A MEETING of the Hot Peppers was held on Wednesday, January 27. Wow, what a start to 2016 - New members, new venue and an interesting subject for the evening. There were 32 ladies in attendance including two visitors, most of whom paid their annual subscription and consequently received their WI membership booklet containing vouchers and concessions.

Cathy Bester opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. She said that membership had increased to the extent that we had out-grown the room at the Fire Station which had been so comfortable and convenient. However, we are now at the Sports Pavilion which offers space and adequate parking. She outlined the programme for the year and our fund-raising events. On April 27 we are hosting the Severn Group Spring meeting which will be at the Memorial Hall in Upton. Harriet Baldwin MP is the guest speaker and members from surrounding areas are welcome. Cathy then introduced our own member, Karen Wones, on the subject of Mosaics.

Karen spoke about what connected her with mosaics. Originally nursing and then motherhood, she wanted something to do. She explained how the people involved and mosaics were helping people who were disabled, had suffered traumas or mentally impaired. The involvement aids concentration and often, after time, means that people are no longer dependant on cost effective care. She said that Ruby Wax had written a book regarding the Causes of Depression. This was a very interesting introduction into Mosaics and the affects it had on others. Karen had sketched out an outline for our own Hot Peppers W. which we would hope to display in the Upton Museum along with other WI memorabilia. Members began to place bits onto the board and gradually the picture began to form. Whilst this was progressing, tea, coffee and cakes were devoured. The delicious cakes had been provided by Wendy Semple and Karen Maslen. A lovely evening with lovely people came to a close. Why don't you come too? Our next meeting will be at the Sports Pavilion at 7.30pm on February 24 and will be entitled 'Gracies Story' involving the Lullaby Trust.

MARK BOWN