FORTHCOMING events were discussed including the County picnic on June 16, a visit to the Cheltenham Synagogue, a talk by a forensic scientist on the mind of murderers, a walk in Lydbrook, a bead day at WI House and an opportunity to play croquet.

After the financial statement, arrangements were made for our monthly luncheon which will be at Tortworth Court.

Members reported that the baton exchange to commemorate the centenary of the WI had gone well.

Feedback from the quiz team was that unfortunately we didn’t make it into the top three in order to go through to the next round but came a very creditable fourth.

Thanks to all who participated.

Our speaker this month was David Bailey who gave a fascinating talk and demonstration on the phonograph.

There are so few in working order in existence that it seemed odd to think we may have been the only people in the world to be listening to a phonograph at the moment.

It must have been an exciting moment in the 1800s when sound was first recorded.

David showed us several cylindrical wax discs, later ones designed by Edison were made of plastic.

He also explained the origin of the expression ‘put a sock in it’.

With no controls other than speed, listeners would put a sock in the mouth of the phonograph to muffle the volume if it was too loud.

We were then treated to a singalong of some of the earliest recorded songs.

Interestingly, at the beginning the discs were difficult to mass produce and were done in batches of four or five – a very labour intensive process with the pianist on a ledge above.

There were no record shops of course so initially these machines were sold in bicycle shops where there was mechanical assistance.

The sound quality, especially of the brass instruments is still surprisingly clear.

The downside of course is that it was hardly portable so before long the next development was the gramophone, which was more compact and easy to carry around in its box.

This was especially true for the ones made by Decca for the soldiers at the front in the First World War.

The vote of thanks was given by Jeanette.

We enjoyed a truly delicious spread from hostesses Bronwen and Lyn.

The competition for an item beginning with the letter K was won jointly by Carol and Jeanette who each brought in a copper kettle.

Val came second with a fruit knife and Maureen was in third place with a picture of a kingfisher.

It was decided to give the flowers to Sybil.

The next meeting will be on May 14 at 7.30pm in the village hall.

The competition will be ‘Something beginning with the letter L.’

New members and visitors are always welcome.