President, Carol Kinsey welcomed members to the April meeting. Members were informed of future events which are happening fairly soon.

April is the month when we hold Members Evening when non committee members organise the meeting to give the president and committee a well earned rest. Carol handed the chair to Judith Scott acting chair for the evening. Minutes of the 2015 Members Evening were read by Anne West acting secretary. Apologies were recorded.

Judith introduced Nick Houghton from 'Where Next Nurseries,' Nick came to tell us about how it started which was over thirty years ago in the 1980s. It was set up for people with learning difficulties and special needs. to teach them life skills and also to give their Parents some respite. Nick told us how rewarding it is to work with these young people and to see them blossom whilst the learn new skills and develop friendships.

Where Next have considerable successes in their entries at shows around the country and to see the huge smiles on the Students faces say's it all. Where Next are also responsible for the beautiful flower beds in the town centre, helping Redditch to win a gold medal in the Redditch in Bloom Competition.

After a very interesting talk with slides, Nick demonstrated how to create a hanging basket, advising us to use only good quality compost and feed. Judith thanked Nick for his talk and demonstration.

during the break, delicious cakes were enjoyed made by members. Competition to guess the weight of the fruit cake took place, Members paying 20 pence to enter. A total of £ 7 - 60 was raised which will be donated towards the birthday meal. Frances Pinder was the winner with the nearest weight. The WI were pleased to welcome Sue Smith as a new member to the Institute. Judith thanked the ad - hoc committee for their help and support on the evening. Carol closed the Meeting reminding us that next month is the Annual Meeting with Resolutions.

The WI meet at Winyates Green Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.