AT the end of May Phoenix Ladies hosted a fashion show in aid of Shakespeare Hospice. Organised by a past leader of the group, Carole Barber, has arranged several of these very popular events over a number of years to great acclaim. With the Village Hall filled, the models - young and not so young, slender and curvy - paraded items given to the Hospice Shops with great style and flare; the show was narrated by one of the senior nurses from the hospice and with helpers from the shops and other volunteers on hand too. A great night was had by all. The final tally when the ticket sales, raffle, refreshments with added to the sale of the clothes and accessories came to over £1600 for this local independent charity, who provides expert specialist care at a time when people are at their most vulnerable.

In the meeting in June a talk and demonstration on reflexology was given by Deborah Cook; a local registered reflexologist who has been trained and practising for over 10 years, as well as being a registered nurse with Accident and Emergency experience. In addition to having her own mobile business, she volunteers at St Richard’s hospice, within a team of complementary therapies, where the power of touch is particularly well received by patients, carers and staff. Reflexology is a non-intrusive therapy that helps the body restore its balance naturally. There have been some positive research projects carried out with reflexology; however, as yet, there is not a large enough body of evidence to make clinical claims of effectiveness. But it does encourage relaxation…which can only be a good thing where every day life seems to have increasing levels of stress.

The summer trip to visit Moreton Hall Gardens is planned before our next meeting, which is to be the summer party to be held on 4th July at Ellenden Farm Kitchen in the village. All ladies are very welcome and for more information please contact Barbara (870791) or Ali (870179).

ALISON RUSHWORTH