CHEESE-TASTING was on the agenda at our April meeting! Leanne Hodgetts from Croome Cuisine brought along a wonderful selection of cheeses for us to try and buy. Leanne spoke about the history of this local company, which was started by Nick Hodgetts on the Croome Estate twenty-five years ago; they have now moved to larger premises in Whittington.

Their cheeses are all cheddar based, with a variety of locally sourced ingredients. We were able to try scrumpy and crunchy apple, black berries and apple, and honey and ginger besides many others. A delicious array, enjoyed by all!

Daphne Glover gave a vote of thanks, in which she said how much we appreciated having such an enterprising company in Worcestershire. Following our usual break for coffee, tea and cakes Audrey Whitehouse conducted the business part of the evening. She reminded us that next month is our AGM, when we will also be discussing the two resolutions which have been selected to be put to the vote at the WI Annual Meeting in June. Helen Roe will be talking about the resolution for Appropriate Care in Hospitals for People with Dementia, and Ann Elliott will talk on Avoid Food Waste, Address Food Poverty.

The competition winners for a handmade flower were: 1st Jean Rogers and Helen Roe, 2nd Angela Bilboe and 3rd Jean O'Loughlin. The Jean Drew Plate, which is an annual competition for an arrangement of spring garden flowers, was won by Angela Griffiths, with Beth Milsom second and Jean Rogers third.

Our next meeting is on May 12. 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