AT the September meeting , members were taken on a trip down the canal on a hotel boat by the speaker, showing her slides of the years she had spent as a crew member.

Jean had owned her own narrow boat, so was knowledgeable of the working of these vessels, and was delighted when she was approached by a friend to crew on a pair of hotel boats named “Duke” and “Duchess”.

She explained the boats moved together, the first boat pulling the second. Guests were accommodated in separate cabins with all “necessary”

facilities – which did not include wi-fi, flat-screen TVs or the ability to use electrical equipment.

Guests were asked to accept that on this holiday they would need to step back in time. They would be served home cooked food, including afternoon tea and cakes.

Entertainment was self generated, participating in well loved card games while sampling local liquid refreshments.

The boats began the trip from Cheshire and meandered along the various canals, visiting lots of the counties of England and Wales.

Jean took members through her selection of slides so they could appreciate the wonderful scenery and the different views that can only been seen from a canal.

The small crew welcomed the assistance of guests to open the locks, tie up the boats and enjoy walking alongside and savouring the relaxing way of life, the pace slow and sedate when the sun always shone.

Jean recounted amusing situations she had encountered and the variety of guests, some of which had remained good friends.

On her retirement from the waterways, she relived the memories by sharing them with groups with her slides.

Members were updated on the various events that had happened over the summer and invited to take part in the autumn activities, including the Christmas events.

The WI meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at Cookhill Village Hall, providing a variety of speakers to suit all tastes together with opportunities to take part in classes and enjoy trips out to interesting venues.

New members welcome.