It was nearly a full house when Jenny Marsh, our president, welcomed members and two visitors to our first meeting of 2005.

Our secretary, Ann Ballard, read the minutes and gave out several notices, including dates for the group meeting and annual general meeting.

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of our movement NFWI are producing a brooch and a challenge to walk 90 miles before next December.

A suggestion to claim a lottery grant under the Awards for All scheme, and sponsored by Denman College, was put forward. Mary Gray outlined the classes for the Spring Food, Flower & Craft Day. Outings are being organised to Tyntesfield and The Everyman Theatre.

Our speaker for the afternoon was John Pinnick, an avid collector of Worcester Porcelain and volunteer guide for the museum.

He showed us more than 40 slides depicting the history and work of the Worcester factory over 250 years. He was an excellent enthusiastic speaker, his knowledge was far reaching and he was easy to listen to.

Dr Wall, who founded the factory in 1751, was educated at The Kings School, in Worcester. The River Severn provides the answer why the porcelain works were founded in Worcester. Everything needed for the manufacture and sale of the china was brought via the river and sea to land via Bristol. Mr Pinnick explained the various methods of producing, painting and glazing the china over the years.

The slides were a delight, we viewed rare and unusual priceless items, many used by royalty and famous people. Most of these are on display in the Porcelain Museum.

Our competition for the afternoon was a piece of china, Mr Pinnick picked up items brought by members that were on display and told us a little about them. The winning piece was a small vase by Edward Raby and owned by Jenny Marsh.