June was a month for parties. Two well-loved members had tea parties; Muriel Farrer, who has moved to Cheshire and will be missed, and Margaret Shaddock who was 90.

The Institute also took part in the celebrations for the 10th Anniversary of the Village Hall. Rob Fowler, Chairman of the Trustees sent an appreciative letter for the help WI had given.

During the business part of the meeting members were urged to make sure that their wishes over organ donation are known to their families. It was also suggested that on August 4 Members followed the “Lights Out” event organised by the Royal British Legion.

The speaker, Ed Shore, was on a return visit. He is an accomplished speaker and told us of his adventures in North and South America. He now has a villa in Green Valley, Arizona where he spends three months a year. He has been to all the States of the USA.

After the speaker future events were pointed out including the WI planting Peace roses on August 4, Garden Party at Dave & Jackie Clarke’s home on July 25, and the Baton for the Centenary of WI in 2015 - this will arrive at the Wyre Forest Visitor Centre before travelling from Bewdley to Kidderminster by Severn Valley Railway to be handed on to the next area.

After this Margaret Cook gave an interesting account of the Leeds AGM. The speakers, Sir Andrew Motion, Dr George McGavin and Bill Turnbull were all excellent.

Just before the raffle and competition results, Dianna Hackett told us about the Village Hall AGM.

The next meeting will be on September 8 at 7.30pm at the Viilage Hall when the speaker will be Andrew Wehner on Early Areley.