THE April meeting of Pebworth and District WI started with a book sale, which was well supported. It was good to have a personal recommendation from the donors to help us make our choices!

Some concern was expressed by members regarding the wording of the resolution which is to be voted on at the national AGM. Members felt this had been badly expressed and therefore reflected poorly on the WI. Promoting discussion about the subject matter itself - organ donation - was welcomed, however.

Next year, WI celebrates its centenary, and events are being considered, with a local focus this coming September, in Pershore.

Mr John Todd, himself a volunteer for 10 years, gave an illustrated talk about the origins of Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, and the work of its army of volunteers. The arboretum began as a pleasure garden for a wealthy London gentleman in the 1830s, and finally went into public ownership in lieu of death duties. As well as attracting 350 thousand visitors a year, the arboretum undertakes research, eg trialling new species of elm, monitors climate change, and sends dendrologists across the world to collect new material.

The competition for the prettiest leaf was won by Veronica Watson.