THE August meeting was well attended despite several members being on holiday.

President Jill Warner told members that the money raised from the two garden parties was being shared between the Primrose Hospice and "Joyce's Dream", a fundraising effort by the Trefoil Group.

The money was donated to both groups in memory of Brenda Dainty a past member who had been well known to local children as "Brown Owl".

The speaker for the evening was George Hook from Smethwick , whose family had been in the pearl button business since 1824.

He showed the various types of shells from around the world which could be used, but explained that now pearl buttons have been replaced by plastic, and he has had to move on to making jewellery.

He brought along many examples of his work and these were popular with members after the meeting.

The prize for an item made from shells was won by Gwen Bent .

The WI supported the Wythall Carnival with a book stall and cake stall.

Despite a gloomy start the day improved and the stalls were very popular.

The rambling group did a sponsored walk around Claverdon, and the money raised was donated to Macmillan Cancer Relief .

John Raynor, a fundraiser for the Macmillan charity, came to the September meeting, and described the work of the charity.

Most people know about the wonderful Macmillan Nurses but there were many other services which the Cancer Relief fund supported.

Sheila O' Shaugnessy presented the cheque on everyone's behalf, with particular mention of Jill Wandby who had recently died.