WE enjoyed a “pub crawl” with a difference at our meeting this month. The speaker for the evening was Mr Anthony Collis who gave an illustrated talk on Worcestershire Pub Signs, in which he spoke about the history of inn signs and pub names. The history of public houses dates from Roman times when they were known as taverns. In medieval times an evergreen bush hanging outside a house indicated that ale could be bought there - the origin of the pub name The Old Bush.

Mr Collis has spent many years photographing the many pub signs around Worcestershire, illustrating the fascinating array of names and their visual interpretation. Religion and royalty are big influences, as are various trades and local industries – the variety of names seemed endless! Several members appeared to have an extensive knowledge of the pubs in the area and were able to give him extra information!

Audrey Whitehouse gave the vote of thanks. This was followed by tea and cake before Audrey conducted the business meeting. Various topics were discussed, including fund raising and looking at various ways to celebrate Pershore WI’s centenary next year. The competition for the Rose Bowl (an arrangement of flowers) was won by Jean Rogers, with Jean Barton and Beth Millsom second and third.

The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 10 at the Wulstan Hall, when Mr Mike Cope will give a talk on Birds of Prey. Visitors are always welcome at the meetings, so if you are interested in finding out more about the WI please come along.

JEAN BARTON