Oldswinford E Townswomen's Guild

Chairman Pauline Roberts opened the meeting on June 21, welcoming three visitors. Everyone had enjoyed the visit to Charlecote Park and Stratford. Two teams entered the local federation quiz, which was won by Sedgley.

There will be a visit o Stone Manor Cottage Gardens in July and a list is circulating for those who wish to visit. Margaret Fennell gave a breakdown of finances. The federation are holding a harvest lunch in Wollaston on September 28 costing £10. The Mayor is inviting members to a coffee morning. There will be a ramble from Waseley Country Park in June and a scrabble meeting next week at Pat Newhall's home. The July meeting is a beetle drive and fish and chip supper.

The speaker for the evening was Jackie Smith demonstrating and giving a talk relating to the history of chocolate. It is know that 2000 BC, the South American Mayan people celebrated important events, but only men were allowed to drink it, despite the women doing the making. By the 16th century it became known in the West Indies and coco beans became a trade item and it was not until the 17th century that drinking chocolate, as we know it was developed.

In 1868, plain chocolate blocks were developed and it was not until 1905 that Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate was available. Cocoa pod carob bean trees only grow 23 degrees north and south of the Equator; trees can grow up to 26ft.

There is now medical evidence that a small amount of dark chocolate each day can help avoid heart disease, it also helps hypertension.

Some research indicates dark chocolate can help memory function.

One fact that "Death by chocolate" eating 21lbs in one go can cause death. Catherine Moustache thanked the speaker for an interesting talk and demonstrated the process of making chocolate and for distributing samples of the chocolate.

The competition for the evening was a sweet or a biscuit tin, won by Jean Bowen. The raffle prizes were won by Enid Hadley, Iris Raybould and Lilian Green.