Apples, particularly cooking apples, were the centre of attention at Blockley WI’s November meeting for which members had baked apple crumbles, apple puddings, apple cakes and even made apple soup and apple chutney to say nothing of cider punch. The apple evening, or perhaps more appropriately apple festival, was enlivened with poems and readings from members. School cook Corinn Green judged the tastiest to be a German apple cake baked by Margaret Moore, whilst the pudding she thought she’d like to cook for schoolchildren was Jenny Bruce’s Danish recipe ‘Peasant girl with a veil’.

The evening began with Jerusalem and the AGM when Blockley elected a new president Janet Jarvis. The role is not new to Janet who is a former president of Newington WI in Kent. The remaining committee members were re-elected en bloc with the addition of Christine Moor and Gill Linley. Treasurer Polly Asher reported a healthy balance. Retiring president Anne Hayes received the Hoskins Cup for services to the WI. She thanked the committee for their dedication to the WI for sheer hard work.

On remembrance Sunday, probably for the first time for many years, Blockley WI placed a wreath at the war memorial. The wreath was laid by the new president.

Blockley WI’s next meeting is December 2 when members will be entertained by a Christmas Miscellany which includes readings by Anne Tweedale, a folk group, mince pies and wine. The year closes with a Christmas dinner at the Horse and Groom, Bourton on the Hill on December 9.

Blockley WI is considering reprinting its best seller, Blockley, The Past Recalled, which was published in 2001 and sold out almost immediately. To help with the decision making, get in touch with Anne Hayes on 01386 701044 if you would be interested in buying a copy of this fascinating book which is filled with old photos and newspaper reports from times past.