The members have been out and about all through the summer. In late July, 15 members and friends visited the gardens of Orleton House, Stanford Bridge - a 19th century, Grade II listed house and the home of Jenny and John Hughes.

After the garden tour, came a most enjoyable lunch, followed by a film that showed the improvements they had made to their property and garden.

On the journey home, several members visited Witley Court to see the gardens and splendid, recently-restored fountain.

The speaker at August's meeting was Mary Smith and her subject was antiques. She explained that the first collectors were the ancient Egyptians and when the Roman Empire expanded, the Romans also took (and copied) Greek statues. She continued by giving a short history of antiques from those very early days to the 20th century, interspersing fact with anecdotal stories. Mary talked about the objects she had brought along and those brought by members. The competition for an antique of the future produced some interesting things. Following a delicious supper and the celebration of a special birthday for Vivienne Lemon, the evening concluded with business.

August's walk saw a group striding around the Earlswood Lake, on a hot, sunny afternoon. The walk concluded with a welcome cup of tea at the centre.