HER Majesty the Queen gave us all a chance to join her in celebrating her 90th Birthday. Badsey W.I. were pleased to send her a beautiful hand crafted card by member Yvonne Bowen . We then had a lovely tea afternoon prepared by the W.I. Committee and overseen by Eileen Goodall who heads our catering committee, and her team. There were a variety of delicious small sandwiches, a plethora of yummy cakes, the president’s home baked scones with jam and fresh cream with copious amounts of tea. The hall was decorated accordingly and lovely red white & blue flowers arranged by Sue Leonard were on each table and in the windows. There were some lovely fascinators worn but no crowns!! We all sang Happy Birthday to Her Majesty and at the end of the afternoon a rousing chorus of God Save the Queen. A memorable afternoon. The following morning there was a Special Eucharist service in Church to celebrate this milestone event. The service was so nice and again the Church was decorated accordingly and looked truly lovely. The W.I. Group meeting was held at Littleton W.I. and again was a lovely evening with a Royal Theme. A toast to her Majesty was given by the speaker of the evening Marion Canning, a female toastmaster who was absolutely fascinating. Littleton W.I. provided a lovely spread, a great speaker and a warm welcome. Thank you Littleton W.I.

Badsey W.I. has been introduced to the world of Alpacas, a very interesting talk by Ginnie Meakin who has an Alpaca smallholding in Sedgeberrow, realising a dream she had for many years of having a smallholding. We hope to visit Ginnie and her alpacas later in the year. From Alpacas to Life as a Midwife with Julie Menzies who has been a midwife for many years and is still ‘delivering’. Again her talk was amusing and very thought provoking. The changes from midwifery some 45 years ago and today are vast. Not all for the better but mostly medically better.

In April we welcomed Fiona Rhodes who is a Registrar and her talk was entitled Hatches, Matches and Dispatches. Again a very interesting topic with lots of amusing anecdotes. Next Month is our AGM where we will also decide which Resolution will go forward to the Government for action. The two chosen this year are Appropriate Care in Hospitals for People with Dementia and the second one is Avoid Food Waste, Address Food Poverty. Two very important and relevant issues that need urgent action by the government.

Our skittles team have reached the semi finals which will be played in Worcester on May 19.

Angela Gash has organised a holiday to Eastbourne in November and hopes to organise another Christmas Shopping trip to either Bristol or Cardiff. We are going on a Group Outing on June 6 to Birmingham. Carole Vizor will be guiding us round Brindley Place, the New Library. The Council Offices, Symphony Hall and many other very interesting and historic places with lunch at The Art Gallery.

We are hosting a Quiz Night with Fish and Chip Supper on Saturday May 14 at 7.30pm. £6 per person Teams of 4 so do come along and join us. If you are less than 4 still come and join up with others.

YVONNE HAYNES