The August meeting was opened by Chairman of the day Liz Hubbard who welcomed members and 15 visitors.

The minutes of the previous meeting were signed and Rosemary Skidmore, treasurer, read the finance report and encouraged members to support the raffles, sales table, coffee mornings and next month’s Harvest Sale as much needed funds are generated for the benefit of the Guild.

Federation – A Townswomen’s Guild visit to see the show ‘White Christmas’ at Stourbridge Town Hall for October 25, is being arranged.

A list for those interested in an outing to Liverpool was on the notice board.

Coffee Morning on September 24, 10.30am will be at the home of Jan Pritchard. Committee member, Pat Hadley who arranges the coffee mornings, encouraged members and visitors to come along and meet other members as it is a good social occasion.

Theatre Group. Barbara Taylor told members of a Saturday matinee theatre outing to the Civic Hall, Brierley Hill in October to see ‘Witches of Eastwick’.

Liz, with a group of members, had visited the George Hook’s pearl factory, was made to feel very welcome and found the visit interesting and very enjoyable.

Alan Thornton was then introduced by Liz.

Alan gave a very humorous talk about ‘Life in the 1940’s and 50’s’ when some evacuees from the inner cities and town were sent to the countryside during WW2. To some it enhanced their lives.

Alan talked about rationing, trying to keep warm in the very cold winter days as in 1947, baths in front of the fire, delivery of coal onto the pavement, washing dollies and mangles.

Shop cash payments were sent along on a zip wire or suction pipes, there were street and school yard games we never see today.

As a meat supplement we could buy tripe and chitterlings and had bread and dripping for hungry mouths.

Alan touched on radio programmes with well known presenters and music introductions, cinemas with their Stars, trams and trolley buses.

Did we remember the milk bars and juke boxes were the young would meet?

The talk ended with an original recording of ‘We Are The Ovaltinies – little girls and boys, the audience joining in with gusto.

Liz gave the vote of thanks for a most enjoyable, humorous, talk.

Tea and coffee and biscuits were then served.

At the next Guild meeting on Monday September 15 a Harvest Table Sale will take place together with a personalities picture quiz.

Visitors are always welcome to the meetings which are held at the Wordsley Green Community Centre on the third Monday each month at 10am.

For further information please ring 01384 288219.