We were delighted that we had two speakers at our February meeting.

Our first speaker was Peter Graham, who spoke enthusiastically about Fairtrade. This is an organisation, which gives growers in Africa and other countries a fair price for their crops which enables them to continue as farmers without being subject to market forces. Fairtrade also provides extra funding for schools and hospitals etc. This is the reason that Fairtrade goods cost slightly more.

Our second speaker was Jackie Emery, from Hartlebury WI. The title of her talk was Winter Warmers and, as she pointed out, this didn't mean thermal underwear but food to keep us healthy and warm in winter. Jackie was both amusing and informative and provided WI members with lots of ideas and recipes.

At the beginning of the evening, business matters were discussed with future events and courses announced. An informal monthly lunch club is starting with our first venue at Barnet Hill Nurseries at 12.30pm on Thursday, March 3. Future venues, dates and times will be announced in the proceeding month. Social time with refreshments concluded the evening.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 2 at 7.30pm in Chaddesley Corbett Village Hall.