Our summer evening at Bluebell Cottage Nursery was marred by the sudden death, earlier in the day, of Jean Griffin a treasured and respected member of village life, and our WI.

Jean, past president, group representative and longest serving member will be sadly missed.

The nursery and garden, nestling down pretty Lodge Lane, Dutton, bordering the Trent and Mersey Canal has been lovingly restored by Sue Beesley who bought the ailing business after winning Gardener of the Year in 1996.

Specialising primarily in hardy perennials she has created a plant lover’s paradise, her passion apparent throughout our tour of the one and a half acre garden.

Our guided tour followed by home-made refreshments also offered the opportunity to wander the adjoining woodland and wildflower meadow, and, indulge in a little retail plant therapy.

Recent months have seen much activity at our branch including support for ACWW, an organisation committed to supporting self-help schemes, for women, mainly in third world countries.

We have celebrated our 87th birthday, hosted the county walk, visited the Warrington Police Museum, Mersey Tunnel, Kingsley Open Garden Day and Walton Lea Project.

The piece de resistance, however, has to be the spectacular, unprecedented achievement at the Cheshire Show.

After months of dedicated commitment the Moore and Daresbury team were awarded two firsts in classes two and three, plus the Kandy Cup best in show for produce.

Moore and Daresbury Show takes place at Moore Primary School on August 4 at 6pm.