COLEBROOKE had a lively June business meeting prior to hearing their speaker. Members who went on the trip to Abbotsbury Swannery had a very enjoyable day, albeit a little chilly and saw plenty of cygnets as well as visiting the nearby tropical gardens.

The committee reported that plans for the Autumn Group meeting were all in hand and details of our summer outing to Hestercombe Gardens in July were finalised.

Hazel Walker had been our delegate at the AGM in Cardiff and reported back on a very interesting day. It was announced that membership fees will be increased to £30 next year and that branded WI goods are to be sold in Tesco and the Co-Op. These will be made in a small bakery to WI recipes.

It was hoped that the 2015 AGM will be held in the O2 Arena in London.

Gwen Parry-Jones, the first female nuclear power station director, gave an interesting talk and the entertainment was by "Only Men Aloud". The resolution, on clear labelling of country of origin on food, was passed with a huge majority.

There was no speaker against the resolution as the FSA representative had pulled out. Generally, it was a good day but the speakers could have done with more time and the food arrangements were not good.

We then had a very interesting talk on the Life of Bees from our speaker, Bob Ogden, who has kept bees for many years. As well as hearing about their fascinating lives and learning the details of keeping them, together with the process of making honey, we saw some amazing close-up photos that Bob had taken. All in all, a fascinating subject.

Pearl Hockridge won the competition for a favourite recipe using honey.

Instead of a meeting in July we will be having our annual outing.

BM

PRESIDENT Margaret Tucker welcomed members to the June meeting of SANDFORD. Secretary Ann Evans gave details of various events including a Hungarian Rhapsody Day in July, a visit to Ugbrooke House and a walk in Appledore on September 6.

A Craft day will be organised in September or October, and a whist drive is planned on August 18. Details were given of the Crediton passenger group trip, who are organising a trip to Buckfast Abbey and the Cider Press, on July 21.

The speaker was Marilyn Jones from Cheriton Fitzpaine, on Pearls. This proved a very fascinating talk and demonstration, as she travels to the Far East to obtain the pearls, and then makes them into Jewellery.

These freshwater pearls come in many colours and shapes and she said that now all pearls are actually farmed.

The variety of the pearl jewellery, necklaces and earrings amazed members. Marilyn was thanked by Maureen Greenwood.

The competition for My Favourite Necklace was won by: 1 Ann Evans, 2 Margaret Tucker, 3 Maureen Greenwood. Flower of the Month result was: 1 Margaret Phillips, 2 Margaret Tucker, 3 Maureen Greenwood.

The next meeting is on Tuesday July 13, when Mac McClaren will talk on the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster. The competition will be for a photo of boats/sea.^

THE June meeting of MORCHARD BISHOP attracted many members who were interested in the speaker's subject - butterflies! Aided by large, clear, projected slides, Mr Roger Bristow spoke comprehensively about and described many of those we see in our countryside.

He had been associated for many years with the Butterfly Conservation charity promoting and protecting natural habitat and his pictures were a joy to view, with close up details we would rarely see.

The vote of thanks was given by Maddy Tarrant on behalf of a most appreciative audience.

The normal business side of the meeting had been conducted earlier by President Angie Williams.

Two main topics were discussed: A) the October group meeting which Morchard will host and B) where and what would appeal to members for the summer outing!

The main competition (butterfly memorabilia) result was: 1 Rosemary Taylor, 2 Jean Findlay.

The Flower of the Month competition results: 1 Mo Sparrow, 2 jointly by Jenny Pettyfer and Sue Pluckwell.

Several members brought samples of their craft work which is to be exhibited at DFWI's exhibition as part of their 90th anniversary. There was nothing mundane in the work submitted!

July 14 may well see a member beautified for the summer, as the subject is "Make-up Makeover" by Mrs Claire Edworthy.>

CREDITON'S annual outing replaced the June meeting. This year members chose Dartmouth and were blessed with a fine day.

After leaving Crediton we stopped at Dartington Cider Press for coffee then proceeded to our destination.

Many members enjoyed a "trip" on the river, whilst others took in the scenery from the shore. All agreed it was a good day out.

At our July meeting Jan Thom is talking about "40 years with Darling", which should be amusing. The competition will be for "a pretty head square".

Members are looking forward to going to see "Singing in the Rain" at Torquay on July 3. See you all there.

JPM