CHAIRMAN Pauline Roberts welcomed our president, members and three visitors to our September meeting.

She announced the sad news that Sybil Jepson, past president and member for over 25 years, had passed away in August. She was remembered as a kind and genteel lady and will be missed by all who knew her. Members stood for in silence for one minute as a tribute to Sybil. Committee members Betty Butler and pat Newhall are both recuperating with their families after lengthy operations and Maureen Whitworth was also recovering after her broken ankle. It was very good to see Meg Darleston back with us after her illness. Maureen Baker was thanked for the pretty flower arrangement which was give as a raffle prize.

The skittles evening had again been very successful. payment was requested for the coming visit to Oxford. Members were invited to sign a petition to prevent the closure of Oldswinford and Pedmore post offices.

The Christmas party is to be held on December 16 in the school hall and a list was circulated for names.

It was suggested that for a change, our Birthday lunch should be at the Ramada Hotel in Bewdley next year and everyone agreed.

Dorothy reported on the Federation meeting of July 16 - there are now 800 members and 20 guilds. The harvest Supper had been cancelled due to a fire in the hall it was intended to be held.

The Townswomen’s 80th anniversary will take place on April 22 at Bath Abbey. Tickets of £5 each are limited and a coach will be available at a cost of £11 per person.

The West Midlands Federation regional Day will take place on May 13 at Stourbridge Town Hall.

Pauline then introduced our speaker Barry Owen, a violin maker, who gave a highly amusing account of his life in violin making and he ended with playing his guitar and singing ‘Annie’s Song’ dedicated to his wife.

Joyce Coggins gave the vote of thanks.

Raffle prizes went to Hannah Woodall, Eileen Manning and Christine Golledge. Beryl Adams was the winner of the competition.

Our next meeting will be on October 21 at Oldswinford School, Field Lane when the speaker will be Melvyn Thompson, his subject is, ‘Woven in Kidderminster’. Visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed.