Friends were reunited as Tytherington WI held their first meeting for 17 months.

The group has been unable to meet during the pandemic, meaning they missed out on their centenary celebrations, but the ending of Covid restrictions last month meant they could finally get back together again.

But poignantly, not everyone who was at the last meeting was at this one.

“Sadly our membership has now reduced to 14, partly because five members have sadly died in recent years, two since our last meeting, though not to Covid-19,” explained Tytherington WI’s president Valerie Vizard.

“After the initial welcome we paid tribute to our ‘lost’ members by reading out their names followed by a one minute silence.

“This was followed by discussions on how, Covid permitting, we follow through with plans for the remainder of the year.

“2020 should have been filled with centenary celebrations, so we’re calling this year our Centenary Year + 1.

“In recognition of Tytherington WI’s longevity , we’ve donated two benches to the village, both with plaques, and they are now in situ in the village hall garden.

“We hope the villagers will enjoy them throughout the coming years.”

The group is holding a Centenary Night at 7.30pm on September 20 to celebrate their 101st birthday.

There will be memorabilia on show, much of it encompassing the village’s history, along with a special celebration cake and nibbles.

Past members and anyone interested in Tytherington’s history are welcome.

If anybody is in possession of documents or photographs which are relevant to this occasion and are happy to loan them for the event, please contact Valerie Vizard or Pam Shipp on (01454) 852720 or 417833 respectively.