MAY saw the 74th birthday meeting and there was wine and a beautiful cake made by Barbara Waller and Edith Stanton.

Last month, members enjoyed a group quiz and a coffee morning at Jackie Gregory's home which raised £331 for ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World).

The institute has been asked by Alvechurch Parish Council if it would like to maintain the village green and this was agreed so several members formed a committee to look at the green, which was overrun with weeds and dead plants.

A group of members have cleared the rockery and borders and bought plants so it is beginning to look really good (perhaps Chelsea Flower Show next year).

Christine Grainger reminded members of the outing on June 25 to the Lord Mayor's Parlour in Birmingham, with lunch and a guided tour around the city.

The speaker was Jean Harper on Delicious Desserts.

She made apple mint meringues, lemon syllabus and calypso bananas (full of alcohol).

Afterwards we were allowed to taste the puds and they were gorgeous.

The June meeting is going to be a surprise, so watch this space.

Visitors are welcome at meetings, which are held on the second Monday of every month except August at 7.30pm in Alvechurch Village Hall.

Call Denise Cashmore on 0121 445 3246 for more details.