PRESIDENT Sue Grimsted welcomed members and guests Sue Daley and Audrey Moss and new members Jill Vigus and Pauline Hammond to the February meeting, and we all sang Jerusalem.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and agreed.

Our lunch at the White Lion Frenchay was a great success, and the next one will be on Friday, March 23. Venue will be announced at the March meeting. 

Sue mentioned that we are celebrating 100 years since women were given the vote, and that a few years ago sashes were made at the WI meeting in the suffragette colours of purple white and green.

The group skittles match will take place on February 23 at the Shire Way community centre in Yate, where we will defend our title having won last year.

There will be two teams of six members and Sue read out the rules to be followed, that have been distributed to the group.

Sue mentioned the pancake tea at her house on February 13, where a cup will be presented to the person who is able to toss a pancake the most times. There will also be a raffle and bring and buy sale.

Angela read out the group news. The next group meeting will be at the Vassall centre in Fishponds on March 15, and Sue asked for volunteers to do the flowers for the tables at the meeting.

There is a group quiz on April 19 and Sue asked for names for the two teams of four members.

The next book club meeting will be on March 13 at 2pm at the Stoke Gifford coffee shop.

Sue announced two future events to be organised to Wells on June 2, and the 6 O'clock Distillery on September 22.

Our speaker for the evening was Michelle Meredith who gave an interesting talk about essential oils for everyday use. She shared with us several oils that can be used to alleviate common ailments.

Our next meeting will be on March 7, and the speaker will talk about the “Wonders of Westonbirt”.