THURSDAY, November 6, was our annual meeting. At this time we review our year and elect our new committee for 2009.

This year has been Worcestershire Federation of Women’s Institutes 90th anniversary and Callow End has been well represented at all of the events that have been organised to celebrate this.

We attended a celebration dinner at the Three Counties Showground where the guest speaker was journalist and broadcaster Eve Pollard. Members also went to the NEC in Birmingham to see the National Federation’s embroidery collection.

We have a flourishing theatre group whose visits have included Fiddler On The Roof, Blood Brothers, Buddy, Cabaret, Calendar Girls and of course City Kids.

In addition we have attended events organised by other WIs – St Gabriel’s for their Christmas party, Earls Croome for their Orchid Walk in May and we joined Eckington for a talk about a year on Bredon Hill.

Our own meetings have seen a variety of speakers as varied as the conservation work of Avoncroft Museum to belly dancing. We also have many keen members who take part in skittles matches. We play in the Worcestershire Federation of WIs league.

Our 2009 programme is now ready and looks as if it will be just as varied. On January 8 Paddy Hannigan will talk about slavery, on February 5 Denis Teal’s talk is Food the Funny side up, while March 5 sees Ron White’s graphology needing members participation.

We meet on the first Thursday at Callow End Village Hall at 7.30pm (except January, 2009 when we meet on January 8). For details please contact Val Durnall 01905 830469 or Sylvia Cubberley 01905 830523.