AT the May AGM of CHERITON FITZPAINE WI members received an illustrated talk about the ACWW by Rona Patten, the County Representative.

The Initials stand for: Associated Countrywomen of the World, of which all WI ladies are a member. This organisation aims to help rural women suffering hardship and isolation.

Rona reported on the recent World Conference held at Warwick University, and the projects chosen for support.

During the business meeting, the President and Committee were re-elected en-bloc, although we always hope for others to join us.

Reports were given from treasurer and secretary and President, Thelma Keeble, thanked all those who had been involved in providing an interesting, amusing and informative programme of talks during the year.

We were still mourning the loss of two staunch members: Janet Gladwell and Maralyn Kempson. Various members had taken part in fundraising for the Parish Hall; one had attended the Spring Conference and Mary Burchmore had produced a beautiful flower arrangement in the recent Flower Festival at St Matthew’s Church, along with an information board.

We considered whether we would like to support either of the two resolutions to be decided at the National Annual Meeting, and decided to vote only for the following: Micro plastic fibres are shed from synthetic clothing with every wash and are the main contributors to micro plastic contamination of the oceans.

The NFWI calls on the government and industry to research and develop innovative solutions to this problem in order to stop the accumulation of micro plastic fibres in our oceans.

We are hoping to enter a Co-operative Crafts, Cookery and Flowers competition at the Mid Devon Show, and also to have a stand at Westpoint at the DFWI day in September.

We have yet to decide whether to go to the theatre in Plymouth, or to Paignton Zoo for our outing in August, but watch this space!

The winner of the Cup for the most points in the monthly competitions was Mary Burchmore.

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 2.l5pm, when Lesley Rogers will talk to us about “Deaf Awareness and Fun with Signs”.

Mary Nunn