AT our meeting this month we were treated to a fascinating glimpse into the lives of women in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries through the clothes worn at the time. Beth Milsom, one of our members, brought her collection of vintage clothes and entertained us with stories about the people who would have worn them. From when she was a Girl Guide she has always been passionate about textiles. Her collection began when she bought an embroidered jacket made in 1872 at a jumble sale. Over the years she has acquired clothes dating from the 1800s through to the present day, many of the items having interesting stories attached to them. On behalf of us all Audrey Whitehouse thanked Beth for a very entertaining and informative talk.

Gill Granger, President conducted a busy business meeting in which we discussed the Annual Council Meeting at Malvern on October 17 and the Group Meeting at Bishampton Village Hall on October 26. The winners of the competition “Germany” were 1st Pam Murray, 2nd Janet Cullis and 3rd Jean Rogers. The annual photo plate competition also took place this month: 1st Jean Barton, 2nd Jean Rogers and 3rd Janet Arnold.

We concluded our celebrations for our centenary in September with a visit to the Royal Mint at Llantrisant, and a social evening with the Trench Choir, who gave a presentation of women's role in World War One through songs of the time; an excellent way to finish a very enjoyable and interesting time in the history of Pershore WI.

JEAN BARTON