A lovely 5 day holiday in the Peak District was enjoyed by all who went. Although the weather could have been better, as we did have it very windy and quite a bit of rain, we managed to see quite a bit of the Peak District. Following our arrival on the Monday to a lovely hotel that welcomed us with a cream tea, Tuesday saw the tail end of hurricane Bertha which meant we had to endure the ‘hardship’ of a shopping outing to the Trafford Centre in Manchester where purses were emptied and persons laden! Wednesday a lovely outing to Bakewell and Buxton where we sampled the delights of genuine Bakewell tarts and puddings and filled our water bottles from the well of St. Anne in Buxton. Both places were lovely and on our final day we travelled over Snakes Pass, which is one of the highest points in Peaks, passing Ladybower Reservoir where the Barnes Wallis bouncing bombs were tested and the Dambusters film made. Our outing culminated in a visit to Castleton, a beautiful and tranquil village.

Back at our WI we have had a very interesting talk on Herbs by Angela Hartley who told members how she got interested in them and how she now grows them and uses them in all sorts of products including very tasty, so I am told, dog biscuits. We have also been instructed in the making of ice sugar plaques for use on our Christmas and other cakes or as tree decorations by Avril Pulley. Helen McCarthy won the draw for the group bursary to Denman College and our youngest member Sally Taylor has given birth to a lovely baby daughter, Molly, a little sister for Angus. We have also been pleased to welcome some more new members.

Our art, card making and embroidery classes are continuing, our walking group have been hampered by the weather but some of our stalwart members are soldiering on regardless.

Our next meeting in December is our Christmas Meeting where Mulled Wine and an American Supper will be served following the singing of Carols by Candlelight. Members will also get the opportunity to make a Christmas Card. We will also be bringing along gifts for Caring Hands in the Vale.

If anyone would like to come along to any of our meetings you will be made very welcome. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.15pm at Badsey Remembrance Hall.