At the March meeting, Dorothy Norman shared memories of her visit to Finland in the late 1990s, after she had been awarded the Grace Haddow Bursary.

She was particularly interested in women's rights and political freedom in the country, which has only been independent for the last 80 years, having had a Russian/Swedish heritage.

Throughout her journey, which took her well inside the Arctic Circle, she was accompanied by a representative from the Women's Agricultural Association, which is similar to the WI in the UK.

She toured textile factories where local wool is used, visited local markets selling basic vegetables, knitted and crocheted clothing, and food items such as bear pate, elk soup etc, as well as an agricultural show and a handicraft workshop for disabled youngsters.

There are places available for the Institute's visit to Hartlebury Castle on May 26, starting at 1.30pm.

Several members will attend the Singing for Pleasure event on May 25 at Little Witley.

There is still time to have a spring clean before the rummage sale on Saturday, April 16 at Mamble Village Hall starting at 2pm.

The next meeting on Monday, April 11 at Mamble Village Hall will be the first of this year's evening meetings, starting at 7.30 pm. Valerie Greenhill will talk about ‘My Patchwork’, while the competition is a piece of needlework and there will be a Trading Stall.

Visitors are welcome to hear the speaker, starting at approx. 8pm.