THE July meeting began with the completion of the usual business. Diane Symonds, President, congratulated the quiz team who had won the local area competition, and then had come third in the County, quite an achievement considering some of the obscure questions!

The speaker for the evening was Tony Deakin, the official historian for Lea and Perrins,makers of the world famous Worcestershire sauce. He recounted how the sauce was first made in 1837 by Mr Lea and M.Perrins in their chemist shop in central Worcester. The recipe had been brought back from India by a customer who was reputedly a lord of the county. The company was very go-ahead, and soon had franchises in other local towns, including Evesham. Such was the growth that the factory had to relocate to its present site near Shrub Hill Station.

The 20th Century saw the granting of a Royal Warrant, court battles with competitors, combining with HP Foods, sharing premises with Norton Barracks during the Second World War and numerous takeovers.The company is now owned by Heinz foods and exports to over 100 countries, with the largest market being the USA.

Many claims have been made about the benefits of this sauce, as an aphrodisiac, for longevity, for both brass and toilet cleaning, curing diseased poultry and reviving new born calves!

Jaye Field thanked Mr Deakin for his interesting talk and members look forward to the next meeting on September 9. New members and visitors are always welcome.