The meeting was opened by Carol and it was lovely to see her back after her illness.
Jerusalem was sung and apologies given.
We are trying to organise an afternoon tea in December just before Christmas. This will be discussed at the November meeting.
We may also try and organise a trip to Worcester Christmas Market. Again this is being discussed in November.
WFWI Centenary wine is now ready and it will be launched at the Annual Council Meeting at a cost of £9 a bottle.
There is going to be a photography competition titled 'A Year in our WI' Carol suggested we take as many photographs as possible of outings etc., then it can be put together in a years time.
The McMillan Coffee Morning organised by Sheila was a great success with a lot of money raised. Sheila thanked everyone who supported this.
Our speaker this evening was Alan Thornton on 'The Cadbury Story'.
I think you can hear this story many times and never tire of it. You also learn something new every time.
The story started in 1824 with John Cadbury opening a grocers shop and also making and selling drinking chocolate and cocoa.
When John was elderly the company was taken over by his sons George and Richard.
In 1879 a lot of people lived in the back to back houses. Their life expectancy was between 40-50 years and living conditions were very poor. George decided to do something about this and set about building houses in Bournville for the Cadbury workers.
Being devout Quakers the brothers thought of everyone as being equal and they improved the working conditions at the factory. They also built leisure facilities and planted colourful gardens .
The brothers themselves lived quite frugally.
There were a lot of guided tours around the works but in 1951 it was decided to have less tours and instead commissioned a film to be made and shown in the community. Alan brought this film with him for us to see. It showed the process of the different chocolates made by Cadburys and also the workers and their families at leisure.
It was fascinating and we all enjoyed the talk very much. Quite a few members had questions to ask John at the end.
Maggie gave the vote of thanks.
The competition of Home-made Chocolate Truffles was won by Beverly Cotterill, second Sheila Morris, third Meriel Scurrell.
The next meeting is on November 8 in Fairfield Village Hall at 7.30pm. The speaker is John Dixon on 'How did you get your first pair of nylons' The competition is 'A pretty Garter'.
Do come along you will be very welcome.
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