LADIES GUILD: On February 1, members celebrated their first birthday with a party. The proceedings began with the vice-chairman, Mrs A Brown, introducing chairman Kelsoe from the Macmillan unit at Evesham hospital, to whom she presented a cheque for £750 raised by the Guild members. In thanking everyone for their generous donation, chairman Kelsoe explained that it would be used towards the provision of a new kitchen for the unit.

A letter was read from the chairman, who, although unable to be present, said that she would be with the Guild in spirit. She thanked everyone and especially the committee, for their loyalty and support over the past year and expressed special thanks to Mesdames Herbert, Horstmann, Meller and Brown, who were each presented with a single rose.

A special birthday cake, with one candle, was cut by Mrs A Brown and members enjoyed a piece of the cake with their afternoon tea. All members divided into 12 groups attempted a light-hearted quiz, devised by Mrs Brown.

Six new members were present and Mrs D Wilkinson and Mrs S Clark were welcomed back.

It was announced that a trip to Stratford for a tour of the theatre, has been organised for May 6. The cost, including the coach, will be £11.50. Names will be taken at the March meeting.

A free raffle, arranged by Mrs Dallimore, was drawn and the first prize was won by Mrs A Griffiths.

To round off the afternoon, Mrs Herbert invited members to join in a sing-song, led by the Guilded Lilies, which ended with their signature tune and version of Happy Birthday - words having been written by Mrs Pam Clarke with Mrs Horstmann as the accompanist.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 1 in Wulstan Hall at 2pm, Mrs June Firkins will talk on Time for Tea. The sales table will be cakes and biscuits.

Visitors and new members are always welcome.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMENS SECTION: Members met following their Christmas break. Wendy Griffiths opened the meeting with the exhortation and remembered members who died recently, Mrs Townend, Lovesey and Brassington and Nigel Hallen from the mens section.

After the business was dealt with refreshments were served followed by the monthly draw and raffle.

The speaker was the Rev Kenneth Crawford vicar of Pershore who is a member of the National House Brass Society, he told how he designed a house brass for the Queen for her Jubilee in 2002. He took members through the design and making of the brass and finally taking it to Buckingham Palace.

Rev Crawford was thanked by Ray Green for an interesting talk.

The next meeting will be on March 1. Old and new members are welcome.

PROBUS CLUB: January members' talks included the story of Lord Lucan's disappearance and his life thereafter ended by drinking himself to death in Goa. Roland Hill recounted the saga of Captain LeBlanc Smith who fought in the East African Campaign in the Great War, with the rare distinction of winning two Military Crosses, together with other medals for bravery. Richard Westcott completed his set of talks on the establishment and final relocation of the British Motor Museum.

The next members' meeting is on Monday, and lunch on February 21. For information contact the secretary on 01386 710590.

HERITAGE & HISTORY SOCIETY: At the recent meeting the speaker was Bob Davis on the subject On the Waterfront, looking into the history of the Avon as it affected the people of Pershore, especially regarding its usage for recreational purposes - fishing, boating and swimming. The large audience enjoyed the interactive dialogue, showing its appreciation by the many questions raised at the conclusion of the talk. The next meeting takes place on March 3, at Wulstan Hall at 7.30 when the speaker will be Paul Harding on the subject Hands on History.

EMBROIDERY GROUP: The next meting will be held on Tuesday, at 10am, at the Riverside Centre, when the speaker will be Mrs Marion Freeman on Lettering in Embroidery. Visitors welcome, £l.50.

ABBEY PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL: Will be holding their annual Eisteddfod today. This will be an arts based competition based on the theme Theatre. All pupils are encouraged to take part - to enter any of a number of projects including drawing, painting, singing and dance or to work at a special project connected with the theme. These are to be judged by the school staff with both individual and house points gained for all entries.

Tomorrow Year 7 will be taking a coach trip to London, visiting the Tate Modern, taking a walk along the embankment and over Millennium Bridge and touring the sights of central London. A highlight of the day will be a flight on the London Eye.