CONSTANTINE: WOMEN'S INSTITUTE: Although members had their usual summer break through August, this did not prevent them gathering for the summer picnic, which was held in the beautiful grounds of "Trenarth" by kind permission of Lucy Nottingham.

Then at the beginning of September four members of the Constantine branch were welcomed as guests at a "Four Corners" craft evening held by the Gunwalloe WI when members could try their hands at making chocolate roses, greetings cards, wax flowers or floral garlands. It was an instructive and inspiring evening, and gave many ideas for future hobbies.

Diamonds are forever, but on September 10 the autumn programme began with a fascinating talk by Richard Dowdall, who explained the history and production methods of lapidary or stone working.

The month's competition was a piece of jewellery, and Richard judged: 1, Beaujolais Cavendish; 2, Angela Stokes; 3, Valerie Axe. The flower of the month was a deep red rose with a lovely scent, entered by Austral Boot.

The next meeting on October 8 will be the annual harvest auction, which promises to be a lively evening!