JOAN Green, president, welcomed 19 members to the September meeting after the summer holidays, and everyone stood silently in remembrance of Sue Smith, a former president, who had attended the meetings regularly for very many years, always willing to help and support events and the village events whenever possible.

Joan presented beautiful birthday posies to Mary Bickmore, Audrey Jones, Jean Levy, Win Dunning and Toni Harris.

Forthcoming events: Outing to Solihull Shopping Centre, November 28 and a Carol Service on December 5 at the Pershore Baptist Church.

Members were informed that Rachel Bridges (daughter of late Lindy) had joined in Race For Life (cancer research) and with the institutes sponsorship and also much sponsorship from villagers and friends had raised £300, Rachel sent her thanks to all. The speakers were Hazel Pond and her husband, 'Sheik Ivor' he was attired in his Bahrain outfit, flowing robes and Arabian head-dress and dark glasses. These guests had spent over 20 years in Bahrain, Hazel went out there to teach and then met Ivor, a Scot, and married him. A most interesting evening and members recommend these two speakers, who donate their fees to charity.