MEMBERS and guests were welcomed to the July meeting of CREDITON by the president, Daphne Evans and were pleased to welcome a new member.

Sylvia Heaton stood in for the evening for the secretary, Josie Mashford and read a report from Josie explaining all that had happened on her recent visit to the National AGM at the Royal Albert Hall.

Members enjoyed a June day with a coach trip to Otter Nurseries, followed by a sunny afternoon at Lyme Regis.

Arrangements have been made for the August evening with a skittles match followed by a Ploughman's supper.

The president, Daphne, introduce the speaker for the evening, Mr Bob Obdon, who gave an interesting talk and slide show on the "Life of the Honey Bee" and it's changing behaviour.

Anne Grubb won the competition for a Lavender arrangement in a wine glass and second place went to Daphne Evans.

Flower of the month was won by Janet Shaw, 2 Doreen Pilley, 3 Monica Beal.

The group are always pleased to welcome visitors and have planned a good programme.

For more information contact Daphne Evan (president) on 01363 774064 or Josie Mashford (secretary) on 01363 773233.

PG

THE two previous annual summer barbecues at SPREYTON had to be cancelled due to bad weather.

This year, president Phil Tucker, hosted the evening at Falkedon Linhay and was delighted to stage the meal on her garden terrace.

Members were greeted with a glass of Pimms and savoury dips.

After a brief business meeting a scrumptious meal of chicken wrapped in Parma ham, followed by an iced bombe for desert.

Members then went inside to watch a photo shoot of Phil and Mike's holiday down the waterways bordering the Mediterranean in the south of France.

Various competitions were won by Betty Endacott, Phil Tucker, Margaret O'Donnell, Judith Talbot, Lise Hawkins and Ann Winsor.

EC

PRESIDENT of MORCHARD BISHOP Angie Williams welcomed everyone to the July meeting stating that due to commitments the speaker would be the first on the agenda.

Penny Townsend was introduced and with her husband presented the slides, which gave members a lively account of the life and local links of Jane Austen.

To give atmosphere to her talk Penny was dressed in late 1700's costume.

Her knowledge of Jane Austen's life and writings became apparent as her enthusiasm held the attention of the audience.

Illustrations were of the various venues she had visited, and used in her novels, including Sidmouth and Dawlish.

It was a very interesting glimpse of Jane Austen and her era.

Angie Williams then dealt with business matters including a group social in November.

There was a delicious birthday cake to celebrate a new decade each, for two members.

The competition for vintage object: 1 Janet Symons who displayed a small child's hand-smocked Victorian garment. 2 Rosemary Taylor.

Flower of the month winners: 1 Shirley Pope, 2 Angie Williams.>

President Margaret Tucker, welcomed members at the meeting of the SANDFORD when Secretary Ann Evans read a report from Creditons delegate Josie Mashfoard, who attended the Federations annuel meeting in London. Everyone agreed was a truly excellent account of the day.

Names were taken for their August get together, and other various WI events. Two members Marion Codner and Norma Barry, had tickets for the Italian Day at Clyst St Mary. The Christmas dinner will be held on December 4 at the Devonshire Dumpling.

Members were reminded to bring scissors,odd scraps of material, glue etc for their September meeting when Ann Hosker will give a Workshop on Dolly Peg Dolls.

Margaret Phillips said that the Good Companions are having a Mystery Coach Outing on September 3 and have spare seats for anyone wishing to go, (telephone her on 01363 775185).

The President reminded members about their whistdrive, open to all on Wednesday, August 5, 8pm at Sandford Parish Hall, this is the first Whist Drive held in Sandford or Crediton for many years and Mr Robert Powlesland is kindly organising it for them. Several members offered to help put out the tables at 6.30pm and also help with the raffle.

The President then introduced the Speaker, PC Colin Harper, a police dog trainer from the Headquarters at Middlemoor, who also visits schools and groups and said that there are 42 police dog handlers in the Devon and Cornwall area. He said that all police dogs live with their trainers.

It costs £5,000 to train each animal. He answered many questions and then brought in Alfie, a beautiful 10 month old German shepherd, who is currently being puppy walked by Mrs. Angie Cargill of Crediton. PC Harper then demonstrated what Alfie can do, obedience and retrieving etc, and always being rewarded with a treat.

He was thanked by Maureen Greenwood, who presented him with two bags of treats for both Alfie and other Police Dogs.

He also judged the competition for a decorated Egg and results were: 1 Phyllis Conibere, 2 Margaret Tucker.

Flower of the Month winner: 1 Maureen Greenwood, 2 Phyllis Conibere, 3 Margaret Phillips. ^

MEMBERS attending the July meeting of YEOFORD heard that the June table top had been poorly attended. Members are visiting the orchid centre near Newton Abbot this month.

One of our members, Julie Cole, went on a charity night-time walk and raised a good amount for Hospiscare.

Our speaker this month was Norma Huxtable who gave a very funny talk called "Travels in a Pig Van", about her experiences on an Exmoor farm.

Flower of the Month winners were: 1 Janet Noyes, 2 Betty Miller, 3 Vera Squires.

JN