Thank you to all our past speakers.
2026 Speakers
September 2026
Anniversary Meeting
This year’s Anniversary Meeting marked 18 years since Saddleworth WI was reformed, and what better way to celebrate than with an evening of fun, friendship and a little friendly competition?
We invited Scoutmaster and quizmaster Les Cowell to put our members’ knowledge to the test with a light-hearted quiz. The evening proved to be a great success, with plenty of laughter, discussion and some surprisingly competitive moments! Members were seated in tables of eight, which also provided a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with people they might not normally have the chance to speak to. Les has been involved in Scouting for many years and is no stranger to making a difference in his community. He was honoured to carry the Olympic Torch in 2012 and was shortlisted for Volunteer of the Year 2025 in the Spirit of Manchester Awards. More recently, Les travelled to Westminster Abbey to receive his Silver Wolf Award.
August 2026
James Ellson
It Was Worth the Wait!
It was certainly worth the wait! Adverse weather conditions in January meant we had to cancel and rearrange our planned talk by author James Ellson, but fortunately he was able to join us in August.
James spent 15 years in the police service, beginning his career in London before moving to Moss Side in Manchester. Following his retirement from the police, he turned his attention to writing, with his debut novel, The Trail, published in 2020. Since then, he has gone on to write five books in his popular DCI Castle series.
James proved to be a fascinating and entertaining speaker, sharing insights from both his policing career and his life as an author. Members thoroughly enjoyed his talk and we very much hope it won’t be too long before he returns to visit us again.
July 2026
Jane Antrobus
From ASBO Child to Top Cop and Beyond
We were delighted to welcome Jane Antrobus, a former senior police officer and now a civil celebrant, who entertained us with a fascinating and often amusing account of her remarkable career, aptly entitled “From ASBO Child to Top Cop and Beyond.”
Jane began her story by admitting that she was a very naughty and mischievous child! After working for the local authority and later the Co-op in Oldham, she joined Greater Manchester Police, embarking on a career that would span 30 years. In 2010 she retired as the first-ever female Detective Chief Superintendent in Greater Manchester Police, a remarkable achievement.
June 2026
Susan Holden
At our June meeting, we welcomed Susan Holden, a solicitor, who gave us an entertaining and fascinating insight into her career in law.
Susan left school at 16 and began her legal career in the Legal Department of the local authority, studying part-time at college to become a Legal Executive. Her determination and commitment eventually saw her qualify as a solicitor at the age of 50.
During her career, Susan worked on the sale of council properties to a private company, sharing some interesting experiences from her time in local government.
She also gave us an amusing insight into some of the more unusual and famous legal cases that have made the headlines. These included the long-running debate over whether a Jaffa Cake is a cake or a biscuit, Cadbury’s use of the colour purple, the distinctive shape of the Coca-Cola bottle, and whether royalties are payable when “Happy Birthday” is sung in public.
Susan’s talk provided an entertaining look at the fascinating and sometimes surprising world of law.
May 2026
Brian Topping
At our May meeting, we were delighted to welcome back former Customs Officer Brian Topping, who returned to share more fascinating insights into his experiences in “A World of Mules and Minders.”
Brian brought along examples of Customs uniforms and explained the important role played by Customs Officers, including how, in certain circumstances, their powers can be greater than those of the police.
He also gave us an insight into the ever-changing world of drug smuggling, which has become a truly global problem. We heard how specially trained dogs are now used to check luggage and help detect illegal substances when passengers arrive at their destination.
Brian’s fascinating talk provided plenty of interesting information and gave us a greater understanding of the challenges faced by Customs Officers in tackling international smuggling.
Charity Donation 2025
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team was our chosen charity for 2025, and at our May meeting we were delighted to present a cheque for £2,000 to three members of the team, including their President, Peter Hyde, and Dr Andy Taylor.
The donation was raised through our Christmas Wreath and Decorations Stall, cake sales and a variety of fundraising activities organised throughout the year.
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team is entirely volunteer-run and relies on donations to continue its vital work. We are pleased that our contribution will help provide essential equipment for new volunteers as they begin their training and service with the team.
