IT'S October already, and time for our AGM. After welcoming members and our WI Adviser, Ann Smith, the President introduced Sara, who has a Beauty Therapy Salon in Pershore, Sara gave an interesting short talk on the thinking behind reflexology and its possible benefits, while one lucky member enjoyed a relaxing facial.

Next it was time for the President to run through some items of general business. Some members had enjoyed a Murder Mystery Evening at Fladbury WI and the skittles team had come second in the recent Group match. The next meeting of the bi-monthly Lunch Club would be on 24 November at The Thatch in Honeybourne and suggestions would be welcomed for an educational outing, of interest to as many members as possible, which could be funded from the Denman Bursary.

Ann Smith then conducted the Annual General Meeting, and started by mentioning her visit to Rosebank Vineyard in Fernhill Heath, where she helped to pick grapes for the WFWI Centenary wine. As Denman Ambassador, she was pleased to report that the response to the Denman appeal was very encouraging and mentioned that a Denman weekend was being arranged for March 2018.

The Treasurer's Report was read in her absence, with the balance sheet showing a small excess at the end of the year.

The President then gave her Annual Report. There had been a full programme of speakers and events and we had been pleased to welcome some new members during the year.

Outings and events had included a visit to Tudor House in Worcester, a shopping trip to the Hop Pocket near Bromyard, an excellent cream tea at Hampton Farm Shop and the Group Quiz, in which our team came joint third. We also enjoyed our annual New Year's lunch at Broadway Golf Club.

For our Christmas Social in December the committee prepared a delicious meal and a collection from members and the sale of books was donated to the local Alzheimers Society. In January we held a quiz and a fun raffle and in February, as our speaker was unable to come, Jean Lewis and the President gave a floral art demonstration. Interesting talks during the year had covered a variety of topics, including Pershore Abbey, the Falklands, Barbara Cartland, and the Antiques business.

Ann Smith then supervised the election of the committee members and president. As all the committee were willing to stand again and as there were no new nominations, these members were elected en bloc. Ann Evans was re-elected as president.

Members then enjoyed refreshments and Ann Smith judged the competition for 'Something beginning with 'L'. Ivy Pullin won with a letter dated 1914 from Buckingham Palace to her grandmother, thanking her for a contribution to The Princess Mary's fund for soldiers and sailors. Second place went to Jill Robinson for her handmade Lion glove puppet.

At our next meeting on 10 November, Marion Allen will demonstrate 'Sugarcraft'. Visitors will be made very welcome.

CHRISTINE ROBERTSON