ON a cool, gloomy evening, members turned out in force for their February meeting.

Members were reminded of forthcoming county events and encouraged to vote for members of the National Federation of WIs.

The speaker, David Clark, gave an illustrated talk that was a fascinating account of eight Worcestershire women who were found guilty of theft at their trial at Worcester's Guildhall, and sentenced to transportation to Australia. In 1785, Georgian Britain was suffering a crime wave, the enclosure of common land had left some villagers unable to support themselves, and in desperation many turned to theft. The prison population was booming and as prisoners could no longer be sent to newly independent America, many were transported to Australia. The eight women survived the journey and several of them went on to become hardworking, respectable citizens. David was thanked by Evelyn Miles who had just returned from visiting family in Australia, and who knew many of the places mentioned in our talk.

The next meeting is at 7.30pm on March 12, in Hanley Swan Village Hall. The speaker will be Merleen Watson and her Hearing Dog, Grace, Merleen's talk is entitled I'm deaf, not daft. Visitors are always welcome.