“The more I read about the WI the more I want to join.” Paul Harding, our speaker at the September meeting began his talk on the history of the WI with these words! He gave a very informative and entertaining talk, beginning with its formation in Canada in 1897 by Adelaide Hoodless. When her child died after drinking contaminated milk she saw the need for women to be educated in domestic science, particularly food hygiene, and lobbied for the opportunity for women to have lessons in this subject. Thus the WI was born.

It was Madge Watts who brought the WI to the UK. The first one was set up in 1915 in Llanfair PG, Anglesey. The WI was essential in ensuring that people had enough to eat in both world wars by encouraging market gardening, foraging, and the setting up of jam making kitchens. After the wars the WI continued to thrive, and still today fulfils a role in the community. At the same time members have lots of opportunities to learn new skills while meeting with other women. We will have to wait and see what the next hundred years brings. Whether men will ever be able to join remains a question for the future! Audrey Whitehouse gave the Vote of Thanks.

After the usual delicious supper the business meeting was conducted, with Audrey Whitehouse thanking all those who helped at the Plum Festival. The winners of the competition for a piece of lace were 1st Elizabeth Kearney and Pam Rayner, 2nd Jean O'Loughlan and 3rd Janet Arnold. The competition for a photo of Pershore Abbey was won by Janet Arnold with Daphne Glover in second place.

The next meeting will be line dancing, so please come and join us at Wulstan Hall, Priest Lane at 7.30pm on October 13.

JEAN BARTON