Dr Alick Jones gave members of Oakley and Deane WI a most interesting talk at their October meeting on “How to make our gardens more wildlife friendly”.

There are many ways that this can be done, having a wide selection of native trees and shrubs will help to encourage many native insects, animals and birds and if space is at a premium many hedges and shrubs can be coppiced or pollarded. A build up of bricks, stones or wood will encourage insects slowworms and even amphibia who do not live in ponds all the time. The availability of water also helps not necessarily from a pond but maybe a birdbath or even an old sink or similar.

Another good source is a collection of wild flowers and also of course a compost heap which also attracts grass snakes which are completely harmless as well as many insects and small animals. During the winter it also helps if unwanted fruit is left on the trees or fallen ones left on the ground as will a good selection of flowers to attract pollinators.

A most enjoyable trip to Buckingham Palace to see the Queen’s diamonds which also included a tour of the state rooms and the gardens was enjoyed by many members recently and several members had a fascinating tour of the Record Office in Winchester and also two members enjoyed the Cliddesden WIs 90th birthday party.

Details were given of various forthcoming events including the group skittles competition, Hampshire Federation’s autumn meeting at The Anvil , a jumble sale and the many Christmas themed events planned by the Federation and the local group.

The November meeting will be a Cheese and Wine evening with a competition for cheese straws to a given recipe at the usual venue of Andover Road Village Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm and any visitors will be made most welcome.