CRADLEY WI met this week for the first meeting of 2011. President, Di Cale, welcomed members after a long gap as they were forced to cancel two events during the cold spell before Christmas. She thanked members for their help at the Cradley Christmas Fair. Di said that members had enjoyed their annual bowling evening with Mathon WI at the Royal British Legion in January.

Looking forward to the next few weeks, the Book Group will meet on Thursday, March 10 at the home of Heather Hunabun. There is a lunch at the Grand Barn at Hellens on Friday, March 11. This will cost £15 and will be a three course meal with wine and a talk by Brian Draper. There is also a chance to go to Ladies’ Day at Cheltenham Races. This will cost £63 for members and £90 for female non-members. The cost includes coach transport.

Once again, Cradley WI is hosting the Pancake Lunch on Shrove Tuesday, March 8 between noon and 2pm in Cradley Village Hall, cost £5. Please contact Pat Brewer if you are interested in any of these events.

This meeting marked the seventy-third birthday of Cradley WI, and members celebrated with a delicious bistro style meal, with lasagne, salad, chestnut torte and mince pies. After members enjoyed the festive meal, Elizabeth Kevan once again challenged their powers of observation with a photo quiz of views of the village. This was won by Meg Monk. Members realised that they have missed many details of the village around them.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 3 at Storridge Village Hall when there will be a talk, A Wedding in Borneo.