A MEETINg of the Hot Peppers WI was held on Wednesday, September 23.

Cathy Bester opened the meeting by welcoming several visitors. Having mentioned the notices and invitations, Cathy spoke about the forthcoming Medieval Fayre on December 6. Members needed to have items of craft available to sell during the day. Ideas were asked for and a craft evening would be started shortly.

The County annual council meeting had been held at the Royal Three Counties showground and the Hot Peppers were represented. The speakers for the day had been Steve Quarterman of the Wild Life Trust, Dave Heeley aka Blind Dave and Christine Walkden of TV gardening programmes. The latter two were very amusing and real inspirations in many things they had got up to.

Dave had taken on amazing challenges especially considering his disability. Christine is living proof that you don't have to be a brilliant scholar to succeed to great heights.

The financial statement was presented by Nolene Twist and it was due to the contributions of the members at the various functions that this looked so healthy.

The main subject for the evening was Harvest Inspirations and members were very fortunate to have Sue White to talk to them. Sue gave a brief history of just when preserving and conserving had started and the various methods used to utilize the wonderful fruits of the earth. In her own family, who had spent many years abroad, her Mother would bring fruit back to this country and then add the liquor. After the contents had been decanted, it was then that Sue had taken a liking to the new squash. She makes various flavours each year from which fruit she can gather. Sue stressed the necessity for quality of fruit and cleanliness of containers used for preserving. The different sugars available were important as was the requirement of a thermometer to test the right temperature to reach setting point. Sue demonstrated making Blackberry jelly and Damson jam and had brought along some taster jars which were enjoyed prior to our usual cake and cuppa.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 2h in the Church rooms at 7.30pm. It will be Life Drawing so remember younger days and have a go, have a laugh, you won't be the only one! Members look forward to a really good evening and hope that you will join too.