ASTLEY WI: President Irene Hoare welcomed everyone to the meeting including one visitor who joined that evening.

The business part of the meeting began with thanks being expressed to those who made our cups of tea and coffee and to the ladies who provided the beautiful display of flowers and the pretty rose plant raffle prize.

The skittles season has now begun and members were informed of the dates of matches so far. Three games have been arranged before Christmas so everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed for some wins for Astley’s team of dedicated players.

Nine ladies will be enjoying Lunch Club in October and on November 9, a trip to Greyfriars, Worcester, is planned.

The pre-ordered fish and chips arrived on schedule and enjoyed a lovely hot and tasty fish supper was enjoyed by all. Following the culinary delights, some well-known songs were sung interspersed with some entertaining poetry read by willing volunteers who had selected verse on topics ranging from a cantankerous woman to a gardener despairing of his lack of success with his vegetables, from a lady who refused to behave in an age appropriate way to a rather unusual bus journey and more in between!

The next meeting will be on November 2 at 7.30pm when Mary Arden Davis will be giving a talk with the intriguing title From Hartlebury to Heaven.