Ipsley WI

President, Carol Kinsey welcomed members and 6 visitors to the January Meeting. Carol thanked everyone for their help at the Carol Service in December.

It was agreed to collect 20 pence pieces in Smartie Tubes which will help towards the birthday party in July. Members also agreed to collect toiletries to be donated to women who have to flee their homes in a hurry to escape from an abusive partner and leave without anything except the clothes they are wearing. These items will be sent to the Women's Hospital for distribution.

Carol introduced the speaker, Barbara Bakewell a 93 year old lady who was born and bred in Redditch, She told us of her poor but loving upbringing as the daughter of a farm labourer where she lived with her parents and her two brothers in a cottage on the farm. There was no running water, gas or electricity, cooking was done on the black lead range and water was drawn from the well. Barbara remembers playing ludo, snakes and ladders and lotto, their only entertainment. She had a trek of one and half miles to school where she did well and left at 14 to start work at a local firm. Her employers Purchased a Royal Enfield Bicycle for her to travel to and from work o which she repaid by having 2/6 stopped out of her weekly wage of 8/6. She was 15 when she first saw the sea on a works outing to Skegness. Barbara recalled the weekly treat of going to the pictures and seeing two films, a newsreel and a few sweets for two pence farthing each. She has seen many changes but says she had a happy life as a young person in a happy home. Joy Gammon gave the vote of thanks.

Competition for a Bakewell Tart was won by Janet Cottrill and Flower of the Month's winner was Josie Hayward.

The Competition Cup and Flower of Month Rose Bowl was won by Carol Kinsey.

The WI meet at Winyates Green Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. Regards, Judith Scott.

Meeting closed at 10pm.