TO celebrate 100 years of the WI Maggie and Beverley had made and iced two lovely cakes. Everyone had a slice together with a glass of bubbly.

We all decided that this was the best way to start a meeting and should be done every month. Sheila’s Mac- Millan Coffee Morning raised over £400 and there was a write up in the Advertiser.

The Autumn Group Meeting was held in Rubery on October 8. Several members went.

Kath thanked the WI for the bursary to Denman College and gave a feedback on her stay there.

The course she chose was ‘The History of the Monarchy’ which she found very interesting. She went on a visit to Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel which is the chapel of the Order of the Garter (the highest order of chivalry). Apparently there are five ladies holding this order.

We are organising a trip to Worcester Christmas Fayre on November 26. It will be by mini-bus and the cost is £5.

There is a Christmas Fayre being held in the village hall on November 21.

Each member of the WI will be receiving copies of the ‘WI News’ next year, paid for out of funds.

Our speaker for the evening was David Clark on ‘Sentenced to Beyond the Seas’.

David was drawn to the fate of eight women from the Worcester area who were sentenced to death or transportation in the courtroom of the Worcester Guildhall for what we would consider to be petty crimes. They were transported to Australia. One of these ‘convicts’ Sarah Bellamy came from Belbroughton.

Another woman was Ann Inett who was a dressmaker. She was on the first convict ship, The Lady Penrhyn to go to Australia, for stealing items of clothing.

David’s talk was absolutely fascinating and enthralling.

He looked into the history of these women and what happened to them during their trial, their journey to Australia and their life and that of their descendants.

At the end of his talk David pointed out several coincidences between Ann and her descendants and his own family.

It was all so strange and amazing.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the talk and I cant wait to read his book.

The vote of thanks was given by Carol.

The competition of ‘An Australian Artefact’ was won by Sheila 2nd Beverley and 3rd Maggie.

The raffle was won by Mary 2nd Carol and 3rd Maureen.

The next meeting is on November 11 in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm. The speaker is Paddy Hannigan on ‘Suffragettes’ Do come along you will be very welcome.