BARBARA welcomed the members, new members and visitors to our March meeting in the Village Hall. She gave us all a summary of the plans the committee have been making for the year which include several trips – the first one to Bletchley Park on May 24 – and our summer party on July 5 to be held in the new café at Ellendon Farm Shop with the Harvington Ukulele Group entertaining us. The chosen charity for the year being the Vale Wildlife Hospital and the amount to be given would be agreed at the next AGM but will include raffle monies from the summer party and the Christmas meal.

Our speaker for the evening was Heather Greehalgh, who worked in the Educational Department at Long Lartin Prison for a number of years, teaching a wide variety of different personalities. She offered a broad range of learning opportunities in the classroom raising basic proficiencies, and working towards accreditation for their workplace skills. Needless to say many situations arose which required Heather’s diplomacy and tact, as well as coaching skills and sense of humour, which may not usually be needed within a more customary setting for a teacher.

After which the raffle was drawn and the opportunity for refreshments and a catch up with members new and old was taken. The next meeting is on Wednesday, May 3 when we will have a talk and tasting of artisan foods from Annie’s Market Garden. All ladies as visitors or new members are welcome to join us; we meet on the first Wednesday of each month in Harvington Village Hall. For more information contact Barbara telephone 870791 or Ali 870179.

ALISON RUSHWORTH