Finstall and Cofton Hackett WI

President, Val Wheeler, welcomed us to our May Day meeting, Jerusalem was sung, and we wished “Happy Birthday” to Nova, Ann and Kath. Val reported that our coach trip to the Gloucester and Wiltshire border had been very successful although we missed Brian Draper's entertaining commentary as he was unable to accompany us due to illness, but we were very grateful to Paul for driving us. Our 80th birthday party was very well attended and enjoyable as reported in “The Village”. We discussed and voted on the two resolutions to be presented at the agm - alleviating loneliness, and combating the pollution of the oceans caused by plastic microfibres. The speaker was Michael Hardwick accompanied by his wife Lavinia who had stepped in at short notice as our scheduled speaker was ill. They gave a fascinating presentation touring the River Teme from its source to Worcester where it joins the Severn. We visited many picturesque villages including Lower Broadheath, Elgar's birthplace, and churches, castles, and bridges. We saw the hops being gathered for the Teme Valley Brewery where three choices of beer are brewed - “This”, “That” and “T'other”. At Tenbury Wells we saw the Mistletoe Fair where buyers come from all over the UK for the good quality Mistletoe which grows on the local apple trees. There is a Mistletoe King and Queen usually the head boy and girl from the local school. Michael accompanied his presentation with music and ended with an appropriate poem, “The Brook” by Tennyson. Jessica thanked Michael for a most interesting and informative afternoon. The competition was won by Jessica with Deana second and Nova third. We meet at 2pm on the first Monday in the month at Finstall Village Hall and new members are always