THE first meeting of 2015 brought forth a small but select group of Cradley WI, including no less than four new members who were warmly welcomed into the fold: Elena Dennis, Jenny Wright, Celia Leather and Janita Goodwin.

In the absence of Jan Dampney the meeting was ably presided over by Cherril Watkins.

Business was plentiful and began with a change to the programme in that members will be visiting Hartlebury Castle and Museum on May 20 rather than to Abbey Cwm Hir. More details will follow.

Bringing members up to date with their plentiful Christmas activities it was reported that the Christmas Lunch at Bransford was enjoyed very much; Wine and Wassail had been a great success - thanks to all those who helped and provided food; the Christmas Fair stall profits were down a little this year but again thanks to all who helped and provided goods for sale. May

The Skittles evening organised by Mathon WI had been a great success with twenty two members playing and enjoying a light supper. Thanks to John Hunaban and Jim Brewer for sticking up and to Mathon (who won) for organising the event.

County Federation news: this, as everyone knows, is the WI Centenary and merchandise may be ordered through the Herefordshire Federation; the HFWI visit to Denman College has been cancelled due to lack of support and in turn members were asked for their views on encouraging members to attend events as Denman. The meeting felt that one of the reasons was cost - particularly on a value for money basis. The HFWI Annual council meeting will take place on April 13 at Three Counties Hotel; the Spring Walk takes place on April 14 at Much Birch followed by a light lunch; the first round of the Annual Quiz will be at Ledbury community centre on March 19 and one more member is needed to complete the team of four.

Neighbouring institutes Colwall and Ledbury have sent their 2015 programmes with a kind invitation for members to attend any of their meetings.

Member Maureen Sullivan’s sister had written to thank members for the dressings and pressure garments they had sent via Maureen for her charity set up to treat burns victims in the Philippines.

The speaker for the evening was Kelda White whose subject was, Homeopathy – a Tool for Change. Kelda proved to be a delightful speaker who clearly knew her subject. She spoke about many aspects of homeopathy including its history and its place in the modern world of medicine. She was thanked by Judi Creed-Newton.