ARELEY KINGS WI: Since the January meeting members have enjoyed the New Year Lunch at the Heath Hotel, Bewdley where Cherry won the Bursary for Denman WI College in the Cotswolds. The Skittles Team completed an enjoyable and competitive season, losing two and winning three. Patsy had arranged a coffee morning which had raised £220 for Denman College and had proved an enjoyable occasion.

President Cindy Firth, freshly returned from her travels thanked Katie and the committee for holding the fort in her absence then gave members the sad news of the passing away of former secretary Jackie Clark. Jackie has been a stalwart of the WI since retiring as federation secretary at WI House, Hallow. She was a great character with many skills, both artistically and technically and who will be missed by everyone. The speaker for the evening was, local man, Rob Hemmings who entertained member with anecdotes of his appearances on every quiz show you could name since 1991 when he gave up running to train his brain. Cherry thanked Rob for a most entertaining talk. The resolutions voted on at the last meeting and all over Worcestershire had resulted in “Plastic soup and getting rid of micro beads” which are polluting our food chain, especially marine life and this will go forward to National then to the AGM in Leeds in June. Ann Freeston gave a brief resume of county events. Federation are planning a walking netball league.

The treasurer reported no change in the finances.The AK Denman Bursary would be discussed at the November AGM.

Kidderminster League of Friends Shop in Lombard Street had been closed due to cessation of the lease. Members were thanked for their devotion and time since `1996 helping to raise funds for our local hospital.

The next meeting is on March 13 7pm AKVH speaker: Di Brothwell, sugarcraft demo, Easter Animals

Competition is a home made Easter bunny, craft or food.