THE silly season of summer keeps us on our toes and our August summer social was no exception.

The table was laden with delicious summer delights in the form of favourite recipe dishes, hot, cold, sweet or savoury, testing members taste buds, washed down with appropriate drinks.

Childhood memories came to the fore as we sampled an old favourite, sherry trifle, plus others; simple dishes to tempt the palate.

Claudia used a German recipe unknown to us all, but then it's her home country.

Time was taken to mix socially, as normally speakers take most of the time.

Business was brief as Lynne and Diane read out reports and very sad news as another dear friend Dorothy Cridland died at a great age, she was always there to encourage and thank us on the committee for all our hard work.

We stood in silence to remember her and were also told that Enid Pates had had a fall and now is in hospital.

On a lighter note, birthday cards were given to Trisha, Jenny, Sylvia and Pat Gent.

The Lavender field trip to Snowhill was very successful; on a perfect summers' day in July we walked around the heavily scented lavender of various shades of blue, mauve, even cream and off white, beautiful to behold.

We lost skittles to Uley by 21 pins.

Thursday, September 11, Book Binding.

Tuesday, September 30, 7.30pm Autumn County meeting, at Gloucester Rugby Club £10.

Monday, October 20, coach to Denman £18.

Monday, September 8, walking group meet at village hall 9.30am, dogs allowed.

A new committee is needed in November, ladies please think about this.

We host Group Rally next year Saturday, May 16, morris dancers etc.

On behalf of the shoe box appeal, 'Samaritans Purse', Sheila Whittaker showed us how lots of little items suitable for children bring great joy and pleasure to many orphaned and displaced children in the Third World.

We left to go home and light our candles to think of all those who gave their all, suffered and died for our freedom in the 'Great War; 1914-1918, supposedly to end all wars.

We meet again in Upton St Leonard's Village Hall, Monday, September 1, 7.30pm, Cooking with Herbs, speaker - Victoria Kubiak, competition - an item decorated with herbs, colour - black.

All ladies are very welcome.