AT the July meeting, Steven Bruce, auctioneer and valuer, gave a very informative and entertaining talk on buying and selling at auction.

His speech included many amusing anecdotes and a catalogue of a recent sale.

An auctioneer's job is often a difficult one, requiring great diplomacy and the necessity of never mentioning the word "rubbish"!

Mr Bruce is to be invited back to value members' 'treasures'.

The institute also said goodbye to Margaret Pilkington, who had been a founder member of Studley Daytime WI before joining.

She and her family are going to live in Boston, USA, for a time.

She was given a WI brooch as a reminder of her time here and she will be welcomed back on her return.

The evening ended with chat and refreshments.