A River Flowing with Salt

2nd December 2025 - 7:30 pm

Hazelmere, Winsford Cheshire

By David Nellist

The Weaver Navigation was developed to transport salt and coal. It opened in 1732, connecting Winsford with the River Mersey soon becoming a vital trade route. The Navigation was a key factor in the prosperity of Cheshire’s salt and chemical industry industry turning Winsford into a significant boat-building, engineering and manufacturing area.

David will explore how the Navigation influenced the salt trade turning mid-Cheshire into the world’s largest salt manufacturing area. By the early 1900s, Winsford’s salt manufacturing was at its peak but it was soon to falter and by the 1960s was at an end; we will explore the reasons for the decline.

 

Sponsored by Cliff Dickenson & Son

 

 

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The Window

2nd February 2026 - 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Hazelmere, Winsford Cheshire

by Elizabeth Morris

A mother awaits at the window for the return of her son  from the Great War. The chapel and streets are festooned with flags now there is peace .How will the chapel welcome them back, one soldier and a conscientious objector?

A dramatic reflection on the tension between duty to a nation and a Christian’s pacifism.

Another dramatic story from Elizabeth

Sponsored by Foodcraft

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General Charles Lee

2nd March 2026 - 7:30 pm

Hazelmere, Winsford Cheshire

by David Shaw

General Charles Lee was born in Darnhall in 1732 to parents who came from wealthy families. His father was a high-ranking officer in the British Army and he sought the same for his son. Charles was educated in England and abroad, joined the British Army, fought in Egypt, and then crossed the Atlantic to support the British cause in the American Colonies.

Later he decided to join the American patriots and switched sides. He was a formidable general and second in command to George Washington but his name did not please everyone and military disobedience led to his disgrace. He was buried in Chester, Philadelphia a rather forgotten man.

An enthralling story.

Sponsored by The Old Star

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