MEMBERS attending the June meeting of Ledbury WI were interested to hear about the recent Centenary celebrations.

One member attended the Garden Party at The Palace and another the National AGM at the Albert Hall attended by the Queen, which was covered by the National Press.

Items from the current Newsletter were highlighted and members invited to put their names down for the County Picnic on August 16 at Lower Hope Gardens, Ullingswick and the Ledbury Group meeting on September 16 at the Community Hall.

The speaker was then introduced, Jason Donaldson from the local Co-Op supermarket,

The first Co-Op was opened in 1844 in Rochdale with members receiving a share of the profits depending on purchases. The business has seen problems with their bank recently and has restructured to reduce the debt, the food business remaining strong. Jason has been with the company for 20 years working his way up from stacking shelves to his present job as manager and relaxes by fishing as a respite from his busy workload. The Co-Op was the first major retailer to champion Fairtrade thereby giving a guarantee for a better deal for producers and workers in developing countries and an agreed price is still paid even if the price falls. Jason gave an insight into the business with facts and figures supporting the year on increase in Fairtrade products, which include tea, coffee, sugar, chocolate, nuts, wine, rice and bananas making the Co-Op the number one supplier.

After refreshments, birthday posies were given.

The next meeting on Wednesday, July 8 at 7.30pm will be a talk on Spinning a Yarn by Bronwen Owens. Meetings are held at the Parish Room, Catholic Church, New Street, Ledbury. Visitors and new members are always welcome.