April 2026
Katie Keeley
Katie Keeley, daughter of member Rebecca, captivated the audience with an inspiring glimpse into her life as a mountaineer. Drawing on her experiences in China, Patagonia, the USA, and Kyrgyzstan, she shared stories that transported everyone to the heart of some of the world’s most challenging terrains.
Her talk focused particularly on a five-week expedition in Kyrgyzstan, where she and a team from Sheffield scaled multiple peaks, facing both physical and mental challenges along the way. Through a dynamic slideshow and video clips, Katie brought the climbs to life, highlighting the technical skills, resilience, and teamwork required to conquer such demanding landscapes. Attendees were left both awed and motivated by her adventurous spirit and dedication.
Our Annual Meeting was also held on the same eventing and we are delighted that Ella and Alison have been re-elected as Joint Presidents.
March 2026
Inspirational Women
At the meeting on 4th March, members enjoyed a relaxed and thoughtful social evening to mark International Women’s Day. Reflecting the National Federation of Women’s Institutes theme for the year, “Give to Gain,” the group celebrated the inspirational women who had shaped their lives.
Members were invited to reflect on women who had motivated, encouraged or influenced them. These included teachers, mentors, friends, family members, authors, filmmakers and public figures. In small table discussions, members shared why these women had inspired them, how their influence had shaped their lives, and whether they had been able to pass on that inspiration to others. The discussions also considered ways that Saddleworth WI might support and inspire women within the local community.
Afterwards, those who wished spoke briefly to the wider group. Members were also invited to write down one or two words that captured the essence of the woman they had chosen. These were displayed together, creating a collective tribute to the many women who inspire members’ lives.
The evening proved to be a meaningful and uplifting opportunity for shared stories, reflection and appreciation.
February 2026
Helen Hadfield – Sound Healing Practitioner
Helen Hadfield delivered a session focused on sound healing and relaxation. She had previously given 30 members a successful Sunday relaxation event in November.
Helen has an extensive background, having worked as a counsellor, holistic therapist, Reiki practitioner, and Zumba instructor, alongside running her sound relaxation business. During her talk, she highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing and noted that people can experience up to 780,000 thoughts per day. She encouraged practising meditation, even for short periods, as a simple way to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
The session concluded with Helen guiding attendees through a sound relaxation exercise, which was well received and enjoyed by all present.
10 year member Brenda Boston received her certificate and gift from President Ella Weatherhead.
2025 Meeting Speakers Roundup
🌧️ January 2025 – Unfortunately, our meeting was cancelled due to bad weather and concerns for members’ safety. Speaker Brian Groom was rescheduled for later in the year.
🎭 February 2025 – Playwright Martin Roche gave us a fascinating insight into his work and how he develops ideas for his plays, including an excerpt from his monologue Ancient and Modern.
🧠 March 2025 – Our Annual Meeting saw the election of a new committee, headed by joint presidents Ella Weatherhead and Alison Blake. This was followed by a quiz from member Hilary Boon, whose legendary lockdown Zoom quizzes were given a new lease of life!
🧩 April 2025 – Marie Newell and Katie Heywood from Crompton House, both Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinators, presented “Unmasking Autism and Understanding the Female Perspective”, exploring autism in women and girls and the strategies often used to fit in.
🦔 May 2025 – Former nurse Sue Ashworth shared the inspiring story of Hog Manor, the hedgehog sanctuary she founded in 2019. She highlighted the dramatic decline in hedgehog numbers and encouraged us to make our gardens more wildlife-friendly.
👮 June 2025 – Retired Chief Inspector John Piekos spoke about his work uncovering modern slavery and the trauma suffered by victims. Now leading the charity Safe and Free, he called for greater support for survivors and a full National Enquiry.
📚 July 2025 – Journalist and Saddleworth resident Brian Groom spoke about his book Made in Manchester, highlighting the stories of 20 fascinating women from Manchester’s history, including Cartimandua, Victoria Wood and Diane Modahl.
👶 August 2025 – Jackie Madden shared the remarkable work of Forever Angels, a charity supporting orphaned and abandoned babies in Tanzania. She explained how the charity provides emergency care while also empowering families to prevent abandonment, with the message: “Saving babies is investing in the future.”
