Wollaston E Townswomen's Guild

The April meeting was chaired by Julie Willetts with 48 members in attendance.

Business matters began with the apologies, followed by the minutes of the last meeting, which were duly passed.

The treasurer reported that our money matters were satisfactory, while correspondence included thank you cards from retiring officials, Jean Latham and Jean Millward.

The meeting then moved on to discuss forthcoming events. The guild quiz is fast approaching and a request was made for brainy members to volunteer to take part. The open evening is also imminent and both the tea and talents and art groups are busy creating items to display.

A very enjoyable lunch was taken by approximately eighteen members at the College of Food, Birmingham and this is now set to become an annual outing.

A few members will be wending their way to Wolverhampton on May 18. Lunch will be taken, followed by a visit to the Grand Theatre for a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The skittles evening, an annual event organised by Jill Dunn was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all, with many members returning home as prize winners.

A visit to Hagley Hall on June 7 has been arranged, which includes a tour of the gardens followed by a cream tea.

The Federation lunch is booked for July 25 at a cost of £17. The venue is Vesuvio restaurant, Stourbridge and there is a board in circulation, for members to confirm their residence.

The annual dinner is to be held at Hagley Golf and Country Club on May 31 at a cost of £23. A board is in circulation showing the menu. A deposit must be made for a booking.

The speaker for the evening was Dean Harris, a member of UK International Search and Rescue, who gave an excellent talk, with the aid of slides, about the wonderful work they do in countries throughout the world, which suffer national disasters or acts of terrorism, such as 9/11. It opened our eyes to how these men risk their own lives in order to save so many others.

Raff;e prizes went to June Lees and Madeline Dunn, while the competition was won by Elizabeth Grove.

The next meeting is at 7.30pm on May 10 at St James Church Hall, Wollaston and will incorporate the open evening, when plant and cake tables, a to,bola and art and craft displays will be in evidence.

Heather Wastie will entertain but there will be no competition.