FULL-time milliner GWen Faqrrer said 'Get your Hats on Ladies' when she was the speaker on the evening of Saturday, March 10.

A lovely surprise was in store for members when she described how she trained and travelled throughout Europe attending all the main fashion shows.

Making hats to order and also teaching textiles in schools and on her premises in Malvern makes her an extremely busy lady.

She told members that she had made hats for famous people and loves making for special occasions to the customers’ own designs, explaining the different materials used to go with the chosen outfit.

Gwen brought along a large assortment of accessories used in hat making, sourced globally.

Uniform hats for groups such as marching bands and brigades is another string to her bow, then at quiet times she will design and make bags using various dyes with beading and bobbles.

Then came the real fun when Gwen put on some hats from the 60s, which I think everyone remembered and then had time to try on and model some of the huge stock she had brought with her.

Gwen is an extremely funny speaker thoroughly enjoyed, putting us all in the mood for spring.

The next lunch will be at the Fox at Bransford, book club and coffee with books are still well attended and members are holding a new members coffee morning this week so that everyone is au fait with the origin of our logo (the WI Inspiring Women).

We are now growing plants both for ourselves and for the village fete in July and starting to design the entry for the Worcester Federation Competition in October.

Some of the ladies are also helping to make a large quilt with the rest of the Malvern Group of WIs, to be raffled at a later date.

You will always be made welcome if you would like to join our next meeting on April 12 at Malvern Wells Village Hall 7.30pm, or if you would like to know more phone 01684 569935 and speak to Liz, or 01684 561566 and ask for Mary, who would both like to hear from you.