THE March meeting and AGM was very well attended. The secretary reported a very successful year with membership increasing thanks in no small part to the generosity of chairman Lord Hertford, who allows free access to Ragley Park for ACS members.

Lord Hertford said the meetings/outings throughout the year had been well attended and most enjoyable.

The committee continues to work hard and among its duties, monitors all local planning applications. All comments are sent to the district council and given attention.

The treasurer reported a successful year, with no need to increase subscriptions. The committee was re-elected en bloc.

Matthew Skinner then spoke about his experiences on the Great Wall of China Trek for Cancer Research.

He had decided to do the trek following the death of his wife and in aid of a cause which was important to her.

The preparation had involved getting fit, breaking in walking boots and trainers, acquiring all the necessary equipment such a back-pack with water-bag and tube, stick and clothing etc.

The trek took five days in temperatures about 38 degrees celsius, staying overnight in lodges and walking about nine hours per day.

The Great Wall has incredibly steep climbs and in some sections, is in a very poor state of repair.

There are watch towers all along it and the group tried to visit all they could.

There were 32 people in the group and a spirit of comradeship in a common cause united them in friendship from the start.

Each one was sponsored and Matthew himself raised more than £8,000.

Although it was extremely testing, it was so worthwhile that Matthew has now signed up to do the Inca Trail in Peru.

In the absence of president Pamela Norman due to illness, a vote of thanks was given by Ron Leek, with good wishes extended to Matthew for his next challenge.

The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 17, at 8pm at Alcester Town Hall. All welcome.