WI - Cleobury Mortimer WI’s January meeting took place as normal last Tuesday evening at the parish hall. The meeting started at around 7.30pm.

Jenny Vanderhook asked members to hand in the fronts of their old Christmas cards as she needs them for the shoe boxes next year. Ann also produced some wonderful photos of the Christmas party, some of which have been kept for a scrap book.

The speaker Mr Tucker, who kindly stepped in at the last minute, as the original speaker was unable to make it, gave a marvellous view of the Shropshire area by air.

Mr Tucker is a nature conservationist and showed the different areas in Shropshire and how, from the air, the colours of the fields and commons show what is likely to live in the area (beetles, spiders and other creepy crawlies). Birds were mentioned and members were all surprised at how few there are nowadays compared to when they were children. Mr Tucker explained how some species of trees survived in what looked a barren area – they grow to a huge size due the underground springs. Some birds are slowly returning to the area thanks to people like Mr Tucker, but wouldn't it be lovely to hear the cuckoo once again announcing the start of spring? He also explained how he was well strapped in to the open-sided helicopter to make sure that when he leaned out of the aircraft he wasn't lost for ever over the Great Mynd.

Angi Gregory gave the vote of thanks for a very interesting talk and slide show.

The meeting was short due to Christmas just passing and members look forward to February when Jenny Vanderhook will talk to members about her trip with her shoe boxes.

Jill Chesterman won Flower of the Month and Jill Senior won the Flower of the Year.

The next meeting will be as usual on the second Tuesday of the month, February 12 at 7.30pm.

Please contact Jill Chesterman on 01299 271671 if you wish to attend as a guest or join our happy group.