THE Spring sun must have brought our members out in full source, as we had a full membership, plus several visitors - one of whom immediately became a WI member.

It is so encouraging to see our membership grow as lots of retired ladies prefer a morning meeting.

It was also good to see the return of Lorna looking fit again.

Apologies were received from Virginia Hunt and Joan Baxter and birthday flowers were given to Trish to give to Molly Walker.

June reminded everyone that there were still a few tickets for the Group Rally on April 9 and to try and share cars to limit the parking.

Chris read the minutes of February's meeting and said she had received an e mail from Marion Hearfield of the Stroud Local History Society regarding a joint community project about Stroud's home front during WW1.

Unfortunately no one had anything to relate or contribute to this.

If it had been the Second World War, we could have all contributed.

June reported that she and Chris had recently attended the Weavers Group meeting and that this year GFWI would be contributing cakes for the Three Counties Show in June.

Each WI within the group would be making five cakes, and Stroud Shambles WI would contribute two Lemon Drizzle cakes and three Victoria Sponges.

As no member offered to make a cake, the committee would do this with the help of a provided WI recipe.

Unfortunately as no suggestions were received for our annual outing in August, the committee would present details of three proposed visits at the April meeting with costings and the most popular would be chosen and organised.

The 50/50 board started in February had gone well and would continue as a fund raiser.

Members were reminded that each month in addition to the usual book stall, we would be selling home made cakes, jams, chutney, plants, garden produce etc.

Sue Sawead, one of our new members would be holding an exhibition of her paintings at the Lockeepers Cafe during the month of April and June suggested that members might like to see Sue's work whilst enjoying a cup of coffee.

The committee will certainly do so.

Our speaker was Susan Marshfield who entertained us for well over an hour with a Light Hearted Look at Holidays Afloat.

Susan was never at a loss for words and had us laughing, some even wiping their eyes listening to both her and her late husband's exploits on the water.

Her stories were so clear, that one could actually feel as though you were there experiencing the ups and downs of holidays on the water. Susan is a born speaker - in fact a wonderful lady who will no doubt come again.

We all enjoyed this meeting so well, that instead of leaving once the meeting was over, lots of people stayed chatting.

Our next meeting is on April 9 at 10.30 am in the Stroud Congregational Church Hall and the speaker will be John Crowther talking about the Hedgehog Hospital.

There will also be a cake stall (Easter Theme optional) and our monthly new produce stall.

If you are looking to make new friends and join the WI, why not come along.

Further details can be obtained from Chris Phillips, Secretary on 01453 826510.