for local people to use.

Money was set aside from W.I. funds and the president at the time, Pam Barrow, met up with Buglawton in Bloom supporters and agreed that the best position for the bench and the tree would be on the grassy space in front of the Church House pub.

At around this time the National Federation of the W.I. was focused on social isolation, particularly among the elderly.

Pam saw an article in a national newspaper about a village that had provided a bench that carried the words "Happy To Chat".

Members thought that it would be an excellent idea for Buglawton to have its own 'Happy to Chat' Bench.

Accordingly the bench is now in place carrying the inscription 'Timbersbrook WI 2020 The Happy to Chat Bench'.

Buglawton in Bloom leader Sandra Bainbridge organised Congleton Town Council to position the bench and make it secure.

It was originally intended that the tree, an Amelanchier which has lovely white flowers and black berries which attract birds, would be planted at the same time and Buglawton in Bloom would plant a garden around it, making a nice feature area for people to sit and hopefully have a chat.

A small planting ceremony was planned, but unfortunately coronavirus restrictions meant that could not happen.

However, yesterday (Wednesday) a few WI members got together with Buglawton in Bloom (socially distanced of course), and managed to put the tree in the ground at last.

Formed in 1915, the Women's Institute was originally brought to life to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War.

Since then the organisation's aims have broadened and the WI is now the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK.

Timbersbrook W.I. was formed in 1922 and originally met in the Silversprings canteen in Timbersbrook, moving to Buglawton Church Hall in the 1960s.

A speaker is arranged for most meetings and occasionally the group has crafting evenings and once held a speed dating meeting when members got to know much more about their fellow members.

New members are warmly welcomed to the lively meetings when they can take place once more.

Buglawton in Bloom are also on the lookout for more green-fingered volunteers, if your interested contact the team on Facebook.