ON a gloriously sunny afternoon on June 9, the annual garden party took place in Sue Bourne’s beautiful garden at Melstock.

Susie Appleford, vice-president, conducted a brief business meeting then welcomed more than 100 people to the party including our many guests, members’ personal friends, Revd Jenny Taylor, representatives from other local WI groups, the president and former president from Wiltshire WI HQ, Hazel Gillingham all the way from Norfolk, and Adrian Taylor and John Barrow who both do so much to help our WI.

Once again there was a bring and buy stall, a wonderful selection of plants for sale, a tempting nearly new stall to search for bargains, a well-stocked raffle table, welcome glasses of Pimm’s and last but not least an exciting tombola stall – every card won a prize.

The entertainment, arranged by Carol Stratton, was Fiona Evans and her Coffee Choir of 25 ladies singing a rousing selection of songs a capella.

Finally, Susie thanked all those members (and husbands) who had contributed to the success of the day, cooking, donating items, putting up and dismantling the two marquees and gazebo and ferrying equipment from Radnor Hall, then serving and clearing up after the tea. She presented a bouquet to Margaret Barrow with our thanks and a voucher to Sue Bourne.

The next meeting will take place in Radnor Hall on Monday, July 14 at 10am, when Susan Waldron will give a jewellery-making demonstration.