Fun with Clay was the title of a talk given to Kempsey WI – and members certainly had fun getting messy with lumps of clay given out by demonstrators John and Annette Christophers, of Albrighton Pottery.

After John had explained some of the history of potting and the importance of clay in many of today’s industries, pieces of clay were handed out to members and everyone was asked to make a tile featuring their initials and an icon representing an interest or hobby. Then, while John continued with his light-hearted talk about pottery and its heyday in the Stoke on Trent area, Annette fashioned all the tiles into a large bowl, which could be used as a planter once it has been fired. Members inspected the bowl trying to identify their own piece of art and had an opportunity to buy items crafted by the much more experienced potters.

Later, plans were made for members to do flower arrangements at Kempsey parish church in May to mark the centenary of Worcestershire Federation of Women’s Institutes and names were taken for a county WI quiz. The speaker at the next meeting on April 18th will talk about complementary therapies.

CAROLE LEVITT