After the August break members welcomed one visitor to our very busy evening.

The meeting began on a sad note with a minute’s silence in memory of June Hivens who sadly passed away over the summer.

June had been a member of Astley WI for 16 years and she will be greatly missed.

There is a huge amount on offer for people to do over the next few months.

Creatively, there is a crochet for beginners workshop in January when attendees will learn the basics so that they may make bags and other useful /decorative items. Astley’s own craft club has a busy schedule during September and October when Suzanne Moule will be demonstrating the making of making a memory book, fabric flowers and Christmas angels or decorative owls for the festive period.

People are also looking forward to the Barn Dance being held on October 10.

A Christmas shopping trip to Cardiff has been planned for November 26 and the combined Worcestershire WI choirs will be singing once again at Kidderminster Town Hall on December 5.

A few days before that, on December 2 there is a festive meal with a Mediterranean twist. Those attending will enjoy a meal and a flower demonstration to give some ideas for home decoration at that special time.

There was a very proud moment over the summer when Christine Hickman- Smith, federation chairman, handed over a cheque for £4613 to consultant Steven Thrush for the Worcester Breast Care Unit Campaign.

The money was the combined totals raised by the Christmas Carol Service and the Worcestershire Federation’s 2014 Grand Raffle.

Astley WI member Suzanne Moule then took over the meeting in her role as speaker.

She gave a very interesting talk on her experiences in the Gambia where years ago, she took a under her wing young boy called Lamin who, after being educated, has done a huge amount to help overcome poverty there through his beginning the Fresh Start Foundation.

The next meeting on Wednesday October 1 will be a get together with a difference as it will be a ‘fish, chips and chatter’ meeting.

Once the business has been dealt with, pre-ordered fish and chips will be delivered and enjoyed by all.