A lunch held prior to the October meeting was well attended. It was a leisurely affair with ample time for conversation and exchange of news.

It was generally agreed that the arrangement was a success and providing lunch again before some of the future meetings would be welcome. Thanks were expressed to those who arranged the catering and laying out of the hall.

Our speaker at the meeting was John Dacies, who gave a talk entitled "Brewing With Ladies In Mind".

The brewing industry today is largely men's work and large companies grew around natural springs, which provided good supplies of fresh water.

Before these were established, brewing was carried out in many homes, usually by the women, for family consumption. Boiling water and barley was part of the process that produced mild, medium and strong ales. All family members, young and old, drank ale daily. It was considered safer than the water available, which was often contaminated, and a source of illness. John was thanked for his interesting and informative presentation.

Tea and biscuits were then served and the raffle drawn. Donations to the Pennies for Friendship Fund were received for sending on behalf of the WI.

The next meeting, which is the annual general meeting, is to be held on Thursday, November 4. Committee elections are to be held and gifts for the Primrose Hospice are to be received from members.