THE meeting of the two newly combined institutes began with a welcome to the visitors and a congratulation to the birthday girls.

Sue Mayall, secretary, read last months minutes and they were agreed upon by the members.

Sue White, president, told members about the Walking Group’s trip for this month and the Book Club were asked to discuss this month’s book at the end of the meeting. Sue went on to remind members of the items we are collecting for next month’s meeting for the Women’s Refuge and preparations began for the Christmas gathering with entertainment and music and other activities suggested.

Then, they were introduced to Dave Clark, a local historian and previous Mayor of Worcester.

Dave had come to tell members about the dreadful treatment imposed upon the poor women of eighteenth century Britain and especially those of the south Worcestershire area.

In his time as deputy Mayor he discovered in the cellars of the Guild Hall in Worcester, the cells. These dreadful rooms were full information, names and evidence of women of the seventeen hundreds who had been brought before the court for the most trivial crimes and for which they received the most awful sentences, such as hanging and sending beyond the seas. This meant being deported to Australia.

Members were told of the horrible but also hilarious incidents which occurred on their long journey to the other side of the world and of the lives they lead when they arrived. The fact that members were introduced to each of these women as actual characters made the tale much more interesting.

Dave Clarke was a brilliant story-teller and his use of pictures and letters of the time made it even more fascinating.

Another super WI evening with lots to talk over at tea time.