OUR meeting this month was a festive supper held at The Star Inn. Thirty-six members attended and Marjy first presented the business, which included reminders for future WFWI events in 2015. In April we shall have to reserve tickets quickly for a special meeting in Worcester where the guest speaker will be Michael Portillo – a really special centenary event not to be missed! The Worcestershire Denman weekend will be August 7-9– another exciting programme has been arranged.

Once again Ashton WI has been invited to arrange the flowers for Worcester Cathedral on May 8, thanks to Doreen Parsons winning the flower arrangement at the Malvern Annual Meeting. This is a great honour and Marjy requested more helpers for that day to assist Doreen.

The Coventry Three Cathedrals tour in November had been a great success and a detailed report by Andrea Garland is now in the “Events and Outings Book”. A theatre trip to the Everyman has been arranged by Andrea to see Agatha Christie`s play, “And Then There Were None”. This was confirmed for Thursday, January 29.

Final arrangements were made for a special lunch at Hillers on December 4 where members were taking our special member Margaret Whatcott, and transport arrangements for the Vale Group carol service to be held at Pebworth church.

Marjy then made the announcement that Ashton had won the Vale Group skittles tournament and Maggie, our skittles leader, proudly accepted the trophy to much applause.

We then enjoyed a most delicious and well presented supper. Everyone agreed the food was excellent and the serving waitresses most helpful and charming.

Our entertainment for the evening was a well known figure in Ashton who has attended several of our meetings in the past – Mr. David Ward.

He had brought along several musical instruments, including the ukulele. guitar and `auto-harp`, and sang a variety of well-known songs and verses – including some, which we were able to contribute with much laughter.

David and his wife are involved in their charity work with the Samaritans

and will be donating his expenses towards this worthwhile cause.

Maggie Dunsby gave David a warm vote of thanks, and also to the chef and staff at the Star Inn.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 6 where Mark Heesom will be talking about his work as a First Responder.

Visitors are always welcome.

JEN CREESE