AN annual meeting, boring Oh no – not in this institute. The business of the evening was dealt with giving notice of an Orchid Evening at Eckington, July 1; Shopping trip in November; a meeting as usual on September 8 in addition to the centenary event; August outing to Blenheim Palace – please pay Frances next month £14.30 or £12.60 concessionary plus coach £6; Trip to National Memorial at Arewas October 9; Denman visit June 29 coach to pick up in Charlton 8.15am Cropthorne 8.20am. Request from Barbara Pharo for cakes and helpers on June 20 Charlton Country Fayre, when WI are “doing” the teas.

Sue White our WI Adviser then gave us a reminder of the Charity Commission guidelines on membership payments and naming of meetings. Sue Beale gave the financial statement, healthy as usual (the finances though Sue had a sore throat!); Jenny Masser’s secretary’s report was a mix of fact, fun and memories. She gave a wonderful tribute to Betty Waterman bringing tears to our eyes and then made us laugh with her description of what she might do with her spare time once she was no longer secretary. Don’t worry Jenny your secrets are safe with us.

After the President’s report the new committee was formed, Jenny Masser stepped down and Jane Way joining the ranks. A vote for president saw Carol Preece elected for another year.

After tea and biscuits we had a fun and sometimes mind stretching quiz organised by Barbara Smith.

Posters are on display for the Centenary Event on September 12 and there is a display of WI history and photos in Cropthorne and Charlton Village Hall. This will be added to at various times before the event.

Birthday time next month and the meeting will be at Belle House, Pershore on June 9. If you need a lift be at The Sheppey by 6.45pm. If you are travelling straight there please let Carol Preece know. It’s 7pm start for tea/coffee and biscuits (£2.50) followed by a cookery demonstration and food tasting.

If you are interested in joining or just want to come along to one or two meetings contact 01386 861966.

DIANE BARLOW

CROPTHORNE WITH CHARLTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE