President Val Evans thanked all the members for their help when the institute hosted the Teme and Tenbury Group’s Spring meeting. This was well attended, with representatives from all five institutes in the group.

Ray Sturdey had been an excellent speaker, talking about the ‘Swinging 1960s’, illustrated with slides of the memorable events, personalities and fashions of that era.

The host institute won the competition with a Twiggy double album. Preliminary arrangements are being made for an outing to Holloways Garden Centre in June.

The annual rummage sale will take place on Saturday, May 4 at Mamble Village Hall. The hall will be open from 1pm for donations of any suitable sale items, with the sale starting at 2pm.

John Carter, of Carters Auctioneers, Cleobury Mortimer, gave members an insight into the life of a valuer and auctioneer at the meeting.

He stressed the importance of getting unwanted items valued before they are destined for the skip or put in an auction sale.

His company holds five auctions annually at Dodford Village Hall, and with the help of the internet and mobile phones nowadays, buyers from all over the world can participate. As part of his talk, Mr Carter discussed and valued several items members had brought along.

The AGM and Resolution meeting will be on Monday, May 13 at Mamble Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. The competition is a May-related item and there will be a trading stall.