WE had a very enjoyable meeting this month when Sarah Amery gave a talk about the viola.The viola she brought to play for us was made by her father, who only began making musical instruments when he retired and is still making them now at 84 years of age.

Sarah spoke about the power of music in our lives. Originally an occupational therapist, she now works with people with dementia, mainly visiting nursing homes. She told us how rewarding it is to see people responding to the music by singing, talking about the music and remembering the good times in their lives. Often there is a theme to for the music session and Sarah plays a wide range of music from classical through folk and jazz to the musicals. Most of us knew the songs she played for us and many joined in the singing!

The Vote of Thanks was given by Viv Breed before we had a break for the usual tea, coffee, cake and chat. Audrey Whitehouse then conducted the business meeting. The inaugural meeting of Pershore WI took place in a room at the back of The Angel in November 1916, and Audrey told us that we have been given permission to put a plaque commemorating this on the wall. As part of our celebrations we will have a stall at the Tiddesley Woods Open Day on 1 May, when we will be giving out seed potatoes in recognition of the WWI war effort to feed the nation.

Maureen Speight reported on the conference on “Home, Food and Family in WWI” which took place at the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings on 5 March, organised by the Women’s History Network. Three members attended this very interesting and enjoyable event.

The competition for an item made of leather was won by Helen Roe with Jean O’Loughlin and Sue Lavery taking 2nd and 3rd places.

Our next meeting is on April 14 when we will be having a talk from Croome Cuisine (cheese maker). As always we are pleased to have visitors at our meetings, which take place at Wulstan Hall, Priest Lane at 7.30 on the second Thursday in the month.

JEAN BARTON