MEMBERS of the Simon de Montfort Society are planning a 18th birthday celebration at an annual meeting next Thursday and they want anyone with an interest in local history to join them.

Spokeswoman Kerry Moreton said: "Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the society is welcome to come along to meet members and share the birthday cake and coffee."

She said the aims of the society were to promote knowledge and interest in the life and times of Simon de Montfort, founder of Parliament in the 13th century. He died in the Battle of Evesham on August 4, 1265, and then became the centre of his cult, so the society had something to offer anyone interested in local and medieval history.

Members benefit from a regular society magazine, interesting and varied talks and trips and visits locally and further afield.

"The society needs members who are interested in helping with fund-raising, doing research, guiding battlefield walks and preparing displays and articles for publication," Ms Moreton said. "There are also plans for celebrity lectures and help will be needed to arrange these."

The annual meeting will be held at The Friends' Meeting House, Cowl Street, Evesham, at 7.30pm. For those unable to attend there are three events planned in the following month, starting with a battlefield walk on Saturday, April 30, a talk on Nature in Medieval Art on Thursday, May 5, and a church tours afternoon on Wednesday, May 18.

Further details are available from Margaret Nilsson on 01789 772943.