A fascinating talk on the Welsh Air Ambulance service was the highlight of Llantilio Pertholey Village Produce Association’s August meeting.

Guest speakers Mr and Mrs M. Thomas said the air ambulance was a vital service because it could get patients to hospital as quickly as possible.

There are three air ambulances in Wales, said Mr Thomas, and it took just three minutes to get the helicopter into the air and, perhaps, 20-25 minutes to reach the scene of an emergency. It carries two paramedics, who had undergone a five-year training programme.

The guest speakers said it cost £1million for each helicopter every year, as a result of which fundraising had to be carried out to raise extra money.

Chairman Malcolm Brinkworth welcomed members, and thanked Mrs Watkins and Mrs Jones for organising the trip to Dobies in Shrewsbury, enjoyed by those who attended in spite of the wet weather.

Final arrangements were made for the annual show on Saturday September 6. Show secretary Marion Tucker urged members to enter as many items as they could to ensure its success.

Malcolm also reminded members of the jumble sale on October 25 and the Harvest Festival at St Teilo’s Church on Monday October 6.

Competition results: Flower of the month: 1, Mrs A. Breeze; 2, Mr. G. Braithwaite; 3, Mrs E. Jones.

A book - aviation related: 1, Mr G. Braithwaite; 2, Mr B. Breeze; 3, Mrs E. Jones.

A helicopter: 1, Miss K. Thomas; 2, Mr Bob Breeze; 3, Mrs E. Jones.

The next meeting of the association will be on September 15, when the speaker will be Mrs Linda Lewis, who will demonstrate how to make a hanging basket.