The Upper Puckering Community Library, in conjunction with the South Downs Writers’ Guild, hosted a lecture and book signing by popular fitness and health writer Betsy Winches on Saturday, 9 March. Miss Winches’ Ten Cups a Day: A Tea Drinker’s Guide to Health, explores the physiological and psychological benefits of England’s most favoured beverage.

"Some people think that ten cups is a bit much, even for the British," admits the author, "but I believe that they’re missing the point. Tea is such an important social drink, you know. It not only gets you going in the morning, but it’s a little reward we all can achieve, whether it’s after a harrying morning in the shops or a particularly long and dreary business meeting. A few dried leaves and some boiling water can be quite restorative!"

Miss Winches admits, however, that many of the theories presented in Ten Cups have not been medically proven. Nonetheless, the book was a hot seller, with Stoney Grove housekeeper Shirley Johnson leading the rush with the purchase of seven copies. "It’s never too soon to think of Christmas gifts," she beamed, clutching the books to her chest, "though I generally imbibe a tad more myself."

Following her lecture and signing, Miss Winches presided over the serving of steaming cups of P.G. Tips, Tetley’s, Earl Grey, and Darjeeling. For the more daring at heart, there was an assortment of herbal teas, and even a pot of Asian green.