Wordsley M Townswomen's Guild

The June meeting was opened by chairman of the day Wendy Lloyd and welcomed members and visitors. The minutes of the previous meeting, prepared by secretary, Liz Moseley, was signed and Rosemary Skidmore, treasurer, gave brief details of the accounts to date.

The federation report included the results of the Interguild Quiz in which Wordsley came third, the Annual Lunch at the Vesuvio Restaurant, Stourbridge and the Harvest lunch at Wollaston Village Hall.

The Guild Lunch Club will meet on July 4 at the Lawnswood Pub, Wordsley. 12 for 12.30pm.The Christmas Lunch outing has been arranged to take place at The Lodge, Dudley.

Barbara Taylor said members enjoyed their outing to the Grand Theatre for the musical ‘Made in Dagenham’. Barbara has enquired about Saturday matinees of Annie at Brierley Hill Civic Hall and Carousel with Cradley Heath Operatic Society.

A list put on the notice board asked for members to show their preferences for outings.

Barbara Gregory gave an update of the progress of Comic Relief knitted and crotched toys and requested members to either take part in the production of the ‘Comic Critters’ or to donate yarns.

Wendy then introduced Chris Smith, editor of the magazine Village Voice, who gave an illustrated talk entitled ‘Would you believe it.’ Chris told nine stories of people of the local area including: Wallheath Jem Hall, bare knuckle fighter and Black Country Champion. Robert Fabian – Fabian of the Yard. When the Blackheath Odeon cinema was demolished in 1984 very old posters were found depicting films up to the 1960’s. Stourbridge born Thomas Allen who sailed to America to find his fortune in ‘Anti-fat’ products! Was Dr. Alfred Pearson of Townsend House, Kingswinford, Medical Officer for the workhouse and the Earl of Dudley mines, Jack the Ripper? Veterinary surgeon Joseph Miller made shoes for an elephant suffering from sore feet and also false teeth for cows! Chris said that when researching for these stories, which was quite extensive, he would find that one story lead into another so adding to his knowledge of happenings and events. Liz Hubbard gave the vote of thanks for a very entertaining talk. Liz then gave details of the next meeting which will be on July 18 when Karen Bonner will give a talk on advice and care for those living with diabetes.

All meetings are held at Wordsley Green Community Centre, the third Monday each month 10am. Visitors are very welcome to any of the meetings £2.50 which includes refreshments.