My Village, My Home

June, president of Ebrington WI offers a few words of welcome to the guests and introduces Earl Fortescue (left) and Jack Wheatcroft's Grandson (right).

Mark and I went to Ebrington yesterday, to the launch of the book based on the writings of Jack Wheatcroft, a "Yubbertonian" (learned that word whilst we were there!) who left a huge legacy of observations in the form of writings and drawings when he died in 1975. Pearl and Margaret, WI members of great skill and talent, have been working on putting these memoirs into a book at the request of the Wheatcroft family, and yesterday it all came wonderfully together in Ebrington Village Hall.

When we arrived, around 11.30am, the hall was already fairly full with Wheatcroft family members, Yubbertonians and WI ladies, but I was delighted that we were able to have a really good look at the beautifully displayed collection of memorabilia. We read about the people, the school and the village itself and were fascinated by such a wonderful collection of photographs.

The Earl Fortescue launched the book in great style, made heartfelt comments about his connections with the Wheatcroft family and spoke of his enjoyment of reading the advance copy of the book which he'd been given. One of Jack Wheatcroft's Grandsons replied with a similarly sincere speech of thanks on behalf of the family, who were clearly thrilled to be together for the exhibition.

As for us - neither Wheatcrofts nor Yubbertonians ourselves, we had a wonderful time! The warmest of welcomes, the most delicious buffet lunch and the privilege of seeing this remarkable exhibtion all went towards making this a truly memorable occasion. But most of all, we delighted in sharing such a terrific day with such a lovely group of people. Thank you, June and the ladies of Ebrington WI, for your kindness. But special thanks to Pearl and Margaret, for creating such a masterpiece from Jack's writings. You have done him proud!

(As I write, Mark has chuckled his way through half of the book and I am promised a look when he has finished!)