THE President, Jan Dampney, welcomed members to the April meeting.

Cradley WI has been twinned with Wellington WI, and Jan told members that they have been invited to an open meeting there on June 3. The subject is the colourful life of Trixie Skyrme, a local personality. Wellington WI have also been asked to the garden party on July 3.

The next Book Club meeting will be on May 8 at the home of Pat Brewer. Members were told that there are still places on the trip to Bletchley Park, and this is now open to friends and relatives. Please contact Jan or Ros if interested. Jan reported on an information day held by HFWI, which updated members on the many previous WI campaigns and some excellent information on the online profile of the WI. Members can visit NFWI headquarters in London on October 15 and 16.

Members welcomed Ray Sturdy, who asked if they remembered the swinging sixties. He gave a whirlwind trip through the sixties, firing off questions to help recall everything from politics to fashion, the Space Race to sport. Members laughed when they saw the empty M1, Carnaby Street fashions and minis of both varieties. They groaned at the pictures of the twin tub washing machines some had struggled to work and fondly remembered Beatle mania, Elvis and the dance crazes of the era. From Green Shield Stamps to the Profumo scandal, his amazing selection of slides brought it all back, and members enjoyed a brisk trip through a momentous decade.

The next meeting will be in Cradley Village Hall on Thursday, May 1, when members will have a chance to find out more about the resolution to be discussed at the Annual Meeting in Leeds this year. There will also be fish and chips for supper so come along and enjoy the evening. Please contact Judi or Jan if not be able to attend and have already signed up for the evening.

The lane leading to the Village Hall is unlit so please remember to bring a torch and inform a member of the Committee if you would like help along the lane.