CHERITON Fitzpaine Women’s Institute has had a very busy month. At the April Parish Hall market we filled two 6ft tables with cakes and other goodies, which soon disappeared! The Parish Council is hoping to place new benches around the Village, and we hope to provide sufficient funds to purchase one. We raised £186.50.

On Palm Sunday afternoon, despite freezing temperatures and a keen wind, seven members and friends walked approximately five miles along footpaths and roads to Stockleigh English, before returning to the Methodist Hall, where other members had prepared a very welcome tea.

Donations amounted to £55, which will be sent to Associated Countrywomen of the World, towards projects for our less privileged sisters. All WI members are members of this organisation.

Our April meeting was held on a much warmer day, and was a special occasion, as our President, Thelma Keeble, celebrated her 90th birthday. Her niece had provided a beautifully iced cake, which we all enjoyed, and long-term member Margaret Steer presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

The Speaker was Rosy Teal, a writer of books "for mature ladies", who spoke about the Perils and Pitfalls on the Path to Publication.

Rosy has always written, but only took it up in earnest after her husband’s death. She described the difficulties in getting published, including her encounter with a retired publisher, who, asked to give her tips, described himself as being "in full working order"!

Rosy read a few short extracts from her books, which we enjoyed.

The competition - to write a book review in 50 words, was won by Eleanor Roth, with Mary Nunn second and Jenny Cave third.

Our Secretary, Mary Nunn, will be representing us at the Spring Council Meeting being held at Torquay, and will be taking with her a large amount of toiletries donated by the ladies, for patients in an Acute Psychiatric Unit at Derriford Hospital.

Our May meeting will be the AGM, when the speaker will be Elly Babbedge, talking about "an interesting character".

The competition is to bring an unusual hand-held gadget.

Mary Nunn