CHAIRMAN Pauline Roberts welcomed members to the July meeting and extended a special welcome to two federation executive members, Sandra Matchett and Betty Davies.

Jean Braddock was thanked for organising the day out to Berrington Hall and Ludlow in June on a lovely summer day which was most enjoyable. Betty Butler was thanked for the orchid on the committee table which was donated to the raffle. An advance notice for the September meeting, there will be a produce and plant stall.

Minutes of the June meeting were displayed on the notice board.

Margaret Fennell gave the treasurer’s report. Her coffee morning in June had raised £225 for Mary Stevens Hospice. Members were thanked for their support. Carol Penzer gave the federation report, which included dates for the forthcoming craft day and the annual carol service at St Thomas’s Church on December 12. The speaker for the evening was Caroline Beacall, the head gardener at Hanbury Hall who gave a very interesting and illustrated talk on the recreation of the gardens at the hall. Joyce Coggins gave the vote of thanks.