THE recent meeting of Crosstown WI opened with the singing of Jerusalem followed by a two-minute silence in memory of member Sheila Ferrigno, who passed away last month.

The minutes were read.

The next group meeting will be held in October at Plumley Village hall.

Some members will be attending the centenary celebrations at Gawsworth Hall, which will be an afternoon picnic followed by a concert.

There is a planned trip to Chester in July when members will have a free morning around the town centre before going for afternoon tea at the Bishop’s house.

Guest speaker for the meeting was Brian Hallworth with an interesting talk and film on the years 1939-1945, entitled The Home Front.

Brian’s talk covered topics ranging from children’s games without batteries such as marbles and skipping, etc to the building of shelters and their uses other than protection.

Entertainment including singers and performers were also mentioned, and the work of the Home Guard. Members were asked for slogans that were popular at the time, for example eg “Dig for Victory”.

The competition for Second World War memorabilia was won by Anne Wright.

The next meeting will be at the Jubilee Hall on, Thursday, July 9, at 1.45pm.