WE were very pleased to see five visitors at our meeting on June 11, four of them being teddy bears, brought by Mark Billen. Mark's daughter had a much loved bear named Henry and when she was going to university she said that Henry needed a companion and suggested Mark should write about them. That was the start of a delightful series of books about the adventures of Henry and his Cousin Fred, who were joined in due course by the twins Martin and Miriam, and a corgi, bought at Sandringham, called Charlie. Mark read us several stories, with slides showing some of the photographs he had taken of the bears playing in the snow, performing their magic show or flying a kite, and demonstrated how digital technology allows the production of high quality books without the need for a professional publisher. The books are sold in Aid of Action for Children, a charity which helps children with particular needs; those who are caring for adults, or who are up for adoption for example. Sales of the books have so far raised over £2,500 for the charity. There were books available for members to buy and we all really enjoyed meeting the family of bears.

The competition this month, for a Teddy Bear with a Story, was won by Joan Parry.

Joyce Davey followed by describing an excellent and enjoyable day at the Centenary AGM at the Royal Albert Hall. Her Majesty the Queen opened the meeting and accepted the Baton, which had travelled to all Federations. She was presented with flowers by granddaughters of WI members and cut the Centenary Celebration Cake. Her Majesty gave a charming speech on prominent women, who have paved the way for all women in the world. Following the departure of the Queen, business followed. After the lunch break Avon and Somerset Choir opened the afternoon agenda, then came talks by the historian Lucy Worsley and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, both excellent, but very different, speakers.

Ann Evans then told us about her memorable day at the WI Centenary Garden Party at the Palace. Ann had put on the outfit she wore on the day to tell us about what she said was a wonderful experience. The Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Gloucester and Countess of Wessex were present and Ann and others in her group were introduced to the Duchess of Gloucester. Everything worked like clockwork, she said, the food in the marquee was lovely, two military bands were playing and it was a also good opportunity to meet members of other WI's from around the country.

At our meeting on July 9, Merleen Watson will come along to tell us about the work of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

If you would like to join us at one of our meetings do come along. We are always pleased to see visitors and you will be made very welcome.

CHRISTINE ROBERTSON