Sandford host Creedy Group meeting
Group Secretary Maddie Tarrant, spoke of the late June Sandford, who had been a long and dedicated member of Cheriton Fitzpaine.
Yeoford members announced that they have a Table Top sale at Yeoford Village Hall on June 13th, from l0am to noon and Margaret Tucker said that Sandford have a Whist Drive on Wednesday, August 5 at 8pm in the Parish Hall.
WI advisor Margaret Noon spoke on the forthcoming resolution, for urging the Government to increase funding for research into Bee Health and suggested that Institutes should think about having a speaker, on Bees' or a Bee related activity.
Their speaker was "Penny", a representative from Billingtons Sugar and Allinsons Flour, who gave a brilliant and illustrated talk, both on their products and the history of both companies. She answered many questions and also gave members samples of sugar to taste and gave out "goody" bags.
The competition for a flower arrangement in a sugar bowl, was judged by Mary Tasker, from the Crediton Flower Club. Sandford were the winners with an arrangement by Margaret Tucker. Crediton was runner-up with their arrangement by Barbara Wood. Yeoford was third.
During supper time Jason Rice and Rob Murch from the Dartmoor Pixie Band played some lively and sing-a-long music, which continued to the end of the evening when they then played the National Anthem.
Sandford's President expressed thanks to members who had helped to prepare and serve the supper, which was quite a mammoth task, to Margaret Bowden for the flower arrangements in the hall, Gwen May, and Joyce Reddaway, for the delightful flower arrangements for the tables and to Margaret Phillips and Wendy Brown who did the draw.
Crediton will host the Autumn Group meeting in October.^
THE May meeting of CHERITON FITZPAINE began with a moving tribute to our late member and good friend, June Sandford, given by President Barbara Paddon, which was followed by a minute's silence.
It had been decided that we would have a Cup in memory of June Sandford and Ena Balsom, which would be awarded for the best plant grown by members from seed provided by the committee. Dwarf sunflower seeds were distributed to be grown in pots.
Thelma Keeble and Margaret Steer had attended the Spring Council meeting. Whilst being somewhat overwhelmed by the sound of 1,100 delegates all chattering eagerly in the Great Hall, both had enjoyed the day. There had been a variety of talks and presentations, including one where all the ladies were invited to exercise in their seats - Thelma's description of trying to sit on one "cheek, and then the other" had us all in fits of laughter!
It was decided that, following on the success of last year's Calendar, we would repeat the exercise, but in a slightly different format. An amount of £50 had been sent to Associated Women of the World to help women in other countries with small business ventures.
The WI are inviting villagers to enter a home-made Scarecrow Competition, which will be judged by our long-suffering Doctor's Surgery receptionists on June 27, when we would also have a cake morning in the Methodist Hall. Forms are available in the Post Office.
Plans were also made for a Craft Evening in the Parish Hall in October when local jewellery designer, Marilyn Jones, would have a Party, and our calendars would be on display.
The annual resolution was discussed: S.O.S. for Honey Bees. In view of concerns about the accelerating decline in the UK honey bee population, the WI urge HM Government to increase funding for research into Bee Health. We voted unanimously for the resolution.
Serious business over, the afternoon was handed over to Marian Beresford, who helped us all to paint on mugs, which she will fire. We had a wonderful time and, although some of the designs were a little over ambitious, we all learnt something.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 3 at 2.15pm when the speaker, Mr Sutherland will talking about Dogs for the Disabled. The Competition will be to Identify the Breed.
MN
THE May meeting of ZEAL MONACHORUM was held with 18 members present and Jan Brealy, president. Jan quickly dealt with the correspondence, some of which will be brought up again in June.
She reported on the Group Meeting at Down St Mary. Members were delighted to hear we had won the Red Earth Group competition cup for the fourth time (is this a record?)
Our winning entry, an Easter hat, was made and worn by Jean Drinkwater. Well done Jean and thanks to the hosts Down St Mary for a lovely evening. The Autumn Group meeting will be hosted by North Tawton.
Members have taken part in the County finals of whist and quiz, but produced no champions!
As it was a resolution meeting members discussed the only one which was that more research etc, should be given to bees. All members realised the importance of our bee population and were in favour.
Eight members attended the skittles league dinner at the Waie Inn. We congratulate Jen Santer on winning the award for most points in a single game during the season. Jen had an amazing 80 score.
Congratulations also to Sandford WI who won the league.
Jan has kindly invited members to her garden for the June meeting; members to bring and share supper. We look forward to this and hope for some sunshine!
The competition for a poem on Zeal Monachorum result was: 1 Ruth Friend (Beautiful), 2 Margaret Dennis.
Flower of the Month: 1 Marian Quick, 2 Mary Vicary, 3 Mary Bracewell.
MQ
AT YEOFORD'S May meeting, one of our members, Julie Cole, showed us how to make knitted carnations using wool and lace and we were all pleasantly surprised when, by the end of the evening, we each produced an attractive flower.
Two of our members, Janet and Marj, had enjoyed attending the Spring Council meeting in Exeter when he main speaker was Lars Tharp from the Antiques Roadshow, who was very entertaining.
Several of us went to our Group meeting at Sandford, which was very interesting. We were pleased to come third in the competition.
Later this month we are going to have lunch at Downes Cafe, followed by a visit to Downes House.
Our Flower of the Month competition was won by: 1 Vera Squires, 2 Betty Miller and joint 3 Julie Cole and Sue Thomas.
We are holding a table top sale at Yeoford Village Hall on Saturday, June 13 from 10am to 12noon. To book a table please telephone 01363 84750.
JN