CRADLEY WI met for the April meeting at Storridge Village Hall laden with bags, materials, and scissors for a creative evening. Members were welcomed by President, Di Cale, who thanked them for their help at the recent WI Pancake Lunch. Everyone who came enjoyed the choice of soups and pancakes, and raised a total of £260.

Di congratulated the group of members who competed in the recent Cogan Cup, which was won by Cradley WI. Linda Handley, Meg Monk, Jill Hackling, Margaret White and Ros Rowberry read a scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Members hope that the group will perform their reading at a future meeting.

There is a busy programme of events that members can look forward to in the next few months. The Book Club will meet at the home of Kathy Bannister on Thursday, May 12. There is an invitation to a six mile walk and tea at Bishopswood WI on Thursday, May 19. Finally, Di gave members advance notice of an invitation to the Ledbury Group meeting on Tuesday, June 21, when Ashperton and Munsley WI’s are hosting an evening entertaining and meal at Tarrington, cost £7. Details of these trips from Pat Brewer.

Member Diana Bower, talked about the work of the charity CRY, which works to reduce the frequency of sudden cardiac death in the young. The charity works to increase knowledge of risk factors and promote screening and new treatments. It also helps support families who have been bereaved in this way. Diana told members that she will be walking across Britain to help raise funds for CRY. Members all wished her well and hoped she and her daughter will have a successful and pleasant walk.

The main part of the evening was devoted to starting to construct the figure for the Three Villages Festival in June. Elizabeth Kevan and Ros Rowberry had drawn up a design and members arrived with an interesting selection of raw materials, everything from a plastic doormat to green plastic bags. Elizabeth sorted members into working groups and various sections emerged, so that finishing touches can now be put to the figure at later meetings. Everyone enjoyed getting into the construction and were indeed inspired with our work.

The next meeting will be at Cradley Chapel on Thursday, May 5. More can be found out about the resolutions that have been put forward to be discussed at the WI Annual General Meeting. This promises to be an informative evening. Following meetings will return to Cradley Village Hall.