IN THE president's absence, this month's meeting was chaired by the vice-chairman.

Happily, the president is making a good recovery following a car accident and thanked everyone for their cards.

The darts team were congratulated on winning the district competition.

But the "Three Bears" tabard made by the craft group did not win a prize at the Detling show.

However, it will now delight a member's great-granddaughter in Australia.

Members are hoping to visit two gardens in Pescot Avenue on Saturday - Lyndhurst and Foxberry - to raise funds for improvements to the Scout Hall kitchen.

In place of the cancelled talk, a member spoke about working in a cotton mill as a girl.

Work began at 7am and due because of the noise, communication was by lip-reading.

Some interesting items, such as a heavy wooden shuttle used for weaving, were shown to members.

On September 13, the institute will meet from 1.30pm to 4pm in the Scout Hall, Nurstead Lane, Longfield, when Mike Martin will talk about Britain on the Home Front.

Visitors and new members are always welcome.