Ashton under Hill has enjoyed a very “Royal” month, starting with the visit to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party on June 2 by Linda Richardson. Linda gave a full description of what sounded a wonderful occasion. There were 8000 WI members in attendance all wearing hats, some of whom met the royal ladies. Linda brought photos and the menu of a very dainty afternoon tea. The Centenary AGM at the Albert Hall was two days later, and our delegate Sue Bearcroft from Wickhamford sent us the report of this meeting attended by the Queen. To finish the royal connection, fifteen members from Ashton enjoyed a visit to Highgrove Gardens on June 18. We spent the morning in Tetbury and after a tasty lunch at “The Trouble House” pub, made our way to Prince Charles’ personal retreat. The gardens were probably at their summer best on a lovely warm afternoon, and we had a delightful guide who gave us plenty of time to savour the different areas. Many of us want to go again.

We were also blessed with lovely weather for our latest outing – a visit to Evesham. There is always plenty to do on your own doorstep and we would recommend this to everyone! We began at the Almonry Museum which is full of amazing treasures, and then walked down past the Abbey ruins and the Bell Tower to the River Avon. Our energetic guide Diana Raphael told us a lot of local history and many anecdotes. The highlight was the boat trip down past Hampton Ferry along the peaceful riverbank followed by a super Cream Tea at the Ferry Café.

The talk at the meeting on July 7 was given by Sue Peasgood on the subject of “Dementia Friends.” Sue is a delightful and articulate speaker who has used her own experience of her mother’s dementia to become a speaker for the Alzheimer’s Society. She used the image of declining memory as being like a bookcase where the most recent events are at the top and the older memories back into childhood are at the bottom and therefore more secure. Current thinking and practice are for carers and family to be sympathetic to the feelings of the person and to ‘go along’ with them, rather than challenging them with present realities or upsetting them. Sue was thanked by Mollie Groom for a most thought provoking presentation.

The next meeting is our garden party at Orchard House on August 4, starting at 2.30pm. The speaker will be Jim Teague - “Garden Doctor”- to which members can bring plants. Village Hall if wet. New members always welcome.

JUDITH HUNTER