WHAT makes a good meeting? Entertainment, friends and food. These were all in evidence at Belle House for our birthday celebrations. Carol had prepared a list of future events and added a few before Chef (Steve Waites) faced the ordeal of demonstrating cookery to over 30 WI ladies and their guests. Undaunted he showed us how to make Hollandaise Sauce, poach an egg to perfection and cook yummy Birlingham asparagus. We then enjoyed a plate of asparagus and sauce, magicked up by the elves in the kitchen! I have to confess I am not a fan of this local delicacy but it was fantastic and the sauce was as they say “finger lickin’ good”, many of us dispensed with the forks. The next demo was for Leek and Potato Soup. Sound plain, not in the least, a creamy end product blended to perfection. Will we all have this expensive blender on our Christmas lists, I wonder. Throughout Steve explained processes, talked about his career, told amusing anecdotes and even dealt with a little heckling from his audience. Thanks everyone at Belle House especially James and Daniel for their serving of food and coffee. We will be back.

Now to the future: Tuesday, July 7, Mikron Theatre present Raising Agent, a WI Centenary play at Bishampton contact Sue Griffith 01386 462306.

July 14 next meeting Dr Doug Richard is the speaker “Inspirational Interesting”. I’m intrigued. The competition is Personal Achievements (Friends and family), plenty of scope for photos, artefacts and certificates to go on show.

August 26 Trip to Blenheim Palace. Please make sure you have paid the treasurer.

September 8 Monthly meeting, Shirley Sheridan and her Guide Dog Taylor.

Saturday September 12 Centenary Annual Event, 10am-4pm. Open to all, tickets £10 to include, refreshments (twice!), lunch, morning talk by Reg Moule and afternoon talk and class on jewellery and pearls with Frances Benton. To book your ticket contact 01386 860617. There are more details on posters around the area. Bring friends and family. If you can help please call 861509, 861533 or 554137.

Further ahead look out for Quiz with fish’n’chips in October at Wyre Piddle and a shopping trip to Cardiff in November.

Unless otherwise stated meetings are at Cropthorne and Charlton Village Hall starting at 7.30pm

If you are interested in joining or just want to come along to one or two meetings contact 01386 861966.

DIANE BARLOW