Val Aitken opened her lovely home and garden to Members of North Herts and Bedfordshire Branch for a 'Pimms and Beads Day'. Sue Maguire and Sharon Twigg were our tutors and we made sculptured peyote brooches and spiral necklaces. Val prepared a a delicious lunch followed by an equally delicious cream tea. The weather was perfect; some of us preferred to work in the house, while others sat under the trees where there was a cool breeze.

There was good conversation, an absorbing activity, excellent food, jugs of Pimms of course, and we raised close on £400 for the centre in Manchester. We hope to repeat the event next year with 'Champagne and Strawberries'.

Pam Melaniphy, Vice Chairman