Ipsley WI

President, Carol Kinsey welcomed members and four visitors to the March Meeting. Two new members were welcomed into the Institute.

Carol asked for volunteers to make invitation cards to be sent out for the 50th Birthday Celebrations in July.

Future events planned were a Kurling match to be played on March 20, Hot Cross Bun Day on March 24 at Drakes Cross WI and the Spring Group Meeting at Bentley Pauncefoot WI on March 22.

Carol introduced the speaker, John Tilt who's talk was about the butterflies of Worcestershire. John is the ranger for Grafton Woods. Grafton Wood is part of the old Feckenham Forest and has a 12 year Coppice Cycle in operation. There are numerous species of butterflies to be seen there, most importantly the brown hairstreak.

John told us that Grafton Wood is the most Northern habitat where the brown hair streak is found. The tiny eggs are laid in between the buds of the Blackthorn. The caterpillars eat into the bud where it feeds at night. Before pupation they turn red, the males hatch first and fly to the top of an Ash Tree. The females have an orange streak and land on different leaves where they taste them to find the Ash tree. John spoke about other species of Butterfly to be found in Worcestershire, mainly on the Malvern Hills such as the grizzled skipper, the speckled yellow and the green frittillary and many others. After John's fascinating talk, Brenda Nicholson gave the vote of thanks.

Carol announced the winner of Flower of the Month, Mavis Walthew and Winner of the competition for a butterfly in any medium was Janet Cottrill and the raffle made a profit of £35. After a busy Meeting, Carol closed the Meeting at 10pm.

The WI meet at Wiyates Green Community Centre at 7 - 30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. Visitors welcome.