THE president welcomed 30 members to the February meeting. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.

Anyone interested in the visit to Denman using the bursary were asked to give their names to Jenny Marsh.

An invitation had been received from Pumphouse WI to join them on April 13.

The treasurer reported that 39 members had now paid their subs.

A ticket for the Worcester Winners will be applied for.

There is still time to put names down for the group meeting on April 7. Details of the outing to Tinsfield were given.

There will be an informal lunch on Tuesday, February 22, at 12.15pm, at the Nightingale Inn.

The president then welcomed Mr Mills, who gave an interesting and detailed talk on Baron Ash and the restoration of Packwood House.

Mr Mills was a room steward at Packwood House for some years and gives talks and slide shows to raise money in aid of Cancer Relief and for the Macmillan Nurses.

Baron Ash was born in Birmingham and became a very wealthy industrialist. In 1938 he was made high sheriff of Warwickshire. He eventually gave Packwood House to the National Trust with a £20,000 endowment to run the house. He was a great benefactor to many causes, including the Red Cross.

The vote of thanks was given by Gayle May.

Tricia Kenny then spoke regarding the rally, giving details of the items required.

The sewing group will be meeting on February 15 at the home of Wendy Moseley. The play reading group will meet on March 10 at Mary Cross’s home.

The next walking fixture is on February 14 – Jean Westwood.

The raffle was won by Mary Cross and the competition by Sharon Edwards.