THE October meeting was opened by acting president Gill Hancox. She welcomed members and three visitors.

Gill outlined events that had taken place recently, including the celebration day at Pershore, the Annual Council Meeting with excellent speakers and the visit to the Black Country Museum which had been very enjoyable.

Birthdays and anniversaries were announced and the secretary gave information regarding future events. Acting treasurer Jackie Soles informed members that the annual subscription is to increase in 2015.

Gill introduced David Chatterly.

He talked about the History of the Teddy Bear. He had brought with him part of his collection of bears each with a history of their own.

After a very interesting and amusing talk Joan Simpson gave the vote of thanks. Mr Chatterly then had the hard task of choosing a winner from the many bears that members had brought with them. Finally Irene Ingles’s teddy was declared the winner, she had owned him since she was a small child Flower of the Month was won by Josie Hayward. After the break the raffle was drawn and reminders of pick up times for the coach to London on October 18. Gill gave her report on the Council Meeting which she had attended as Ipsley Delegate.

The meeting was closed at 10pm. The WI meet at Winyates Green Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. Visitors are very welcome