The March lunchtime meeting was well supported and following our short time of worship, Branch Leader, Anne Harris, gave out several notices for members attention.

Anne then introduced Sue, our speaker for the afternoon. Everyone is aware of the dangers of any addiction, be it alcohol, drugs or gambling, and how difficult it is to break the habit. Equally difficult is regaining one’s self-respect, being accepted by society and resuming a “normal” lifestyle to prevent a return to addiction. Sue recognised this gap in the treatment of addicts and founded an organisation “Substance Matters”. This small organisation works with the charity “School of Hope” and is devoted to supporting people struggling with or recovering from addictions, also supporting the families affected by this.

As Sue pointed out addiction can affect any family, whatever their social standing. Following Sue’s Talk we enjoyed our soup (thank you Jan) and a ploughman’s lunch.

Our next meeting will be on April 2 at 2pm in Clent Village Hall, when our speaker will be Gwen Taylor “Following in Jesus’ Footsteps”.

Committee members please note that there will be a committee meeting at 12noon prior to this branch meeting.

On Tuesday, May 12 the Stourbridge Deanery Festival will be held at Pedmore at 2.30pm.

The May 14 is the annual coffee morning at 10-12noon. Any donations of cakes, bric-a-brac or plants would be gratefully received, or better still, come along and support this - our main fundraising event.