Friends and husbands joined members to listen to Wendy Hill’s excellent talk on Edward Elgar, illustrated with his music.

At the end of his life, Elgar had one wish: that the small rented cottage where he was born in Broadheath should be preserved in his memory. His daughter, Carice Elgar Blake, brought his wishes to fruition, and in 1939 the Birthplace Museum was opened. Wendy Hill, a volunteer at the Museum, told the audience that the first party to visit, in 1939, was a group of Worcester WI members.

Born in Broadheath on June 2, 1857, Elgar later lived over the family music shop in Worcester. It was from books and instruments in the shop that he gained most of his musical education. His father was a church organist and Edward grew up in a family which took part in musical activities in the Worcester area.

As a young man he set up as a music teacher in Malvern and Alice Roberts, a Major General’s daughter, came for lessons. In due course they married and Alice became an invaluable support to Elgar.

After refreshments, the business meeting was chaired by Jacki Clark, vice-president, who gave an enlightening report on the AGM in Cardiff which she had attended.

The visit to Highclere Castle will take place on Tuesday, July 16 and a ‘Coronation Celebration’ will be held at Laurie Parfitt’s home in Burlish Close on Monday, August 12. The cost is £6 and members are asked to donate food for this event, which is to raise money for the Denman College Bursary. On Tuesday, September 17, there will be a Bewdley town walk, led by Lesley Smith.

The competition for a birthday card for Elgar was won by Betty Bickerton. Jacki Clark and Lin Edwards were second and third.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 8 in Areley Kings Village Hall at 7.30pm, when the speaker will be John Hackett talking about ‘The perils and pitfalls of an amateur actor’.