The May meeting was opened by chairperson Pat Brampton who gave a warm welcome to members and speaker John Billingham.

Minutes of the April meeting were read and approved and reports were given by the treasurer and social secretary. Mr Billingham’s talk was “Images of Worcestershire” accompanied by slides.

He told us about the hop pickers who went to the hop yards in South Worcestershire every year.

They started work early mornings until well into the evening, filling sacks with eight bushels of hops.

For this they were paid one shilling per sack.

He went onto tell us about John Corbett, known as the Salt King whose salt works were in Droitwich.

He was very generous to his employees, building cottages for them and looking after their welfare.

He also built Corbett Hospital and donated stained glass windows to churches in Halesowen and Brierley Hill.

The vote of thanks was given by Doreen Cooke.

Refreshments were served and several members won raffle prizes.

For details about the society, call Mildred Hall on 01384 288841.