Manor Barn W.I.

The 'Fair Trade' muffins at our previous meeting had been very popular and the proceeds had increased our donation to ACWW funds. The competition table was 'awash' with many coasters making it difficult to choose a winner. The next Marshdown group meeting is to feature a display of crafts so we were asked to bring items of our craftwork to our April meeting from which four items will be chosen to be displayed at the group meeting.

Six members had been to a craft meeting at Uckfield covering rag rugs, photography and millinery. Margaret gave a comprehensive report on an interesting day only spoiled by the downpour as they left.

Our ACWW representative was pleased with the success of Fair Trade fortnight and had been delighted to hear of an 8-year-old explaining in detail what Fair Trade was all about, however, we were reminded not to forget British farmers who are having difficulty competing with cheap imported products.

The notice board had details of several interesting events and we heard proposals for our outings to Merriment Gardens and Tea Pot Island, also lunches planned to follow some meetings.

It was as well that we had a biscuit with our coffee because tempting smells were wafting around the room as we welcomed Darren from Wiltshire Farm Foods. He gave us a potted history of the company which supplies frozen meals and explained that they looked upon their customers as extended family. We were invited to view and then sample the food which had been tempting us earlier - and we were not disappointed.

At our next meeting on Thursday, April 10 at 10am at St. Peter's Community Centre we look forward to hearing Mr L D Clark tell us (with slides) about 'The Last Voyage of RMS Queen Mary'.