At our May Meeting Mrs Liz Glover gave us a demonstration on how to make "Candy Bouquets", she brought along several arrangements she had made and showed us how easy is it is to make them.  It was fascinating to watch her and very interesting. We were able to raffle some of them at the end of the evening and we all went home with a candy flower.

Unfortunately we had to cancel the trip to Portsmouth to see the Tall Ships on 28^th June as we did not have enough people to fill the coach this was very disappointing as a lot of work went into arranging it.

Our Chairman Mrs Sandra Cheeseman told members that if more support was not shown in the future amongst ALL of our members attending meetings and supporting our trips then we would be left with no alternative but to close the Women's Section. She told members it was up to them and if they wanted the Women's Section to continue then things would have to change.

Also on this note I would like to give notice that at the next AGM in November I will not be standing for re-election as Women's Section Secretary. I have enjoyed the time I have spent doing the job but I feel I would like to pursue other interests. So if any one is interested in taking on the position please let any of the Committee know. The monthly competition was a homemade 3D birthday card, one entry so maximum points went to Mrs Betty Burton.

We are also running a trip to Brighton next year on January 28^th to see Holiday on Ice the theme will be Diamonds. It is open to everyone you do not have to be Women's Section member so please let your family friends and neighbours know. If any one is interested please let any of the Committee know, we would like this finalised by the August meeting the cost will be as follows:-

Coach              £12.00
Ticket to show   £19.00
Children under 16yrs  £10.00

We would like to collect ALL the money by the AUGUST meeting if possible please so that we can get our usual discount. So lets see if we can fill the coach this time!

The next meeting will be on Thursday 18^th August which will be "Flower Arranging" with Pat Pearce. The monthly competition will be  A Summer Flower Arrangement.

Sue Taylor Secretary

On a cool but dry afternoon on 2^nd June, Elstead Afternoon W.I. met at the home of Venetia and Keith Pierce for the annual cream tea. The committee provided scones, homemade jam and cakes, and as it was Venetia's birthday, she was presented with a special cake, plus a card and pot plant from all the members. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the National Federation draw, which takes place in September with a top prize of £5000.

President Ann Moon updated the meeting with news of a successful charity plant sale run by Christine and Colin Welland, which raised £120. Thanks were extended for their efforts and to the members for their support. Mr. Welland wishes to thank the local Nurseries who kindly donated plants for the occasion.

Future events include a Cake Stall at the Elstead Marathon on the green on Friday 1^st July, a Jacket Potato Lunch on 12^th July, the Charity Quiz on 22^nd July and the coach outing to the Brighton Pavilion on 25^th August. There will be a `Bring a Friend' day at the next meeting on 7th July in Elstead Village Hall when Mrs. E. Russell will speak on `King Charles II's Mistresses'. The competition will be `A Humorous Poem'.

Submitted by Christine Welland

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