🎉 September 2025 – Anniversary Celebrations – We celebrated three milestones: Saddleworth WI’s 17th anniversary, the National WI’s 110th and the Lancashire Federation’s 105th. There were cakes, celebrations and 10-year membership gifts, followed by a lively Horse Race, won by Caroline Kiss. Proceeds went to our chosen charity, Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.
🩺 October 2025 – Paul Fairweather, Anita Binns and Agetha Phiri from George House Trust shared their personal experiences of living with HIV. They highlighted advances in treatment, the importance of early diagnosis and the continuing impact of stigma and discrimination.
🏔️ November 2025 – President Peter Hyde presented the work of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, including their role in search and rescue operations and their close work with the emergency services. He shared fascinating experiences from his career, including the Lockerbie disaster, and explained how the team is entirely funded by public donations. We were delighted to have the team as our chosen charity of the year.
🎄 December 2025 – Christmas Social Meeting: A festive evening of entertainment, with magician Robert Ellams delighting members with his magic, then following a delicious pie supper we thoroughly enjoyed listening to a range of music from the Boarshurst Silver Band.
2024 Meeting Speakers Roundup
✨ Saddleworth WI Meeting Speakers Roundup: 2024 ✨
🎄 December 2024 – Christmas Social
🎤 November 2024 – SWI Member Ruth Trickett talked about her trip to India “Travelling leaves you speechless and turns you into a storyteller.” Joint Presidents Ella and Alison elected to serve until the Annual Meeting in March 2025.
🎭 October 2024 – Paul Firth, a retired primary school teacher, spoke about “Life on and off the Stage” and led the singing of two songs from musicals.
📅 September 2024 – Nina Gilligan, actor, writer, and comedian, and the daughter of a SWI member, talked about her journey to become a stand-up comedian. Also, 10-year anniversary gifts were given to two members, followed by an anniversary cake.
🩺 August 2024 – Dr. Helena Thornton, a former forensic medical physician, talked about her role in establishing the St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), the first of its kind in the UK, following one in Perth Australia.
🚐 July 2024 – Siobhan Daniels spoke about life after 60 as a pro-age campaigner. Known as the “Caravan lady,” she sold all her possessions and bought “Dora the Explorer,” a van in which she now lives.
🌍 June 2024 – Tony Redmond OBE, the founder of UK-Med, spoke about the work of this humanitarian medical aid charity based in Manchester.
👮 May 2024 – Superintendent Judith Holmes talked about her career in the police and how the force has changed in its treatment of its female workforce over the past 30 years.
🐱 April 2024 – Faye Kennerley, Manager of Oldham Cats Animal Rescue, shared insights about the rescue’s work.
🎤 March 2024 – Annual Meeting followed by Quizmaster Paul Norfolk. The quiz was won by the “Delph Donkeys.”
👗 February 2024 – Jeff Longmore “Life in the Theatre in a Frock” talked about his career and at the same time transformed into Dame Trott.
🚌 January 2024 – Pam Wharton, Groups & Tours Manager for Ellen Smith’s Coach Tours from Rochdale, explained the history of the company and the tours they can offer to groups.
2023 Meeting Speakers Roundup
✨ Saddleworth WI Meeting Speakers Roundup: 2023 ✨
✈️ November 2023 – Behind the Scenes at Heathrow
Speaker: Brian Topping, a former customs officer at Heathrow, shared riveting stories from his time at the UK’s busiest airport.
🍛 October 2023 – Nipple Innovation Project
Speaker: Lucy Thompson, founder of the UK’s first mastectomy tattoo charity, talked about her journey and the charity’s efforts.
👩🏫 August 2023 – A Member’s Life in Teaching
Speaker: Alison Blake, who shared her unscripted, heartfelt account of her career in Essex schools, including work with young offenders.
🌱 July 2023 – Dovestone Conservation
Speakers: John Bird (RSPB) & Dave Speller (United Utilities) shared their efforts in restoring Dovestone’s habitats.
⚖️ June 2023 – Mock Courtroom Drama
Led by two Manchester JPs, members participated in a courtroom role-play, sparking lively discussions.
🧀 May 2023 – Chutneys & Celebrations
Speaker: Melanie Latham, who demonstrated chutney-making followed by a tasting with cheese and biscuits.
