ASTLEY WI: Following the presentation of birthday posies to those celebrating birthdays in July and August, thanks were expressed to those ladies who manned the tea urn, provided flowers or the raffle prize.

The usual round up of forthcoming events was given and attendees were reminded about the many classes, events and outings. In the immediate future, there is the Lunch Club meeting to look forward to and for those who are going on the trip to see Les Miserables, there will no doubt be a lot of pleasurable anticipation for that. Another visit to the theatre has been organised for October to see South Pacific.

As part of the WI’s Centenary in 2015, wild flower seeds were given to be planted at Astley Church. Recently, a further donation of seeds has been made so next year, the display will be even more beautiful.

Dr Douglas Richards, the speaker for the evening was welcomed. He gave a very interesting talk entitled Running Hot and Cold which was nothing to do with plumbing! Dr. Richards spoke about his marathon running in extremes of temperature in Siberia, the Sahara, Greenland and China to name but a few of the places in which he has run.

The next meeting will be on September 7 at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall when Margaret Roy will be giving a talk on tracing family history.