WINTER has arrived at last, but there was a warm welcome from Ann Evans, our President, when we got together for our first meeting in 2016. We were delighted to have three new members and to welcome back Jenny Perkins, a former member, who has rejoined. In addition we were very pleased to welcome 3 visitors and hope they, too, might decide to join us on a permanent basis.

There were a few items of business and Ann drew our attention to various events in the Gold Book, including the annual Daffodil Evening organised by Fladbury WI in March and a Group Guided Walk around the Gas Basin District of Birmingham in June. There were also two birthday posies for members with birthdays in January.

There was no speaker and instead we enjoyed a General Knowledge Quiz compiled by Ann Evans, which got the grey matter working, plus some lucky guesses for some of the questions. The winning team comprised Jill Robinson, Chris Robertson and Pam Wills.

The competition, for an item beginning with 'B' was won by Jill Robinson with a very pretty handmade box. It was really pleasing to see so many entries, some of them very imaginative - a Bear wearing a Bra made us smile.

Following the main draw, Ann had organised an additional raffle with a guaranteed winner per table, which was great fun. and it was then time for tea and home made cakes to round off a very enjoyable evening.

We are now looking forward to our meeting on February 11, when Sara Lewis will give us tips on Organic and Ethical Beauty Therapy. The competition will be for an item beginning with 'C', so we had better get thinking of some ideas now. On February 24 we will have our lunch at Broadway Golf Club, which is a lovely venue. Hopefully the weather will enable us to enjoy the view.

Our meetings are held at the Hampton Guide and Scout Community Hall on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. Visitors will be made very welcome.

CHRISTINE ROBERTSON