IN the first week in August the Harvington Phoenix Ladies Group met in the village hall for their regular meeting. Our speaker for this month was Rachel from Lansdowne Originals, who explained the cold-process method of making soap, which is the traditional way everyone would have made their own soap before commercial soap was widely available. Making lovely soap in the traditional way using natural ingredients became a passion, and now a business. Rachel demonstrated the making, colouring, decorating and cutting of the soap ready to use. A small amount of the finished products was available to buy and she was quickly sold out!

Having had a very interesting and successful demonstration couple of months previously by Neil Alcock from the Vineyard Pottery in Winchcombe, the committee have arranged for members to have the opportunity to sign up for a workshop to be held in the village hall later in the year. Looking forward to the next meeting on the first Wednesday of September, with the autumn and Christmas on the horizon, we will be welcoming Alan Keech to demonstrate and instruct the members on creative gift wrapping. Refreshments, a raffle and time to chat are also an important part of each month’s meeting.

Visitors and new members are very welcome to join us; for further information contact Barbara (870791) or Ali (870179).

ALI RUSHWORTH