AT the first meeting of 2018, Maureen Williams gave a most interesting talk about the work of the Hollycroft Hedgehog Rescue centre.

Based in Tillington, Maureen has been diligently caring for wounded, sick or ill hedgehogs at her own home for 13 years, feeding them dry kitten food sometimes with worms on top, giving them water to drink and a dry, warm place to sleep.

Currently, in this self-funding enterprise, there are approximately 40 prickly individuals of various sizes being nursed back to health by her.

Frequently, the animals come to the rescue centre with disorders such as lungworm or ticks and may have injuries sustained by getting their heads stuck in tin cans or netting.

Maureen estimates that she is able to save one in five hedgehogs. Most of those that die are hoglets (baby hedgehogs), while Maureen has higher success rates with adult animals and hoglets that arrive with their mothers.

She works tirelessly for the benefit of these animals and their welfare is clearly of great importance to her. Margaret Powell gave a vote of thanks and members showed their appreciation with a round of applause.

Holmer WI next meet on February 7 at 7.30pm in St Marys Church, Grandstand Road.

Collette Gray will be expanding upon Antique and Collectable Jewellery.

Members always enjoy her visits, she brings her subject to life!

If you would like to join the group make a note of the date in your new diaries and just come along. Members would love to see you.