Wollaston E TG

Chairman Jean Latham began the November meeting by welcoming 51 members and 2 visitors.

Certificates for fifty years service to the guild, accompanied by potted plants were presented to Marion Clarke and Betty Noke.

Following the reading of the apologies, the secretary proceeded with the minutes of the last meeting, which were duly passed and signed.

The treasurer then gave a favourable report of our financial position, mentioning that £5 was required from each member for the forthcoming Christmas party. The Federation representative, Hazel Needham then reported on the last meeting of that body. This was followed by subsection reports.

On the social side, the popular skittles evening has been arranged for April 6. A visit to the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat may also take place, more information later.

The Federation carol service is to be held n St Thomas' Church, Stourbridge on December 12 at 2pm. The Guild carol service will follow on December 15 at 7.30pm in Cobden Street Methodist Church, Wollaston. Wollaston Guild choir will be performing on both occasions.

The speaker for the evening was Nigel Wiggin, who related the inside story of Old Hall tableware, which was a favourite wedding present request in the 1960s. It was a family business which began in 1893 in Bloxwich, making items such as steel horse shoes and buckles. The company turned to making tableware in 1928 and continued successfully until 1984, when cheaper, stainless steel products from the far east came on the market.

Members found the talk very interesting and appreciated seeing the older items Mr Wiggin had brought with him, as well as having the opportunity to buy more recent products.

The raffle was won by Ann Turner and Lesley Wall and competition winners were Gill Mackenzie and Elizabeth Grove.

The next meeting on December 8 incorporates the Christmas party and the doors to St James Hall will be open at 7.30pm.