IN June, Audrey Gillett gave a very interesting talk entitled Poverty, Porridge and Pavlova, which told a true family story of Emma, born in the Victorian age. She had the courage to face extreme poverty, a difficult marriage and raise seven children, who became a credit to her.

Audrey had taken four years to research the family’s history and stressed the importance of writing about one’s own family while relatives are still able to recall the past. Sheila Drake gave the vote of thanks.

The ramblers are returning to Rainham Marshes for their walk on July 6. Janet Course attended a lunch hosted by Vange Guild with the opportunity to meet the Federation Committee and other delegates on an informal basis. Jean Lawrence, the Federation’s Southend Arts Council representative, provided some light entertainment with her very funny stories and poems.

Barbara Purser won the monthly competition with her glass thimble.

The next meeting is our summer social, with food and fun, starting at 7.30pm on July 13 in Corringham Village Hall.

Cost is £4.50. The competition is a garden flower.