THE September meeting of Callow End WI was held back in the Village Hall which has now been reroofed and insulated, so it will be snug this winter.

The July meeting was held in a member’s garden and for the August meeting members had a walk.

Members were joined by several ladies from Rushwick WI who enjoyed the evening. Jerusalem was sung. Secretary, Barbara, drew the attention of members to the notice board with details of events and outings. Louise, treasurer gave her report. Members were informed that next year’s subscription will be £36. President, Doreen, reported on her very enjoyable visit to Buckfast Abbey to see the mural painted by two previous members of Stanbrook Abbey, Mother Johanna, assisted by Sister Mary Stephen. She reminded members of the Ukulele Evening organised by the Village Hall committee on November 8, tickets £6 to include a hot supper. She also suggested members should try St Richard’s coffee shop in Worcester, rather than the American outlets.

The speaker for the evening was Ruth Lowe, All things Mary Quant. Mary was born in 1930. Her parents had wanted her to be a teacher but she insisted she go to study art at Goldsmith's College. She enrolled there in 1950 where she met her future husband and business partner, Alexander Plunkett Green.

Mary first started making her distinctive clothes in her London bedsit, but their popularity meant they had to go into business formally. In ten years she became a millionaire and was awarded the OBE in 1966.

She designed for the film industry, and went into make-up and homeware. She is credited with introducing us to tights which she originally had to purchase from theatrical costumiers. She made her skirts short because she was always late and found running for buses difficult in a long skirt!.

Ruth had a vast collection of Mary Quant items including many of her iconic clothes. She gave members a very full account of her life and her business life and told them that she has actually met her.

The speaker next month is Our Lizzy – Vegetarian Christmas Entertaining – a demonstration and tasting. All very welcome.