AT the January meeting, members were transported to St Petersburg and inland to Moscow along the canals and waterways with Mrs Sally Herd, guest speaker, as guide.

At the time of the visit in 2002, a great many of the buildings in St Petersburg were festooned in scaffolding, being spruced up and beautified for the 300th anniversary since being founded by Peter the Great.

There are many museums, churches and palaces, all extremely beautiful, painted in very bright colours and glittering gold.

The Hermitage, the Church of the Spilt Blood, Winter and Summer Palaces as well as other great buildings, all appeared to show affluence but the impression gained was that many of the people on the streets were extremely poor and unhappy with much corruption.

The journey continued along the canals, passing small villages, people and animals including the Russian bears.

Also past trading posts, barges carrying goods in and out of towns and many impressive churches.

In Moscow, not only was the Kremlin significant but also the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, surrounded by bouquets brought there by new brides, a tradition to remember those who have fallen, as in Russia nearly all families have been affected by war at some time.

It was a fascinating journey and highly recommended as a holiday destination. Winnie Betteridge thanked Mrs Herd for her very interesting talk.

The institute will be attending Astwood Bank Operatic Society's production of The Merry Widow at the Palace Theatre in March. Also, March 22 sees the WI Council Meeting, at which Nick Owen will be guest speaker.