AT the January meeting there was a bring-and-buy sale before lunch, followed by a quiz enjoyed by all present.

At the February meeting, Joan Woodfield told members she had heard from Joan Ramwell, who is settling down in her new home in Derbyshire.

Members were joined for lunch by two ladies from Woodstock Club, vice-president Valerie Windsor and founder president Pauline Thurman.

After an excellent lunch, speaker Catherine Tomlinson spoke about her experiences as the High Bailiff's Lady.

Catherine has lived in Alcester for 35 years and taught at Alcester High School for 14 years before moving to Stratford College to teach computers to adults.

She is married to Keith Tomlinson who became High Bailiff for the first time in October 1980-81, was Town Crier in 1988 and took office as High Bailiff once more in 2003-04.

Her talk started with a potted version of the Court Leet. 1299 was the first record of a High Bailiff in Alcester but in 1970 Court Leets were to be disbanded.

Alcester didn't want this to happen and applied to be allowed to continue, as did several others. There are now 30 Court Leets left in England.

She went on to explain how members are elected. Each year, 50 men attend a meeting for election of officers.

The High Bailiff selects the Low Bailiff who then becomes the High Bailiff the following year. Other officers with various titles are then elected. All offices are taken up voluntarily.

She told of many interesting events attended, and how much she had enjoyed being the High Bailiff's Lady.

June Morris gave the vote of thanks. The next meeting is on Wednesday, March 10, which will be the visitors lunch with entertainment provided by Christine Sheen on keyboard.