Joyce Parkes, vice-president, took the chair in the absence of the president at the meeting.

A letter of thanks from Somerset Redstone Trust was read out expressing appreciation for our donation of hand-knitted blankets for residents at St John's Court, Bromsgrove.

The county skittles competition (first round) has been completed and Pat Kay gave her report on our team's participation in it. Despite each of the five matches being thoroughly enjoyable and despite our best efforts, we did not record one victory, and so will not be progressing to the next round.

Pat thanked the always enthusiastic team members for their loyal support, our scorer Wendy, the drivers (sometimes husbands) who delivered us to our destinations, and to the institute members for their willingness to fund our efforts. The two resolutions voted on at the AGM at the Royal Albert Hall were discussed. Pat Tonks presented the one on 'care of our environment' and she spoke of much disturbing evidence of wasteful use of our resources, especially in much needless packaging and the use of plastics which do not decompose.

The other resolution on 'farmgate milk prices' was presented by Joyce Parkes on behalf of Dot Waldron, and detailed information was provided on the complexity of rules that needed to be observed in the progress of milk from source to outlets. Both these resolutions were discussed with serious contributions from members, but extended consideration was hampered by the unavoidable intrusion of 'men-at-work' on urgent repairs to the village hall roof. Both resolutions were voted on and carried unanimously.

Our next outing will be held next Tuesday.