The church has been filled to overflowing on two occasions in June. On Sunday 20th we were delighted to welcome Cerys Ella Fountain and James Allen into the Christian family when they were baptised by Revd Julia. The families and friends came in great numbers, and we look forward to seeing them again in the near future.

The next occasion for a packed church was Italia Day on 26 June. The sun shone brightly all day, which meant for once putting up the gazebo and moving chairs and tables could be completed in dry weather. There was no doubt we were in for a cracking day. Several people turned up to help in shifting furniture on Friday evening and Saturday morning, and by mid-day (kick off time for lunch) everything was ready. When nobody actually sees Jean Albertella preparing the food, it seems to be like a miracle that huge quantities of lasagne, chicken casserole and risotto, bolognese, soup, cheese and fruit just appear. But every dish is down to sheer hard work. There were other cook helpers – Peter Albertella, Tina Thompson and Hilda Evans – and to all these as a church we raise our glasses and say "thank you", which would be echoed by all who partook of the generous fare. We would also like to thank all those who supported this, our annual major fund-raising event. The proceeds, which will top £700 when all expenses are paid, will go to the Fabric Fund. As we have the Quinquennial Inspection coming up later this year, we will probably be told that we need to carry out some essential repairs to the church.

The church looked beautiful over Italia Day weekend, with lovely flower arrangements by Margaret Foskett, Jean Albertella and Tina Thompson, who had picked crimson roses and other white and green flowers from her garden to remind us of the Italian flag, and also in memory of past WI members.

A new venture following Italia Day on Sunday evening was a Songs of Praise service led by Revd Julia. Several people had chosen their favourite hymns, and we sung those which had come top of the list. We very much appreciated the contribution of John Wearmouth and the All Saints Choir in assisting us in our praise.

Billington WI has had a busy month. At the normal meeting members gathered at Tina Thompson’s house. Unfortunately it was too cold to be in the garden playing croquet, so we were cosily inside enjoying one another’s company, and hearing from Julia Haviland about the fascinating and stimulating time she had had at the WI National Conference in Cardiff. This opened our eyes to what a progressing and modern organisation the WI is becoming. On 18 June some members went on a pub lunch and walk; then on 27 June, 11 members visited an exquisite garden in Wendover in which, to their surprise, they were shown a 9-foot deep swimming pond. I believe that nobody tried it out – maybe if they had been in this mini-heatwave, many would have been tempted. On 12 August Malcolm Singer will come to the meeting at 7.45pm to speak on "Singer on the Road".

We are hoping to put on a barbecue up near the church early in September. Please look out for further details about this.

Sandra Brewin