THERE was a good attendance for the first meeting of year, the first part of which was the AGM.

The minutes of the previous AGM were read and approved and various reports presented.

Barbara Winfield was elected chairman and Derek Luke treasurer. Both officers were welcomed to their posts and the outgoing officers, Peter Jones and Valerie Wilcox, were thanked for their services.

The programme of demonstrations for 2005 was summarised. Last year's demonstrations were agreed to have been or a very high quality.

Colin Hammond then conducted an open forum session when members displayed their paintings and explained what had motivated each work and what they were aiming to achieve.

Most of the paintings were "in progress" and the artists were inviting comments or advice. Various problems were discussed, mainly those involving composition and colour and at the end of the session, it was felt the informal interchange between members had been helpful and should be repeated in the future.

At the next meeting at St Luke's Memorial Hall, Evesham Road, Headless Cross, on Wednesday, March 2 at 7.3opm, the speaker will be Mark Riley, who will discuss and demonstrate various sketching and drawing techniques. Audience participation is planned so members and visitors should bring along their drawing pads and pencils.