Our December meeting was happy, not too riotous and no one was breathalysed on the way home. The white, black and gold theme brought out some interesting ideas and costumes.

President Gwyn Darby welcomed a visitor Tina Jaray, Margaret Lloyd James was wished a happy birthday as this month's birthday girl, and best wishes and congratulations were expressed to Elsie and Peter Corti for their diamond wedding.

Various business details and meeting were discussed and reports given of events attended. As our January speaker will be Meg Farmer, telling of her 20 years of fostering, it was agreed to make it an open evening and to invite pre-school mums. Also, it was agreed to invite our twin WI to the March meeting, when Brian Draper will be talking about, and showing slides of, the Teme Valley.

Proceeds from the cake stall at the pre-school fayre were £38.50, after a donation had been given to pre-school funds.

Sheila Craker was thanked for doing the charming flower arrangements in WI House and for doing the decorations for this evening.

Once the business was over, the party began with an Irish raffle. Gwyn Darby read a Christmas poem, Mary Kipping and Julia Roberts correctly guessed the old photo competition and the quiz was won by Eileen Stammers and Helen Coombey-Jones. The final quiz was won by Julia Roberts and Kate King, who received the booby prize of a black pudding.

Kate, who originates from East Anglia and not the Black Country, was unsure what to do with it but it was eventually eaten for breakfast by some of her family members.

A lovely selection of refreshments, supplied by the members, washed down with Christmas punch ended a very happy evening. Many thanks to all the members who worked so hard to make it so enjoyable.

KATE KING