The group celebrated its 82nd birthday with a celebration cake made by Phil Holdsworth.

Members contributed cakes and plants for the WI stall at the village fete.

Two cups were awarded in recognition of service given to the group, to Catherine Clark, treasurer, and Sheila Gordon, who organised the distribution of literature, and maintains contact with Blakedown's link in Richard's Bay, South Africa.

The evening's speaker/entertainer, was Richard Westcott, a pantomime dame, who demonstrated the application of stage make-up, and transformed himself into a larger-than-life character.

His accessories included ping-pong balls as pearls.

He told of his life in the theatre and some of the embarrassing situations he had been in, especially when buying shoes to match his outfits.

When not travelling the country as a dame, he makes the costumes.

The annual meeting is on November 13 at 7.30pm in Blakedown parish rooms, and will include a Christmas bring and buy.