Thatcham WI coffee morning raises funds for West Berkshire Community Hospital courtyard gardens

Many came through the door for a coffee morning with the Thatcham WI.

The community turned out in force and enjoyed a lovely morning in aid of West Berkshire Community Hospital.

A total of £564 was raised – more than half of this will be going towards the upkeep of the garden and buying plants.

The morning treats included tea and homemade cakes for everyone to enjoy.

Stalls were selling a wide range of goods including handmade goods, homemade cakes, jams and marmalades and a tombola.

Event organiser and WI treasurer Carolyn Masters was delighted with the success of the event.

“It went very well,” she said.

“We had a great morning, and everybody enjoyed it.

“The footfall was good, and we raised £564 of which over half will be going towards the purchase of plants and the upkeep of the Newbury Community Hospital courtyard gardens which Thatcham WI maintain.

“The gardening group is headed up by Julie Gray, who leads a group of 10 WI members.

“They attend monthly to carry out planting, weeding and general maintenance in the hospital courtyard gardens.”

The next Thatcham WI meeting is today (April 11) at 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall on Brownsfield Road.

Speaker Sue Ellis, a local historian, will talk about ‘Not all Beer and Skittles – a short history of pubs, beer and breweries’ which will have a strong link to the local area.

Visitors and prospective new members are welcome and can attend up to three meetings without joining for a voluntary donation of £4 per meeting.