The April meeting of Droitwich Inner Wheel club was held at the Raven Hotel.

The president, Patricia Phillips, opened the meeting and supper was served. Mary Cross then introduced the speaker, Jan Harrington MBE, from the swan rescue centre in Wychbold.

Jan's interest in swans began 28 years ago when a cob with one wing appeared and settled in her garden. Jan thought he might be lonely so she travelled to Abbotsbury, in Dorset, to find a mate for him. Fortunately, the pair have produced a family every year since.

Jan and her helpers now care for all water birds without public funding. Birds are taken to the centre with many different injuries. Some are poisoned by lead from fishing tackle. Others are mauled by foxes or covered in oil carelessly discharged by boats.

The centre has a hospital that can deal with 25 birds at a time and they are cared for until well enough to be set free. Orphan cygnets are also rescued and kept in pens until they are able to fly. Jan's talk was accompanied by beautiful slides plus some harrowing pictures of their injuries.

The business meeting then took place. Gardeners Question Time had been successful, raising more funds for St Richard's Hospice. The overseas committee had decided to send the money raised last year to LEPRA, Impact and International Aid.