GENERALLY speaking we don't have a WI meeting in August but this year a large group of us were invited to the home of Rollin and Carol Nicholls. Rollin and Carol have 4 magnificent shepherds huts in their lovely garden and we were privileged to be given a guided tour of them. Rollin gave a very interesting and informative talk about their history and also about how he came to have them in the garden. The huts were magnificent and they seemed to have an air of romanticism about them although their original purpose was a very practical one. Rollin also had a collection of antique tools that would have been used by the shepherds although he did admit to being somewhat obsessive about his collecting. Carol provided us with tea and lovely cakes and we all enjoyed a very satisfying evening. Even the weather was kind to us. Rollin has written a book called 'Sybil's Hut' and copies of this interesting work can be brought on the internet or from Guarlford nursery. Profits from the book are donated to a diabetic charity. These huts are definitely a 'must see'.

At our meeting in September, we were entertained by a male Barbers shop choir known as 'The Vale Harmony singers. We were serenaded by them with old favourites such as Alexander's Ragtime Band and When I'm Sixty Four etc. Finally we sang Jerusalem with them. Our next meeting is on Thursday 13th October in Hanley Swan Village Hall at 7.30pm. Guests and new members always welcome.

FRANCES HOUGHTON