THE day of our February meeting proved to be a busy one for some of our ladies with a trip to London where we enjoyed lunch at the Trafalgar Hotel, followed by a performance of the musical Ghost, which was excellent.

We then made it back to Chafford Hundred for our WI meeting.

This month we were entertained by Jan Vaile, florist and balloon decorator of Amagicdo. Jan created several topiary trees with different sizes of balloons and adornments and she informed our ladies that anyone can do this with the aid of balloons, a pump and some imagination.

Maureen Bamford, vice president, welcomed 29 members and five visitors, three of them from Chadwell St Mary WI. Members were advised of the results of the 2012 resolution voting, with the majority going to support Reducing Fuel Poverty.

Members were reminded of details for the Spring Group Meeting, to be held on April 4 at Orsett Village Hall.

Secretary Patricia Henry introduced Anne Billingham, who is currently compiling a community cookbook for Chafford Hundred.

Anne invited our ladies to submit their treasured recipes for inclusion in the book – proceeds will go to the Essex Wildlife Trust, Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre.

President Janet King reminded ladies it was planned to hold an evening of tenpin bowling in April and confirmed she had already booked places at Top Meadow Golf Club for our Christmas meal.

The remainder of the evening was spent discussing plans for our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee fete to be held in conjunction with All Saints Church on Saturday, June 16.