IT seems that I have mixed up my Anns (we have three members named Ann) so apologies to Ann Lyons who is the new president and not Ann Burge as named in the June report.

Everyone all enjoyed the Birthday Evening and passed around the pictures of members in their hats. This month it was happy birthday to Sheila and she received some plants for her garden, Sheila turns up faithfully every month to be door-keeper despite having a poorly husband and cannot always stay until the end.

This month members welcomed Neville Radbourne who made apple and pear pies. Neville started as a young man to be the pastry chef at the Lygon Arms in Broadway but had to give up after twenty years to look after his ailing family. He has been used to making large quantities to keep the sweet trolley full and as many of the hotel guests were well known celebrities but he did not wish to reveal their secrets. Neville made eight pies to become part of the raffle and not a bit landed up on the floor (but he did have a large mixer to bind all the pastry together).

Just like Blue Peter he had made one previously and everyone had a small sample. Members are delighted that Neville has promised to make the scones for the teas that they have been asked to supply for the church fete on Saturday, July 26.

Jenny read out Barbie’s interesting report on the Leeds AGM and two members had a long day our with Ripple WI to visit the Covent Garden Opera House and were given the chance to go behind the scenes.

The meal this month will be at The Blue Bell Callow End on Thursday, July 24.

The Severn group skittles match is on Monday, July 28 and there is the annual friendly skittles match with the British Legion at Madresfield Club on August 15.

Don’t forget the trip to Chatsworth on August 13 as there are still places left.

There is no meeting in August and at the next meeting on September 10 there will be a speaker to talk on Bodenham Gardens.