IT was a cold but dry evening for our first meeting of the year. Maureen Matthews, president, welcomed members and accepted several apologies.

Christine Williams read the minutes of the Christmas meeting. The party had been a great success and Maureen read a letter of thanks from Kempsey WI. Christine then gave out details of the science club programme for 2008, the annual council meeting and the celebration dinner at the Three Counties showground. We have invitations from Broomhall, Whittington and North Claines WI's; two members are going to the new speakers morning and names were taken for the county quiz. A draw will take place next month to decide which four will represent us. Jean said all the skittles matches had been booked and gave out a list to members of the team.

Dilys Round, our outings secretary, gave details of several venues suitable for an outing later in the year and asked members if anyone had any other ideas. Maureen then introduced our speaker Charles Hadwell, who had come to talk to us about Faberge Eggs. He had a screen with slides and after a short talk preceded to show us the eggs one by one on the screen. He described each one in detail, and we were able to ask questions at any time. They were beautiful and the workmanship exquisite. Two of our members had been to an exhibition in London and seen some of the eggs themselves. Joan Brand thanked him for a most interesting talk. Christine then asked him to judge the monthly competition, this month appropriately being a hand-decorated egg. The winner was Joan Shelley.

We then had tea and an assortment of biscuits given us by Margaret Oakley. Jean gave out the subscription envelopes and members who returned them were given their booklet from national HQ. The evening ended with the raffle which was won by Jean.

Maureen reminded everyone it was the fish and chip supper evening next month. We meet on the third Wednesday of the month in St Mark's Church Hall.

J BIRBECK