The president welcomed members, wishing them a happy new year. She reminded them that 2008 was the last year she and the secretary would continue in office, and urged them to think about finding replacements.

There was little business to discuss. All members receive the County News, in which all events are listed, and they were very impressed by the colourful new format and pictures.

The speaker entitled his presentation Tuneful Tubes, and members were intrigued when David Wornham arrived with suitcases and two wheely bins. From these he extracted dozens of wind instruments' from more than 60 playable tubes he has.

Starting from simple plastic water hose and copper plumbing pipe he moved on through the watering can to coach horn and cornet. Size varied from a tiny bosun's whistle to an alpenhorn and tuba, and there were items from a Tibetan trumpet to an Australian digeridoo.

Mr Wornham played all of the instruments. Many of the horns were very loud.

At the end members were invited to try their hand at forming an orchestra. It was great fun, something quite different, and no one fell asleep.

David was warmly thanked by the secretary.

BRENDA JACKDAW