THE April meeting began with a report on the annual council meeting, and we were pleased to learn that younger women are joining the WI - attracted in particular by the carbon challenge.

Inkberrow WI is twinned this year with St Peter's WI, Worcester, and members have been invited to their skittles evening in May. Tickets are available for walks along the Worcestershire Way and in Evesham, and the World Faith visit to a synagogue.

Our speaker, Ray Sturdy, gave us a lightning tour of Worcestershire Remembered', from 100 years ago onwards. It was a fascinating reminder of how life and our surroundings have changed. From the accession of Edward VII, Emmeline Pankhurst fighting for the female vote, and the Wright Brothers' flight at the beginning of the 20th century, we heard about everyday life, such as steam- powered fire engines and leisure boats, coal for heating and cooking -with a coal mine at Dudley, then in Worcestershire - the first vacuum cleaner or aspirator', driven by bellows and our roads busy with cyclists, Hansom cabs and horse-drawn omnibuses.

New members are always welcome to our meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm in the village hall.

BARBARA BERRIMAN