All meetings/speakers subject to change
2026
Upcoming Events at Saddleworth WI – Join Us!
We’ve got a fantastic line-up of speakers and events coming up at Saddleworth WI, and we’d love for you to join us. Whether you’re curious, passionate, or just looking for a warm, welcoming group to connect with – there’s something here for everyone!
6th May
Brian Topping – Tales of a Customs Officer – Part 2
“A World of Mules and Minders” is part two of Tales of a Customs Officer and we will welcome the return of the former customs officer. Brian will guide us through the background of drug smuggling, provide examples of detection and investigations, and offer amusing anecdotes from when things didn’t go right for smugglers. He’ll present the talk in his usual light-hearted way, without departing from the seriousness of the work.
3rd June
Susan Holden – Bringing Law to Life with Laughter
If you’ve seen the film “Oliver” then you’ll know what Mr Bumble the Beadle thinks of the law!
Have you ever wondered why certain laws exist, how they originated or developed? Well, there is always a story, whether it be interesting, sad or funny. Susan will take us on a journey of those legal moments important in our lives, punctuated with humour and application for today’s world.
1st July
Jane Antrobus – Celebrant
Jane is a former detective chief superintendent and has been involved in many high-profile cases. She became a celebrant in retirement. With 30 years’ experience of working in the public sector, helping bereaved families, she now specialises in crafting and delivering that memorable “Celebration of Life” service. Her talk will cover her extensive career experiences.
5th August
James Ellson – Author
James Ellson is a former police officer, writer, smallholder and speaker.
His debut novel, The Trail, was published in 2020, and since then he has written four books in the DCI Castle series. He also writes the Rockburn series, further establishing his reputation for gripping crime fiction.
James lives on a smallholding in the Peak District, where he keeps bees and grows an impressive 90 varieties of apples. When he’s not writing, he’s a keen mountaineer, drawing inspiration from the wild landscapes he loves.
2nd September
Anniversary social evening
With a fun and slightly different quiz to get everyone’s brain cells working!
7th October
Garry Rogers – Undercover Cop
What’s it really like to live undercover?
Retired Greater Manchester police officer Garry Rogers spent six years infiltrating violent football hooligan gangs as part of the secretive Omega Unit. Disguised as a 17-stone skinhead, he worked inside some of the UK’s most dangerous groups, gathering intelligence to prevent riots and violence at matches.
Awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for his service, Garry now shares the extraordinary story behind the disguise, the dangers of undercover policing, and the truth about the secret world he lived in.
4th November
Detective Sergeant Craig Moylon – Fraud Awareness
Detective Sergeant Craig Moylon has served as a police officer since 1998 and has specialised in fraud investigations since 2007. He currently leads a team of eight officers who assess and investigate fraud cases as they are reported.
Alongside his investigative work, Craig is actively involved in training and advising police officers, partner agencies, and community groups on the growing risks of fraud and how people can protect themselves.
Join us to hear from Craig as he shares insights from his work tackling fraud and offers practical advice on recognising and avoiding common scams.
2nd December
Christmas Social Event at Boarshurst
Join us for a festive evening at Boarshurst as we celebrate the season together at our annual Christmas Social. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to relax, enjoy good company, and get into the Christmas spirit with fellow members and friends.
The evening promises plenty of seasonal cheer, with time to chat, share stories from the year, and enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or meeting new people, it’s the perfect way to round off the year together.
Come along and enjoy a relaxed and sociable evening filled with festive fun as we celebrate the start of the Christmas season at Boarshurst.
Whether you’re a longtime member or thinking of popping by for the first time, there’s always a warm welcome waiting for you at Saddleworth WI. Come along, get inspired, and be part of something wonderful.