Peterstow WI are looking forward to an outing to Denman in February and are hoping members of other institutes would join them to make the trip worthwhile.

Eardisley were given lots of ideas for decorating their homes for Christmas by Gail Scott who is an interior designer. She said to use materials and ribbons as well as fresh greenery and to think colour schemes, not just in the usual red, gold and silver, but to to try different combinations to match an item in the home.

A talk by Wendy Turner Coates, who collects amber, enthralled members of Upton Bishop with her knowledge. Pieces are millions of years old and a table was laden with amber of all shapes and sizes and colours, from pale gold to reds and almost black. In November members relaxed with Penyard Singers entertaining with a programme of English part songs and madrigals.

Much Dewchurch were delighted to get five new members as a result of their open meeting in October when local radio broadcasters Reg Moule and Mike George gave a question and answer session on gardening.

Leominster experienced a planning programme nightmare due to a cancellation at very short notice. Keith Mason saved the evening by stepping in and gave a talk on his visit to Iceland travelling 2,000 miles around the coast line. Christmas parcels were exchanged and Doreen Skinner won the prize for the most attractively wrapped parcel. Members enjoyed Christmas cake made by Ruth Fretwell, well-known cook and branch treasurer. After 50 years of evening meetings the branch will meet in the afternoons starting at the Methodist Hall, Green Lane at 2.30pm.All are welcome to join.