A MEETING of the Hot Peppers was held on Friday 22 April in the Memorial Hall in Upton. This was the Severn Group Spring meeting and the first time that Hot peppers had been the hosts. The speaker for the evening was Harriett Baldwin MP, her subject was "Life of a woman in politics". Cathy Bester opened the meeting by welcoming a great number of visitors from neighbouring groups and many members of Hot Peppers. She reminded members of the forthcoming train trip from Toddington, when members were going in 40's fashions. Cathy then introduced Harriett Baldwin.

Harriett told us that as a youngster, she had never thought of politics. She had a normal childhood and upbringing and entered into finance in a full time job. It was then, that she became mother to her son. Continuing her job in finance, she became interested in politics and began to become involved in a small way. Friends suggested that she joined a group to further satisfy her interest. Still advancing in the subject, she was offered the constituency of Stockton North. As she had connections there, it was quite useful as she involved family and friends to help her with canvassing. After twenty years in finance, she decided to relinquish her job to enable her to concentrate more on politics. In 2010, she stood for election as the Conservative candidate for West Worcestershire. This election took place in the Memorial Hall in Upton and so it was quite a memorable place for her to be speaking to the Severn Group meeting. She was elected and joined Sir Michael Spicer, who was then MP for South Worcestershire. Harriett then went on to tell us of various formalities in the Houses of Parliament and how necessary it was for the long distance members to have access to accommodation in London. She said that she was very fortunate to have the support of her family and friends as the work-load can be very time consuming. This was a very interesting talk and Harriett was thanked and presented with a bouquet. She then proceeded to the table where Karen Wones had been working on our mosaic project and enjoyed a welcome cuppa and cake.

The next meeting of the Hot Peppers will be on Wednesday, 25 May in the Pavilion. This will be our general meeting and a talk on Taxidermy. Do come and join us.

MARK BOWN