Jenny Marsh, our president, welcomed members to the February meeting. Our secretary, Anne Ballard, read the minutes and gave reminders about several events including the annual council meeting and group meeting.

Jenny Lee has good support for the Tyntesfield outing and plans are in progress for a visit to Hampton Court and one of Brian Draper's tours. Mary Gray spoke about the Spring Food, Flower and Craft Festival in April.

Our speaker for the afternoon was Dave Lee, a paramedic with the County Air Ambulance. There are three Air Ambulances based at Strensham, Cosford, and East Midlands Airport. The County Air Ambulance is a charity, funded by public donations and it costs £2.4 million a year to run. Medical evidence has proved that patients reaching hospitals within the 'Golden Hour' stand a much better chance of a good, fast recovery.

The helicopters are prepared to take off in two minutes and are able to reach their destinations in under 20 minutes. On board there are always two paramedics and the pilot. Space is extremely limited with all the necessary life-saving equipment and room for two patients. The aircraft are highly manoeuvrable with superb all round vision and satellite tracking systems. Margaret Shearer gave the vote of thanks saying how interesting and detailed his talk had been. A voluntary collection of £50 was given. Our flower of the month competition was well supported, with helibores, cyclamen, winter iris and camelias. It was won by Sharon Edwards with a bowl of aconites. The raffle was won by Ann Oakes. The afternoon concluded with tea provided by Miss Mills and June Hiddersley.