SEPTEMBER 2025 was a busy month for the members of Tedburn St Mary WI.

The month started with a meeting on Tuesday, September 2, held at Tedburn St Mary Village Hall, with 27 WI members and one visitor in attendance.

Following the business section of the meeting, members enjoyed an excellent presentation delivered by the speaker for the evening, Peter Savage, from the plant nursery Bowdens.

Based in Sticklepath, Bowdens specialise in growing Hostas.

Peter gave a fascinating and informative talk about the history of this versatile plant, its many different varieties and gave expert tips as to how to best care for the Hostas in your garden or plant containers.

Bowdens have exhibited their Hosta plant collection at the Chelsea Flower Show for the past 21 years and won their 15th RHS Gold medal this year.

They have also supplied Hosta plants to the Royal family.

If people wish to find out more about Hostas, they are very welcome to visit the show gardens in Sticklepath.

A huge thank you to Peter, from Bowdens, for sharing his extensive knowledge of Hostas with us.

WI members also took part in the monthly competitions, a raffle, and enjoyed tea, coffee and biscuits.

Members provided and managed the tea tent at the Tedburn St Mary Fair, held on September 13.

All our customers enjoyed a chance to chat with friends whilst eating the delicious home baked cakes and savoury flans provided by WI members.

Filled rolls, pasties and sausage rolls were also available, and hundreds of cups of tea and coffee were served to grateful customers in need of refreshment.

Future plans for Tedburn St Mary WI members include a visit to The Beer Engine in Newton St Cyres to share time together over lunch.

Our regular meetings are held in Tedburn St Mary Village Hall on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.

As always, we love to meet prospective new members, and you will be warmly welcomed if you would like to attend.

There are lots of activities on offer at Tedburn St Mary WI every month, including good speakers, walks, and knitting and craft sessions.

Remember that the first meeting attended is free, to enable you to decide whether to join our WI. Just contact either President Jane on 07814 659526 or Secretary Rachel on 01647 61868.