🏛️ April 2023 – Manchester Museum Reimagined
Speaker: Dean Whiteside introduced the newly reopened Manchester Museum with exciting new galleries.
February 2023 – Magistrates in the Community
Hillary Clayton JP and Nick Sheardown JP spoke about their role, duties, eligibility, and training, Including the prominence of female magistrates, particularly in family courts.
🧑⚖️ January 2023 – Francis House Children’s Hospice
Speaker: Reverend David Ireland, CEO of Francis House, shared the hospice’s journey from a converted convent to its current state-of-the-art facility.
2022 Highlights
November – Rebecca O’Donnell & Team (O’Donnell Solicitors)
Spoke on wills, power of attorney, wealth protection, and more. Ended with a fun, informative quiz.
October – Father Sumner
Encouraged embracing cultural and religious diversity, shared interfaith choir experiences and collaborations.
September – Babs Bray
Shared decluttering tips from her book The A–Z of Declutter. Included a fun quiz and a video about her daughter’s charity.
August – Baerbel Grayson
Shared vivid stories from growing up in divided Berlin and teaching German in Oldham, mixing insight with humour.
July – Sarah Kelly (GMP Press Officer)
Shared insider perspectives on the Shipman Investigation.
Sarah Higgins (Pelvic Health Physiotherapist) followed with an expert talk on menopause and pelvic health.
June – Platinum Jubilee Party!
A themed evening of fun, quizzes, games, best-dressed competitions, and singing.
May – Misba Khan (Polar Explorer)
Recounted her inspiring North Pole expedition. A film of her journey is anticipated.
April – Brogan Crowley (Olympian)
Offered an inspiring glimpse into her journey to Team GB and the Beijing 2022 Olympics.
February – Mick Sheehan & Liam Mallinson (Home Instead)
Talked compassionately about understanding and supporting people with dementia.
January – Sarah Slater (Hampton Court Palace)
Zoom talk: “Secrets, Scandal and Salacious Gossip of the Royal Court 1660–1830.” Engaging and fun!
2021 Highlights – many events via Zoom
November – Ann King (Herbal Medicine)
Spoke on the folklore and uses of herbs. Members received samples.
(Stepped in for Penny Dean, who tested positive for Covid.)
October – Phaedra Patrick (Author)
Shared her publishing journey and read from The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.
September – Debbie Abrahams MP
Discussed the challenges and successes of being a woman MP.
August – Hybrid Format:
Zoom: Jane Barnes gave a virtual farm tour and passionate dairy talk.
In-person: Anne Bromley & Turner (Guide Dogs) shared emotional and informative stories.
July – Hayley Scott (Forensics)
Ex-CSI shared crime case stories and demoed fingerprint activities.
June – Stephen Wells (Butlin’s Story)
From Redcoat to showbiz exec—entertaining and nostalgic.
May – Penny Simmonds (Reflexology)
Taught hand reflexology with practice videos and charts.
April – Liza Jones
Delved into the history of underwear—humorous and nostalgic.
February – Chris Duffin (Prison Governor)
Told gripping stories from her book Jail Tales.
January – Sam Durrani (Stuntman)
Gave an insider’s view of life as a professional stuntman.
2020 – 2019 Snapshots
2020 (via Zoom)
Lynn Barrow: Watercolour card-making.
David Allen: Victorian etiquette.
Frances Carlaw: The science and story of pearls.
Andrew Nelson: Women in Art.
Misba Khan: North Pole expedition (first talk).
Sally Mabey: Quiz show contestant tales.
Alison Marsden: Smart gardening tips.
Beth Butcher: Intro to British Sign Language.
2020 – 2019 In person speakers
Judith Barker (TV Actor), Michelle Nye (Chocolatier), Robert Ellams (Magician), Glenn Clarke (Oldham Foodbank), Transport for Greater Manchester, Blood Bikes, Saddleworth Cookery School, Team Kenya, Nurturing Nature, Edwina Currie (MP), Carol Talbot (Author), Suzanne Thorpe (Cake Artist), PC Lee Cullen (GMP), Sara Rowbotham (NHS Whistleblower).