A MEETING of the Hot Peppers was held on Wednesday, November 26 in the Church Rooms.

Cathy Bester welcomed members and visitors and then mentioned several invitations from other WI groups which were all detailed in the correspondence folder.

The Medieval Fayre on December 6 was emphasised and requests were given for items to be delivered to the Post Office . A rota was completed for members to help on the stand for two hourly intervals. It was decided to make the draw for the £300 bursary to Denman College during the next meeting, which would be wine tasting.

Now to the speaker for the evening, Peggy Booth, with the Secrets of Croome Court.

This is a place of great interest and situated within the confines of our membership. It was amazing how much we learnt as Peggy provided members with the history of the Coventry family over the centuries supported by a very explicit slideshow. How the furniture went in 1948 to Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire awaiting the day when restoration will allow it to return to Croome Court together with other stored-out pieces. A very interesting and informative talk.

The December meeting had a different educational value! Where and how wines were produced and how to define the different flavours by sampling some.

Members thanked the Goadby family for their time in explaining the finer points to them. This certainly set everyone up for the next venue of the evening, a delicious buffet supper at the Anchor. A few carols, an informal chat, what a way to finish the evening.

2014 was brought to a close at the Victorian Fayre on December 6, when members had festive goodies and handicrafts of a great variety awaiting the many visitors to Upton.

A lovely ending to the second year of membership of the National Federation of Women's Institute.

The first meeting of 2015 will be held on January 28 in the Church Rooms. Learn to Dance Bollywood Style - members have a go at everything. Do come and join after you have enjoyed the seasonal festivities.