January’s meeting was on a wet and windy evening but the atmosphere in the hall was warm and welcoming.

Following the presentation of a pretty winter birthday posy, president Veronica Herridge then updated members on some future events and correspondence.

A card had been received from Sylvia Tudor-Hughes in her capacity as Forest Group Co-ordinator, thanking people for their support of Group activities over the last twelve months.

A card had also been received from the Astley and Dunley Village Hall Management Committee expressing appreciation for the cheque sent from the proceeds of the Astley WI’s Barn Dance.

The speaker for the evening was then welcomed. Van Greaves who was a professional photographer and who has had ten books published, was scheduled to deliver a slide show entitled Landscape Travel with Music but owing to unforeseen technical difficulties, the programme had to be changed and we watched several shorter shows that he had produced.

Whilst watching the shows featuring India, birds, battle enactments and balloons, with some lovely accompanying music, the audience was able to appreciate Mr Greaves’ skills as a photographer and to see that his work was clearly a labour of love.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday February 4 at 7.30pm when Mr Thompson will be talking to us about The Carpet Museum, Kidderminster