The first meeting for our new president Sue Miller who welcomed members and visitors. Secretary Jane then explained directed our attention to the range of information on offer: crochet; bridge; a talk about Women in the World War 1; exercise class for over 60’s; theatre; gardening; NFWI open days in London and

• Annual Council meeting Malvern 18 October

• Bewdley Town Walk 19 July

• Archery and Rifle Shooting 15 July

• Fish and Chips followed by Murder Mystery, Fladbury, 22 September

• Garden Birds Talk at Eckington 6 July

• Fashion Show at Eckington 7 September

Did someone say the WI was boring? How wrong can you be?

Diane gave a brief report from the NFWI annual meeting which took place in Brighton on June 11. Sue Bentley reminded us about teas for Charlton Fayre, which by the time you read this will have hopefully had a sunny day.

The speaker, Dennis Chamberlain then whisked us back to 1226 as he began his history of Greyfriars, Worcester. What a varied life that building has had! Taking into account numbers 9, 11, 13 and 15 of Friar Street there has been: A Franciscan Friary and church; knocked down and rebuilt as home to a bailiff and brewer (sounds like a pub); owned by a Royalist family; divided and sub let between 1650 and 1825; had the city gaol built on number 11 and then extended into 13 and 15; 1827 the prison converted to almshouses; 1912 these were demolished and new ones built; Number 9 which we know as Greyfriars was The Old Oak Tavern then converted to shops. Several owners and by the 1930’s the city council placed a demolition order this was not carried out due to the outbreak of war; during World War 2 the buildings were bought and repaired to prevent collapse. The Mately Moore family went to live in the house and in the 1950’s were instrumental in putting it back together. They also bought the 3 shops opposite. In 1966 number 9, Greyfriars, the 3 shops and the gardens were given to The National Trust. Well worth a visit.

Next meeting: Tuesday 12 July will be a garden party at Southern Court, thanks to Val Carver. There will be entertainment from Betsy Harmony and of course – cake!

DIANE BARLOW