LADIES' GUILD: Members heard an illustrated history of the custom of sending Christmas cards given by Frank Townsend.

He gave a brief resume of the early days of mail coaches, the development of the Postal Service then to the first Christmas card, designed by Henry Cole in the 1840s.

By the 1880s, four-and-a-half-million cards were being sent. Mrs Lockhart gave the vote of thanks.

After a tea break including mince pies, the chairman explained that this year's charity will close at the end of December and members will vote for the next one at the January meeting.

Mrs Lockhart attended the Remembrance Day Service on behalf of the Guild and was pleased to see so many young people.

The meeting heard that the Forum in Pershore organised by the Cotswold Line Promotion Group had been interesting. The new trains stopping at Pershore were proving to be comfortable but trying to park at the station was a problem.

Twenty-six Christmas boxes had been delivered for operation Christmas.

Members were reminded about the evening visit to see the swans at Slimbridge on January 26.

Members were told that the Literary Appreciation Group had met at Mr and Mrs Baldry's home and the meeting had included Christmas Lunch.

It was announced that the skittles meeting in January would be free.

A raffle raised £84 for charity.

Five visitors attended the December meeting and told that the Guild will get together again on Tuesday, January 4 in Wulstan hall at 2pm when Ray James will give a talk called Hatches, Matches and Despatches. New members and visitors are welcome.