Ash Priors

Trish congratulated Pip on a very successful coffee morning for ACWW, which raised £272.20 and was much enjoyed by those who attended Jane Hinton very ably presented this year's resolution, which urges H.M. Government to stop the closure of Community Hospitals, which provide essential services to local people'. It was agreed unanimously to support this resolution because, as Jane said, everyone knows people who have benefited from local hospitals where they do not feel a nameless patient!

Trish told about the two WI milk debates she and other members had attended which they had enjoyed. Today the group took a look at the local dairy industry. Trish introduced her son-in-law, Andrew Branton, who farms at Locks Farm, Uplowman, Tiverton. Andrew and his wife Nicky do all the work with the help of a relief milker three times a week. They also have three young children to look after. Andrew told us of his concern that the dairy industry in this country is in real danger of folding. He thanked the WI for raising the issue, which he said, was producing results. Members warmed to Andrew as he gave facts and figures that showed how the farming industry has reduced in size. As costs have risen and the price of milk has stayed much the same since 1990, it is not surprising that half the dairy farmers are no longer continuing the struggle to make a living out of producing milk. Members continued chatting to Andrew over tea.

Barbara Bartlett won the bloom of the month' competition with a mauve clematis.

Next month we meet in Ash Priors village hall on Tuesday afternoon June 12 at 2.15 for a members' hobbies afternoon.