KNOWBURY WI were treated to an excellent demonstration of the skills of Edwin Hawsan at their June meeting. Edwin, a master forester, has worked on private estates throughout the UK and Ireland. He discovered he had a talent for basket making whilst he was working on the Isle of Mull 20 years ago. He now is devoted full time to the craft and can be found working and selling his creations at Ludlow outdoor market every week.

Mary-Jane Millard of Bitterley WI, who was our delegate at the centenary annual general meeting at the Royal Albert Hall, gave a lively and amusing account of the event. HRH Queen Elizabeth opened and spoke at the meeting and the day was made special for those who were not able to attend via live coverage, which was streamed online to halls and cinemas all over England and Wales. Knowbury WI joined members from their group at Ashford Carbonell village hall to enjoy the event, along with a splendid lunch, cake and champagne.

Knowbury members discussed further plans to celebrate the WI centenary year including an entry into the WI centenary book and a planter as part of Ludlow's entry for Britain in Bloom, which is now situated near the castle entrance in Ludlow. Knowbury will also run a charity craft and produce stall at Ludlow Market on August 17 and will be joining other members of the WI group with a display in Caynham Church on September 12 and 13.

The next meeting on July 9 will be a gentleman and friends open meeting. Vince Williams will be talking on the subject of Idle Women - this was the nickname given to the mainly middle class women who worked for the Inland Waterways on the narrow-boats delivering vital goods and cargo throughout the canal network during the Second World War. Visitors are welcome. Contact president Carol 01584 891775 or secretary Ann 01584 890819 for further details.