Close to home we’ve baked and served teas for the ancient Jevington Church, the village hall, the cricket ground and Trinity Church hall where we used to meet. Christmas presents have been collected for Mustard Seed Relief Missions and for several Christmases gifts were packed at the Thank the Forces warehouse for British Troops serving in Afghanistan. This led to a request for cakes and 16 large cakes were posted. To our delight a competition was held to find the most popular cakes with lemon drizzle, apple cake and rich fruit cake coming out on top. The winners were each awarded a beautiful pashmina from the Commanding Officer.

Have you been to Highgrove? We toured the fascinating gardens, and also regularly visit other gardens and Arlington Bluebell Walk. Brogdale Fruit Farm was so educational and tasty. The original “Calendar Girls” stage production in London was brilliant and the Alan Titchmarsh Show something different. In 2012 The Tour of Legal London was a great learning curve. The Faberge collection, wedding dress and the Queen’s diamonds were out of another world as was having tea in Buckingham Palace gardens. This was closely followed  by Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers when some members met Prince Edward. Down to earth but very satisfying was taking part in Jevington Flower Festival where we helped in all sorts of ways.

There are so many things on offer to WI members, one of which was  Denman College in Oxfordshire. Sadly for WI members it has recently been sold and now belongs to descendants of the original owners. Some individuals would make their own way there and others would go with the ESFWI. The facilities, accommodation and tutors were second to none. One year we managed to win a National Lottery Award and 48 members attended residential courses for music, tai chi and cookery – an inspiring experience.