PRESIDENT Carol Kinsey welcomed members to the February meeting. After business was completed, members were told that the April meeting this year will be the members evening and a nearly new sale is planned following the success of last year.

The visit by six members to the neonatal unit at the women’s hospital was enjoyed and a further visit there is planned.

A display of knitted garments and baby blankets were on show and these are to be taken on the next visit.

Carol introduced the speaker, Simon Thomas from the well known funeral directors.

Simon told us how when still at school he became interested in the funeral business and worked in his spare time, learning different aspects of the trade.

Much later he went on to manage a funeral directors in Worcester and became successful which helped him when he started up his own business in Redditch. Later his three brothers joined him and together have created a thriving and caring business.

Simon believes in going that extra mile for people who are suffering a bereavement. He also mentioned some very amusing incidents which have occurred over the years.

Brenda Nicholson gave the vote of thanks to Simon for an interesting and amusing talk. After break, the raffle was drawn.

Flower of the month was won by Josie Haywood. Winner of the competition for an amusing epitaph was Janet Cottrill. The president announced that the trading table raised £26 and at the March meeting we hopefully will be celebrating Fairtrade with goods on sale.

Carol welcomed two new members, Jill Parker and Frances Pinder. Carol closed events at 10pm.

Ipsley WI meets at Winyates Green Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.