SOMERLEYTON WI: The speakers at the February meeting were Mike and Jane Abrahams who gave members a very interesting and enlightening talk on Broadwaters Park.

Mike and Jane used to have the post office in Broadwaters and got involved from the beginning of the project to rejuvenate this neglected area of town. The local community became involved and have since formed The Friends of Broadwaters Park. Their aim was to clean up and enhance the local environment which included restoring the old Fulling mill, developing a safe path network, a sensory garden and enhanced lighting. Local school children have been involved in the production of the murals in the mill and it was hoped by doing this everyone would have a pride in their contribution to their local facility, which would in turn reduce vandalism. Through the use of photographs Jane and Mike were able to show members the development of the park in a Now and Then sequence. The friends group had raised £70,000 to use to develop the project and had been presented with numerous awards for their hard work. The many fundraising and community celebrations were also highlighted. The project and end result clearly showed the community working together to improve and restore what is now a delightful entrance to Kidderminster.

They were thanked by Sue Jennings.

There are several up and coming events for members to enjoy including a trip to London on March 19 to view the Olympic sites and the group meeting to be hosted by Blakedown on April 24.

The lucky square competition was won by Margaret Burbey, who was delighted with her prize of sweet peas to plant in her garden and Sue Jennings won the word competition.

The next meeting will be on March 13 when the speaker will talk on East meets West which will have an embroidery theme. Members were encouraged to get busy with their sewing needles as the competition is ‘Your embroidered Initials’.

he meetings are held at St Cecilias Hoobrook at 7.30pm and new members are always welcomed.