‘A lighthearted look at minerals, rock and gemstones’ was the topic for speaker Georgia Jacobs at the July meeting.

Georgia had covered a row of tables with an intriguing assortment of fossils, rocks, books and some very interesting wall hangings.

A qualified geologist, lecturer and teacher, she showed the audience the equipment she used for her hobby including her hard hat, glasses, hammer etc.

She had visited the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Chicago, Pompeii, Geo Park and the Lizard Pennisula in Cornwall in her quest for knowledge. She had collected fossils, ammonites, metamorphic and igneous rocks on her visits.

Later she spoke of her interest in textiles, needlework and crafts and showed samples of her work including varied wall hangings and digital embroidery representing geological image made on her sewing machine. She was amazing and so full of energy. President Veronica Herridge presented birthday posies to those celebrating summer birthdays, namely Margaret Freeman, Chris Hodgkinson, June Hivens, Tricia Perks, Katie Reynolds and Linda Tidmarsh.

She also thanked the tea hostesses Lesley Smith, ably helped by Nina Saunders, stepping in for June Hivens. Lesley had created a lovely floral art display for the president’s table and also provided a raffle prize.

In other business, Gwen Freeman has kindly offered to new Skittles Captain for 2013/2014. while Mark Wilkins, last month's speaker who had spoken about the County Air Ambulance, had sent a letter expressing sincere thanks for the donations of £30 and monies collected amounting to £20.62.

The table top sale had raised £118 profit for WI funds.

Jackie Clarke, a fellow WI member from Areley Kings, who had acted as delegate to the AGM, gave a fascinating report on the event in Cardiff.

She said that listening to 4,000 people singing Jerusalem had been emotional. She had really enjoyed listening to Griff Rhys Jones, the Welsh comedian, writer, actor and TV presenter ,who had been the main speaker.

The important resolution debating the ‘Decline in our High Streets’ had been passed.

The group will be having lunch at the Windlass Restaurant tomorrow at noon, while the WI will be providing cakes for the WI Cake Stall at the Grand Summer Fete at Astley on Saturday.

On Monday, July 22, there will be a trip to Abberley Clock Tower -Hundred House at noon with Jo Roche.

‘Summer Sensation’ will be held at Astley Hall on Saturday, August 3. Tickets are £7 each.

To end the evening, Veronica made a very special presentation to Vicky Hyde, who is emigrating to New Zealand in July to be near her family She thanked Vicky for all her dedication, enthusiasm and hardwork over the years.

Everyone in the Astley Parish, Church, Horticultural Society, Village Hall Committee and WI will miss her greatly.