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At our last meeting, Vince Williams talked to us about 'Idle Women'. The young women in question were usually educated and fairly well to do and they were recruited to support the war effort by working on the narrow boats between London and Birmingham, carrying such things as coal, munitions, iron railings and aluminium for aircraft parts. The nickname came from a book of that title by Susan Woolfitt, herself an 'idle woman', and was based on the initials IW (Inland Waterways) on the badges the women were given. They received 6 weeks training for what was very hard work. Three women managed a pair of boats which were attached side by side, one with an engine, and their tasks included operating lock gates, freeing a boat if it got stuck, removing anything snagged on the propeller and negotiating narrow bridges and tunnels. It was a most interesting insight into a contribution made by women during the Second World War of which few of us were aware.

The competition this month, for the Most Interesting Canal Photo, was won by Ann Davis.

Several members had enjoyed the Daffodil Evening hosted by Fladbury WI, and some will be at the Spring Meeting in No 8, Pershore, on 20 March. A friendly skittles match, followed by supper, has been arranged for April 25 at St Ecgwins Social Club.

On April 10 we will be hosting the Group Meeting, when we will learn about 'The History of the Music Hall 1850 - 1950' from Lisa Jayne Smith.

Visitors and new members are welcome at our meetings. Please contact Jill Robinson on 01386 40136 for information.