PRESIDENT, June Lloyd, opened our March meeting by welcoming new member, Sandra Jackson and three guests as well as twenty-five of our regular members. The singing of Jerusalem followed. June and Assistant Secretary, Margaret Potter, detailed the business for the evening. June made special mention of a hand made card by Amanda Bostock which, once the inscription has been added by Benita Smith, we are to send to Her Majesty the Queen for her ninetieth birthday in April. Margaret went through the various workshops and events planned including the Group Meeting to which we have had a brilliant response. We have more volunteers for models for our Fashion Show/Open Meeting in June and have already had requests for tickets for this event. A photographic display of the various items produced for the ACWW was on the stage. The Book Group is going from strength to strength and the Walking Group who are going to Oversley Woods (postponed from January) this month is gathering pace under the leadership of Marguerite Kirby.

June introduced our speaker for the evening, Mark Billen, who gave a very entertaining talk on creating books for children using exquisite teddy bears to illustrate his talk. Mark donates the proceeds from the sale of his books to Action for Children. Marlene Addy gave the vote of thanks.

Following supper Mark judged the competition “A Favourite Teddy Bear” which was won by Margaret Powell and the raffle was drawn. Our next meeting is on April 12 with Meg Farmer giving a talk entitled “My Life with 101 Children”. Guests and new members are welcome. For further information contact June Lloyd on 01386 830844.

MARGARET DALTON