BEFORE the start of the meeting, members enjoyed a lunch, which was organised by Barbara Lees.

Nancy Davis expressed her thanks on behalf of everyone for the appetising food provided.

The meeting started with the announcement that Barbara Lees had won last month's photographic competition with a portrait called A Kitten.

Following his introduction, Mr A Harris provided members with a pictorial history of Hanbury Hall, showing the gardens plus maps of the surrounding land.

The genealogy tree of the Vernon family of Hanbury gave the christian names and surnames of the descendants. Portraits of the family and staff were then shown, along with romantic tales of the past. In proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Harris, Betty Gibbs recalled that one of the family members in the portraits used to attend Stoke Prior WI meetings.

It was announced that from November 6 until February 2004 meetings will start at 2pm prompt, to ensure that members can return home before dark.

The November 6 AGM will include a home economics and crafts competition. WI approved judges will view the exhibits during the morning. All items must be on display by 10am. A new committee is due to be elected during the meeting.