ON a chilly autumn evening President Margaret Coulson welcomed members and four visitors.

The minutes of the last meeting were available to read on the top table.

Ledbury Group Meeting Several members attended the meeting to celebrate the 100 Centenary of the WI, hosted by Parkway WI in the Community Hall in the afternoon of September 16 - WI Day. Kathryn Bandfield, Federation Chairman attended and a local auctioneer brought along some items to identify and talked about her varied life. Tea, sandwiches and cakes were enjoyed as was the centenary cake itself, with a quiz on county black and white buildings and raffle. Shelia Ledbury won the competition for flowers in and egg cup. It will be our turn to convene this meeting next year. The date to be Wednesday, September 28 and the Community Hall booked.

HFWI Newsletter – This edition the Spotlight is on Ledbury with a picture of Church Lane on the cover and an article inside. Thanks to the committee, Jenny H and Margaret’s husband for the photos. As usual there is plenty to read with several dates for 2016.

December 3 – Outing to Bath £15.50, December 7 – Christmas Concert in Hereford £4.50. Please see Jenny T to place orders for 2016 Calendars/Diaries with payment tonight please.

The speaker for the evening was then introduced, Les Rodgers, a retired Property Manager at Brockhampton Estate, a local NT attraction since 1947. In 1,700 acres this is a traditionally farmed estate with a medieval manor house dating back to the 14th century. Through a series of beautiful photos taken by Les over his 35 year working life we were shown so many aspects of the estate through the seasons, with bluebell woods and orchards in full blossom, varied wildlife and the projects involving local children. His love of the estate and the job in all weathers was self- evident and many members have visited this property and joyed the walks, scenery and damson jam made on the estate. The 2001 foot and mouth epidemic impacted greatly on the estate, with movement restricted and animals destroyed affecting five tenant farms. Afterwards Hereford cattle were introduced again and lessons learnt by the National Trust. Margaret gave a vote of thanks for such an entertaining and informative talk and questions were asked.

Refreshments were then served and members enjoyed some social time.

Meetings are held at the Parish Room, Catholic Church, New Street, Ledbury. Visitors and new members are always welcome.