Our November meeting was an Open Evening, when, in addition to our own members, we welcomed some from other local institutes, in addition to members’ guests.

Business was kept to a minimum, but we were reminded to sign up for the Christmas Social in December and a New Year Lunch at Broadway Golf Club. Members were told of the Group Carol Service on 9 December, being organised by Evesham Vale WI at St Peter’s, Bengeworth.

Ann Evans, who was acting as President for the evening, presented a posy to Pam Wills, with thanks for her work in collecting the Thrift during the year.

Ann then introduced our speaker for the evening, Frances Benton, whose talk was entitled “Tears of the Dragon; A Passion for Pearls”. Originally, Frances had been inspired by the pearl necklace of her grandmother’s. As a young woman Frances enjoyed playing in a baroque orchestra. She also travelled extensively, including to China and Japan, where she became fascinated by the different shapes, colours and sizes of pearls and learnt how to string them on silk thread, like the Chinese. Pearls are now her favourite hobby and she brought a large selection of necklaces and earrings she had made. She spoke of the variations in colour, the romance of pearls and their development, telling how rare and expensive naturally occurring pearls are. Most pearls are cultivated now and are more affordable to buy. Pearls need to be worn, and can even be worn in bed, as our skin oils helped to protect and cleanse them.

Frances spends six months of the year living in Burgundy, the remainder of her year is spent travelling around giving talks and selling what she makes. Money raised giving talks is donated to help children in South Africa. Frances had seen children living in the Durban sewers and was so touched by their plight that she decided the proceeds from any sales would go towards giving those children a better life.

It was a fascinating and at times very amusing talk, and those of us who succumbed to temptation and treated ourselves, were happy to contribute to the good cause.

The raffle was drawn and we then enjoyed an excellent selection of sandwiches, cakes and a cup of tea to round off the evening.

LIZ RODWAY