THE group held its meeting on October 27 at Wythall Village Hall.

Miriam Knowles opened the meeting with the group prayer and the business began with the announcement that Pat Roach had offered to take over the position of secretary for one year after Ann Wilson leaves the club due to a move out of the area.

Miriam presented Ann with a gardening voucher, thanking her for her hard work and support as secretary over the past months.

A list was circulated for members to sign if they wished to visit Highgrove House Gardens in the future.

Only 25 will be allowed on the trip so the names of people interested will be drawn out of a hat at a future date when the visit is due to take place.

Tidbury Green Ladies Club sent a note of thanks to us for supporting their coffee morning on October 1. More than £1,600 was raised for Macmillan Nurses.

As there was no further business, Miriam then introduced Sally Hayward, who gave us a very interesting talk and demonstration on how to make crackers and bonbonieres.

She told us how she first got into business when her children were very small by making stencilled wooden toy boxes, which she still sells on the internet.

Sally now has a thriving business making table crackers of varying sizes and decorations for the wedding industry.

After telling us a little about the history of crackers, which began in the 1840s, she then went on to demonstrate how to make a full-sized one and then a small one.

She also demonstrated how to make a bonboniere, holding sweets or chocolates as a tree or table decoration for Christmas.

She gave us a very informative talk and it was much appreciated by the members.

Afterwards, Christmas paper, cards, bags and decorations were on sale, and members enjoyed their usual excellent tea and cakes and a chat.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 24 at Wythall Village Hall from 7.30pm.

Mike and Pat Ledbury will entertain members with "A Victorian Family's Musical Christmas".