All meetings/speakers subject to change
2025
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!
December 3rd – A Magical Christmas Evening!
We’re thrilled to welcome back magician Robert Ellams, following his spellbinding visit in 2019! On Wednesday 3rd December, Robert will share fascinating stories from the life of a magician — and, of course, amaze us with some dazzling tricks.
No December gathering is complete without hearty food, so we’ll be serving our much-loved pie supper — with two delicious varieties and gluten-free options too.
To finish the evening in true festive style, the award-winning Boarshurst Silver Prize Band will join us, filling the hall with music to lift our spirits and set the perfect Christmas mood.
Magic, music, and mouthwatering pies — what better way to celebrate the season?
2026
7th January 2026
James Ellson – Author of the DCI Castle and Rockburn Series
We’re starting the year with a fascinating talk from James Ellson, a former police officer turned acclaimed crime novelist. After 15 years in the force—beginning in London and concluding as a Detective Inspector in Moss Side, Manchester—James swapped case files for creative writing, and he’s never looked back.
His debut novel, The Trail, was published in 2020 and introduced readers to DCI Castle. Since then, the series has grown to four gripping books, with Cold Dawn released in 2022.
James also writes short stories and was runner-up in the 2021 Bay Tales Christmas competition with Roisin’s Christmas Party. His story The Translator appeared in To Serve, Protect, and Write (2022), an anthology celebrating former police officers who’ve turned to fiction.
Join us for an evening of insight, intrigue, and inspiration as James shares stories from his policing days and the journey from solving crimes to writing them.
4th February
Helen Hadfield – The Healing Power of Sound
Join us for a relaxing and inspiring evening as Helen shares her personal journey into the world of Sound Bath Healing.
After 30 years of teaching young adults with sensory needs, the last few years have taken Helen on a new and transformative path — discovering the joy and benefits of Sound Therapy. For Helen, meditation used to mean silence… until she experienced her first Gong Bath. The vibrations carried her into a place of deep rest, awakening a passion for exploring how sound can soothe, restore, and transform wellbeing.
Now, Helen creates immersive Sound Journey Meditations — often called Sound Baths, Sound Journeys, Sound Healing, Sound Showers, or Gong Baths. (And no — you won’t get wet! The term “Sound Bath” simply means being bathed in waves of beautiful, resonant sound.)
Come along to listen, learn, and be inspired by Helen’s story and her passion for this powerful practice. You might even find yourself curious to experience the magic of sound for yourself.
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.