MEMBERS from other groups joined the recent meeting of Lower Withington WI so there were quite a few new faces.

Members were asked to make something to sell and for cakes and helpers on the day of Rose Day on July 5.

A plant arrangement was presented to Barbara Hides in appreciation of all her hard work in opening her garden for the cream tea event in May.

There was also a gift of a plant for chairman, Lesley who has a big birthday coming up.

The speaker was David Tideswell, a well known ornithologist.

He has become known as The Robin Man as it was the little bird that got him started with bird watching. He was very funny and played to his audience.

He gave up his career as an electrical engineer to pursue ornithology and studied at Keele University.

He has regular slots on Radio Stoke and Radio Derby and gives talks to groups and societies.

His photography is superb and has graced many cards and calendars, his knowledge is immense.

The audience were in stitches and it was an enjoyable evening.

The competition of a bird was won by Sheila Gallimore with a robin ornament which, David said was the most realistic he had ever seen.

The next meeting will be on June 25, at 7.30pm in the Parish Room, visitors are welcome.

The talk will be a cookery demonstration by Sainsbury’s and the competition will be an old cookery book.