ARELEY KINGS WI: David Barrie, the Speaker, made a welcome return to Areley Kings W.I. and this time gave a very lively and fascinating talk, illustrated with excellent slides, on “The Other India – Off the Beaten Track’. In this vast country of many great contrasts he mainly spoke on the simple life of the farming community in the rural areas , where time is of no importance.

In the absence of Patsy Anderson, the President, the meetings was led by

Cyndy Firth, Vice President. She gave the sad news of the death of Dorothy Birchall, a loyal member for many years.

Cyndy announced that the donations to Acorns Hospice, in lieu of Christmas Cards raised over £60. She reminded members that the New Year Lunch will be held on January 18 at Wharton Park Golf Club, when the Annual Denman College Bursary will be drawn. A Coffee Morning will be held at Ann Freeston’s home on February 15, to raise funds for Kidderminster Hospital League of Friends. Cyndy also announced some Spring Federation events including the “Joseph Singing Day” at Hanley Swan Village Hall and a Course on Preserves to be held at WI House.

The competition for a favourite tea cup and saucer was won by Jan Taylor with Lin Edwards second.

The next meeting will be held in Areley Kings Village Hall, on February 8 at 7.30pm when Robin Hill will speak on “A Land Army girl remembers”. The competition will be for a photo from World war 1 or World War 2.