Chairman Sheila Evans welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the new year.

All members were invited to consider where they wished their annual trip and luncheon to take place.

A committee meeting will be on February 20.

Secretary Pam Ingman, read the minutes of the last meeting and treasurer Audrey Phipps read her report, both being approved and signed.

The speaker, Bernie Townsend introduced her talk about the little known Catholic Women’s League services committee. This was founded by Margaret Fletcher in 1906.

During the two World Wars they founded huts to provide Mass, spiritual needs, and food to members of the armed services.

It was non-denominational and huts appeared in Britain, France and Belgium and even as far as Burma and India.

In 1944 the CWL were given uniforms and went where needed, even to the front line providing food and tea 24 hours a day.

One was even used as an ambulance taking a wounded soldier to hospital.

At the end of the Second World War 180 canteens had been established providing sustenance and spiritual health to catholic and non catholic soldiers.

In 1965 the last hut closed but with the sale of these huts the money was invested wisely and now provides help to any needy person who has connections with the armed forces.

They even provided flip flops and shorts, as requested, to soldiers injured in recent conflicts.

This was a most eloquent and interesting talk as Mrs Townsend is a very prominent member of this organisation. Her husband manned the slides.

Chris Groves gave the vote of thanks.

Margaret Jones and Shirley won the raffle.

The next meeting will be the AGM to take place at the Royal British Legion, Kingswinford on March 6 at 7.45pm.