Maurice Bracher spoke on ‘Lovespoons from an Englishman’s point of view’ at the October meeting.

From an early age, he has always enjoyed working in wood, making dolls’ houses and their contents, as well as marquetry.  Originally from Wales, lovespoons, engraved with a girl’s name, were given by boys as a token of friendship – it was called Spooning.

In his work, Maurice uses many varieties of wood, depending on the type of spoon he wants to make – alder, yew, sycamore, oak, ash and bamboo.   The delicate carvings on the samples he brought with him were much admired.
This was the last evening meeting, as, from November to March, the Institute will meet at 2pm.
Among forthcoming diary dates, there was an invitation to the Open Day at WI House in Worcester on December 1;  the Christmas shopping trip to Bath on November 29; County visit to the Countdown Studios in Manchester on November 20 and the Annual Carol Concert at Kidderminster Town Hall on December 7. 
Possible venues for the Christmas lunch were discussed and Pauline Blumer was asked to check availability for December 10.

Suggestions for speakers for next year, as well as for the Spring Group meeting which the Institute will host, would be welcome.
On Monday, November 12, the Institute’s secretary, Lyn Bowen, will talk on family history updates.  The competition is a letter ‘N’ item and there will be a trading stall.
It starts at 2pm at Mamble Village Hall.