President Suzanne welcomed the meeting and introduced our new WI Advisor – luckily for us it was our friend and fellow Bike Ride hero Rosemary from Lancashire Federation.

Rosemary told us about the WI Baton Relay to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the WI in 1915. The baton will be arriving in Salford on the 21st Feb 2014 – so plenty of time to get ready!

We then had the report from the secretary and treasurer.  We have certainly been busy this year, chocolate workshop, yoga, wreath making, afternoon tea at Slattery’s, the wonderful calendar, the bike ride with all the training and sponsorship, bag pack, groups and the odd quiz or two. And maybe some cake and tea in the meantime…

We then had a very interesting and funny talk from member Jean and Gerald (non member!) from Friends of Salford Cemeteries. They aim to learn more about the four cemeteries we have in Salford, Swinton, Agecroft, Weaste and Peel Green.

Where there are people there are stories and Jean told us about some of the interesting and sad tales they have uncovered from their research.

Did you know that in Swinton Cemetery there are three horses buried? During one funeral in 1913 a horse drawn hearse was making its sober way through the cemetery when the lead horse suddenly fell into a hole which had appeared, bringing the other three with him. Luckily the driver managed to prevent the coffin following!

We then heard the sad tale of the Hill family. Samuel Hill, his wife Annie and their six children are buried in Agecroft. But this was no outbreak of disease or a tragic accident, Samuel committed suicide after killing his whole family. He lost his job, felt cheated out of an inheritance and invented something which already existed. This took him over the edge with dreadful consequences. 30,000 people lined the streets to pay their respects to the Hill family when they were buried in 1886.

Weaste is the final resting place of local hero Mark Addy. For those that only know the name from the pub on the Irwell, Mark Addy saved the lives of over 50 people from the cold depths of the river. When Mr Addy passed away from consumption in 1890 (no surprise!) the community pulled together and paid for a memorial which is now a Grade II listed building.

Salford Angels WI meet on the third Thursday of the the month at 6.30 at the Angel centre on Chapel Street.