Learning from locals

Our June meeting brought us Andy Stone and a fascinating insight into life with ADHD, wild water swimming and challenge. We wish him all the best with his 26 marathons. What an amazing man! Our July meeting developed our craft skills when local girl, Claire Hubbard taught us how to embed various natural and man-made objects into resin to make key rings. We are looking forward to seeing the finished products.

We were amazed at the generosity of our local community as they donated clothes, books and toys for our Pre-Loved fund-raiser sale.  These were sorted by our amazing volunteers at the height of the recent heat-wave! The sale went well with people browsing and relaxing with drinks and cake! The sale not only raised funds for the WI but also allowed us to donate items to Ukraine, Katherine House and the Douglas Macmillan Hospice. Sincere thanks to all those who put the event together and all the lovely people who came and bought our pre-loved items.  

Meanwhile, our clubs continue celebrating our local community. The Craft Club are designing, cutting and sewing tomake some celebratory banners to decorate our lovely Cotes Heath and Standon Village Hall. We can’t wait to see them!  The Garden Club is going from strength to strength with a visit and lunch to the nearby David Austin’s Roses and a visit to local WI member, Sheila and her partner, Maurice's beautiful garden. They led the group through the garden & planting schemes, sharing their collections of clematis, roses, hostas and more. The visit finished with a cuppa & chocolate biscuits. Thank you both. At the Book Club meeting we had a lively discussion around an easy read -  ‘The Nice Guy’ by Susan Beale. We are looking forward to reading something a bit more meaty with our next book,  ‘The Muse’ by Jessie Burton. A huge thank you to Sandy for leading the Garden and Book Club despite recent health challenges. Finally, it was all sun hats and shade as the walking group took us around our local National Trust’s Barlaston Downs on a very hot day. We ended with a fabulous lunch at the Upper House. Thanks to Sally and Val for leading the walk.

And so we start our annual Summer break, but not before our final club meal which Annie has organised at the local Fitzherbert Arms. Have a lovely Summer all.