THE meeting on September 11, started off with several apologies, and lots of notices.

We had made a good profit on our Preserves and Pickles Stall at the Village Fete, which as well as being our only Fund Raiser for the year, enables us to make a good donation to the Fete's chosen project.

The Fete committee had asked for any ideas to improve what is a very successful event.

One idea, was instead of raffling individual items of produce from the entries, perhaps it might be an idea, to make up selection boxes and charge £5 per box, also we thought it might be a good idea to hold the Raffle, before the presentation of the Cups for the prize winners.

These ideas will be put to The Fete organising committee, at their next meeting.

Our knitters have again been busy and Florence will be taking garments to W.I. House in Gloucester for the Knitting for Romania project.

We have continued to support the Cobalt Appeal fund and with help from friends, Celia raised Just over £500 at a coffee morning recently.

Subscriptions will be £36 for next year due at the January meeting, this is split up as follows - GFWI will get £8, NFWI £11 and the balance of £17 comes to the local W.I.

We were delighted to welcome three visitors to hear Mr Peter Bennett give an illustrated talk on the History of The Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam and Diesel line in the Cotswolds, known as The Friendly Line.

From Toddington Winchcombe and through to The Cheltenham Race Course.

The Preservation Group was started in 1976 in order to stop the line being closed.

Reconstruction of the line began in 1980 and it was re-opened in 1984, by a wonderful group of Railway enthusiasts.

They have a full and varied programme throughout the year, we went on a Fish and Chip Supper last year, so we were pleased to learn more about all the trials and tribulations in getting everything up and running.

With lots more exciting events in the pipe line, there is so much to discover on their website www.gwsr.com

The Next Meeting will be on October 9 at 7.30pm in The Village Hall, when we shall have a demonstration on the craft of Felting by Sandy Young.

Visitors and potential new members are always warmly welcomed.