The Calder Vale WIs Christmas meeting this year was another special one!. We all were greeted with mulled wine, on a wild and windy night a warming start to an evening of good company and goodly fare. WI members guests from Bilsborrow, Forton and Pilling Lane joint us for the lovely supper.

Danielle Freaney produced an attractive cover to the programme for the coming year. The card resembling fine wood and embossed with a motif suggesting diamonds gave the first indication of Calder Vale WIs celebratory 80^th year of 2012.

Mr Barry McQueen, the town crier of Blackpool, was our 'special nigh speaker. He has had a full career being privileged to meet famous people and to greet Her Majesty, the Queen, for his role as town crier extends far beyond the limitations of one town. Mr McQueen generously acted as ‘Santa’ and gave out gifts from the sack.

Carols were not forgotten. Accompanied by Christine Walmsley and Alison Bates on the violin, everyone joined to sing familiar words. Good wishes from our President, Brenda Price, closed the meeting but its spirit lingered on.