MARJY, President welcomed 36 members and visitors to the June meeting.

She then confirmed the new committee members and their various duties. Linda Richardson was thanked for her hard work in producing the 2014/15 programme which is now available to members.

Marjy then reported that since the last meeting members have enjoyed a croquet coaching afternoon organised by Pam and Frank Sweet and an interesting visit to Madresfield Court near Malvern.

Final plans for the visit to the Cotswold Farm Park on Tuesday, June 24were made and the next walk will be on Tuesday, June 17 when we meet at St Barbara`s Church and walk over the Hill to Conderton Nature Reserve.

The speaker for the evening was Emma Heathcote-James from the “Little Soap Company”. Emma is a highly successful businesswoman who set up her company in 2008 in the North Cotswolds. Originally from Bretforton, and when coming across a stall at a local fete selling home made soap, fell in love with the idea and decided to buy the company.

Her previous career after obtaining a degree in theology (an unlikely subject for her dissertation on “Angels”), led to a time in journalism and then writing and publishing. The next step was into media and PR which led to a hectic life-style. After a gap year finally, was the starting point into the business world.

Her products are pure and natural combined with intense fragrances using English essential oils when she can. She runs “soap days” for people who want to have fun and learn how to make soap in a simple way.

Emma has won awards and much acclaim including Worcestershire Woman of the Year. From a small cottage industry she now supplies many retail outlets - from local Budgens she moved on to Waitrose and recently Tesco and Sainsburys. Achieved in just six years Emma`s success is a tribute to her skill and determination.

She was thanked by Joan Richmond.

The next meeting will be on July 1 and will be Graham Sutherland whose talk is entitled “Wicked Women”.

Visitors are always welcome.

JEN CREESE