THE last meeting of 2003 was held in the village hall with 18 members bearing food of varying delicacies for the 'Last Supper'.

The usual discussions for every December took place, that is, the Christmas lunch and to bring a present and the group carol service at Bitterley Church.

The resolution shortlist, which ranged from the trafficking of women and children to light pollution, regular testing of drivers' eyesight, reducing the use of plastic bags and euthanasia, was voted on.

Members agreed that we would organise a ramble for 2005 as the Shropshire Federation suggested in this month's county newsletter. The WI also had a request from the village committee to do the refreshments at next year's Soap Box Grand Prix, which members readily agreed to do.

The president, Mrs Lee Harvey, then welcomed Jenny Richardson to demonstrate a pedicure and a manicure.

Mrs Gwen Marsden was the guinea pig for the pedicure just in time for her annual holiday to Portugal, and Mrs Ann Owen was the lucky recipient of the manicure.

Jenny explained each procedure, showing all the moisturisers, exfoliates and oils to feed the nail bed and passed the samples around for members to sniff and try a dab.

She suggested to keep nails in top condition, a visit the salon was needed every five or six weeks.

After the demonstration, 'racey red' toe nails and 'sugar pink' fingernails were shown off.

Then it was supper, with savoury finger food, delicious meringues and other goodies to round off the evening.

The competition of a Christmas tree decoration was won by Mrs Lee Harvey.

The Flower of the Month was won by Mrs Rosemarie Davies.

On December 10, 22 members enjoyed Christmas lunch in The Crown at Munslow.

l The first meeting of 2004 took place in the village hall but in the afternoon, hence the reason that only 12 members attended.

Nevertheless, it was a very enthusiastic gathering.

The president, Mrs Lee Harvey, welcomed everyone and Mrs Sue Yeoward deputised as secretary for Mrs Gloria Corfield.

Much for discussion was the table cover with the embroidered WI logo done by Winifred Uttley many years ago, which now needs to be cleaned, probably by specialists, to avoid spoiling the embroidery.

The reason for this is that the National Federation of Women's Institutes in conjunction with the National Needlework Archive have launched a Textile Recording Project.

Mrs Barbara Ball agreed to make enquiries regarding specialist cleaners.

After the usual WI business, Mrs Lee Harvey welcomed Heather Williams, from Age Concern, to give members an insight into its role in the community.

She explained that many elderly people were housebound and welcomed a visit from someone.

Others may have needed someone to sit with their sick or disabled spouse or partner to release them for an hour or two to do much needed errands.

Not only does Age Concern need volunteers to fulfil this role, it can help with all enquiries, for example information about benefits and entitlements.

Heather brought many leaflets for members and answered lots of questions.

As there was no raffle at this meeting, a collection raised £21 as a donation and one or two members said that they would consider volunteering their time to Age Concern.

The meeting wound up with tea and biscuits and a very successful outcome to the bring and buy table of surplus goodies from Christmas!

The next meeting is planned for Thursday, February 5, in the village hall, at the usual time of 7.30pm.

Alf Jenkins, a local craftsman, will give a talk entitled My Life.

Everyone is welcome. Enquiries to Mrs Gloria Corfield secretary, on 01584 872446.