Gloucester Pirate Summer Camp: The local scout group set off from Park Community School on Sunday, August 1, at 10am to start their summer camp at Cranham Scout Campsite in Gloucestershire.

Norman Rider officially opened the camp with the flag break, during which a number of investitures took place: Libby Smith and Marcus Malek into Scouts and Hollie Hearn into Cubs.

Afterwards, Group Scout Leader Steve Taylor-Jones presented each member of the group with their special themed "pirate" scarf and "skull and cross-bones" woggle.

The group enjoyed the exciting activities of climbing and bouldering, cycling in the Forest of Dean, an evening around the camp fire and a sing-a-long, followed by toasting marshmallows.

They also enjoyed games using safety light sticks in the woods, kayaking, skiing, swimming, hiking, water fights, going to the park and a visit into Gloucester city, the Cathedral and Museums, where they came away with souvenirs and had an educational day.

As the theme of the camp was pirates, everyone dressed in their pirate costumes, with their teddies for the big party in the marquee which was decorated in full pirate style.

There was an entertainment show by various groups, which was arranged and choreographed by Tom Hearn and Norman Rider, with a buffet put on by Tracy.

The winner of the teddy competition was Hollie Hearn with her teddy in full pirate dress together with a wooden peg leg and eye patch. The winning act was the group in the Greased Lightning sketch. Well done to all.

The summer camp was officially closed after badges and certificates were awarded, together with every member, including helpers, receiving a special 'Cranham Scouting Centre' or 'Gloucestershire' badge to remember the camp.

The summer camp was a huge success, credit to Norman Rider for spending many hours organising the week, with Steve, and section leaders; Chief, Richard Smith, and Cherry, Gwen Rider.

The camp was a triumph and a great adventure and learning curve for children of all ages. Big thanks go to: Tracy Smith, Tom Hearn and their helpers for the wonderful food, Steve Taylor-Jones and Sue Water for driving the van and minibus, and all the leaders, young leaders and parent helpers. Everyone had a memorable time and cannot wait until Group Summer Camp 2012.

Kentisbury WI: The sun shone brightly on members as they visited Marwood Hill Gardens on Monday, August 2. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

The more able-bodied climbed to the top of the garden to see the wild flowers and the hydrangeas, while the others took in the peace and beauty of the surroundings at a more leisurely pace.

The National Collection of Astilbes was just stunning and not to be missed.

The lake was full of life, with fish and ducks seeming to enjoy having an audience to show off to.

A visit to the plant shop tempted a few members to add to our own gardens from the vast array of plants to buy.

The tea room was the final port of call and everyone tucked into a delicious cream tea. A good time was had by all.

The next meeting is on Monday, September 6, at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Mortehoe WI: Members were delighted to meet celebrity chef James Martin when they received a cooking lesson in canned food cuisine during a cookery day hosted by Canned Food UK and the WI.

The Mortehoe ladies observed the chef as he prepared recipes using canned food ingredients, benefiting from the top tips they were given.

They also learnt about health and well-being with nutritionist Amanda Hamilton.

"It was a fantastic experience," said Catherine Williams. "We learnt how easy it was to cook meals using canned food with James, and then about nutrition with Amanda – such as how to get your five-a-day with canned food. I really enjoyed the day."

James Martin demonstrated a variety of recipes created by Canned Food UK to a large audience of WI members from all over the UK. Held at the WI's cooking school in Oxfordshire last week, the event coincided with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the food can.

Catherine was also able to put her own questions to James and Amanda during a question and answer session.

"James has given me a lot of new ideas for cooking," she added, "I'm really excited to get back in the kitchen and have a go myself."

Celebrity Chef James Martin said: "I really enjoyed meeting members of the WI during the cooking day. Canned foods are a staple in top chefs' store cupboards both in the UK and around the world – they're easy to cook with, affordable and taste great.

"It's important for busy people like members of the WI to make quick, healthy meals for the whole family – so they can have a balanced diet even with a hectic lifestyle."

National Trust: There's still plenty of time to join the National Trust's seashore safaris at Barricane so if you don't know your seahares from your snakelocks anemones then book yourself onto a safari be amazed by the range of beautiful creatures that live so close to the shoreline. Call 07512 218241.

Remaining dates are today, Thursday August 12, 2pm; Tuesday August 24, 1.30pm; Thursday August 26, 2pm.

Beach rangers will also be running activities on the beach most afternoons until the end of August so if you fancy a volleyball match or your children are budding architects and want to enter a sandcastle competition, look out for the National Trust banners on the beach or look out for the Rangers in their unmissable bright red uniforms and have a chat.

They are there this summer not only to look after the dunes and beach but also to provide a point of contact to answer your questions about what we do and why and to help you get the most out of your visit.

This summer, the National Trust is working closer than ever with Parkins Estates whose staff work hard to maintain the beach and the trust is very grateful for their permission to run the events programme over the summer.

Land lovers should look out for the new beach buggy, bought with money raised from Enterprise Neptune. Not only will it create less damage to the dunes, but as it is electric, it produces fewer emissions and is also eerily silent so try not to jump if you are daydreaming your way around the dunes.

The trust is in the process of installing solar panels to its workshop in Woolacombe so hopefully it won't be long before the buggy is also running on a renewable energy source.

Tomlin WI: This is the month there was no speaker, a games evening was held instead, enjoying a beetle drive, followed by a quiz, both arranged by the president Marion.

Marion had previously presided over the business part of the meeting. A fun auction held in June raised £58 for club funds.

The WI was lucky in the county 300 Club, with a win of £10. Pauline was thanked for the very successful coffee morning she held at her home in July, which raised £61.

It was agreed that the proceeds be donated to Diana Lewis her North Devon Animal Ambulance as members had been very impressed by the work she described at the July meeting.

Several members took part in the recent walking treasure hunt around Barnstaple. The winners were Pat Grundill and Diana Crick. They all enjoyed the refreshments afterwards at The Ebberley Arms. Yvonne and Ralph were thanked for arranging the evening.

The Taw and Torridge Group is looking for a new group secretary, members were asked to consider this.

They were also reminded to get our collages for the autumn group meeting under way. Members were also informed that Hella Atkins who has moved away has donated an embroidered picture to the WI as a memento of her membership. The WI is having this re-framed and hoped to hang it in the Tomlin Hall.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, September 1, at the Tomlin Hall, Bickington, at 7.30pm.

Speaker will be David Mapp on Life as a Lighthouse Keeper. The competition will be for an unusual shaped vegetable. Visitors are always welcome. Phone Marion on 01271 325543 and she will arrange for someone to contact you.

Wrafton Girl Guides: The guies have just returned from the fantastic centenary celebration camp at Harewood House, Leeds.

Four guides, Nicole Tuson, Amy Portus, Elizabeth Hunt , Jessica Portus and leader, Fiona Ravenscroft, all had an amazing week at the above international camp to celebrate 100 years of Girl Guides.

There were more than 5,000 girls and 2,000 leaders at the camp from many countries across the world.

They took part in as many activities as possible during the week including canoeing, water conservation, craft, swimming, experiments, its a knock-out and the main event of the week, Fusion, the largest performance art festival with more than 600 acts from a variety of backgrounds.

Young Leader Amy Tuson also spent a week at the camp as a member of staff. Every girl had a mountain-top experience, achieved many challenges, made new friends and learnt new skills.

Fiona Ravenscroft said: "It was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience and we all had a fantastic time."

This trip was made possible by the generosity and support of local Rotary Clubs, Round Table, The Local Youth Network and the many people who supported fundraising events. A big thank you was given to all.