The members held their monthly meeting at Stourbridge Institute on 15th July chaired by John Knight, who welcomed members and visitors to the meeting.

The president Eric Southall addressed the meeting and said it was very nice to see so many members attending, and mentioned that it had been another good year for our social events, which included a weekend break to Yorkshire, evening visit to Rectory Cottage at Alvechurch and our visit to Ness Gardens which was on July 14.

He thanked June and Jim Baker, and Pat and Dave Hassell, particularly for the last trip to Ness which was enjoyed by everyone who went.

John introduced Patricia Boyd who gave a talk entitled, Watch Your Language, which was a fascinating look at the English language and all its intricacies, of how we use words and phrases. She mentioned how William Shakespeare had enlarged our vocabulary, and quoted verses seen on headstones, some having a certain amount of humour.

She also explained the origins of some well known phrases and finished with Shakespeare’s “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day”.

This was an extremely professional talk, eloquently presented and our chairman thanked Patricia for this most interesting presentation, and the members responded in their customary way.

The first placed winners of the monthly competition were as follows: 7 broad beans: J Knight; 7 garden peas: E Southall; 1 summer cabbage: J Knight; 5 early potatoes: M Grice; 3 courgettes : J Knight; 7 sweet peas: G Langley; 6 pansies: M Grice; 6 jam tarts: M Southall; 6 butterfly cakes: M Southall.

The next meeting will be held on August 19 when Margaret Anthill will give a talk, and demonstrations on Corn Dollies, with plenty of laughs along the way.

We meet on the third Monday of each month at The Stourbridge Institute at 7 for 7.30pm, when all visitors are welcome.

For details phone 01562 720219.