Upton St Leonards WI with Thomas Jenner-Fust

ON ONE of the hottest nights of the year our President Lynne welcomed all ladies and Jerusalem was sung.

The lunch club at the Wagon and Horses was very good.

A break follows until September when it was agreed we would have an afternoon tea.

Skittles was lost to Gotherington WI by only four pins, Diane thanked everyone for a very friendly social evening.

Lynne and Diane will share the Denman Bursary.

Lynne attended the last group meeting, saying we would have a share of the remaining money with a small amount being donated to ACWW.

Trish gave a very good report on NFWI Annual Meeting at Cardiff.

The resolution on Mental Health issues was passed with a 98 per cent majority.

It is funded by only 11 per cent and six per cent in research.

Its universally a great problem that needs more funding.

This was followed by talks from Helen Wynne, Stella Rimington and Huw Edwards.

A question and answer workshop is being organised with Goodwins Funeral Directors.

We will be going to Tewkesbury Abbey on July 11, for a tour of the Abbey followed by tea and cake in the Abbey Teashop.

A reminder was given out on Angela's Strawberry Tea on July 5.

Cakes are needed for Upton Flower Show on September 8.

Helen and Kathy enjoyed a bowls event at Spa Road Gloucester where we even played a game.

Thomas Jenner-Fust, antiques dealer from Chorleys Antiques was welcomed.

His family date back to Edward Jenner at Berkeley.

Thomas spoke on individual objects that members had brought, giving dates, some history and prices of their worth.

It seems that at the moment small is precious and collectible.

Miniature books on view could sell for £100 or more.

Large pieces of furniture and even some well known painters are out of vogue.

Jewellery, rings, bracelets, trinkets are selling well.

The other side of the coin, ivory, tiger claws, odd items like an imitation crown, items re-invented for a different use are “No-Go” and definitely not to be sold on the antique market.

This very interesting talk was given a warm round of applause followed by a vote of thanks from myself.

We meet again on Monday, August 6, at 7.30pm in Upton Village Hall for a “bring a friend pudding tasting evening”.

Everyone will be made very welcome