DEBATING SOCIETY: The next meeting of the society will be held in the St James's church rooms at 8pm on Saturday, January 29, when the motion will be this house believes that advertising is the bane of society. The motion will be proposed by Tom Foster, head boy, and Tara Griffin, deputy head girl, of Chipping Campden School. Opposing the motion are Mark Annett, chairman of Chipping Campden Town Council; he will be seconded by Mr Graham Greenall, a town councillor, chairman of the Town Trust and a director of the Peelers Trust in Campden.

Visitors are welcome and invited to contribute from the floor and vote on the motion.

CAMERA CLUB: The 2004 programme of events came to a close with a lantern slide show presented by Mairie and Geoff Phillipson. These are hand-painted slides depicting scenes from Victorian times. The presentation was followed by a festive buffet.

Forthcoming talks in 2005 include the following: February 15 - The club's annual competition of slides and large prints. Constructive critique and commentary on members' work; March 15 - An introduction to portrait photography and the principles of lighting; April 5 - MCPF Portfolio - slides and prints from other clubs in the region. A good chance to see a range of photographic techniques with accompanying critique and commentary; April 26 - annual dinner - venue to be announced; May 17 - The club's AGM and small print competition.

Visitors are welcome to all meetings of the club which are held at Badger's Field Community Centre (£1.50 on the door). New members always welcome - turn up on the night or contact Gary Smith 01386 840 358 for information.

Evesham

CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP: All members attending the Christmas lunch on January 11 agreed it was very enjoyable, although tinged with a certain sadness as it marked the final formal meeting and winding up of the Evesham group. Mrs June Green was thanked for her organisation of the lunch and raffle, and flowers were presented to Mrs Anne Innes with warm thanks for her excellent chairmanship over the past years.

The many members who would like to meet up again in the future have an opportunity to do so at the Apple Barn Restaurant, Evesham Country Park. This venue has been chosen for coffee and a chat at 10.30am on the second Tuesday of each month.

OLDER PEOPLES FORUM: The Evesham and District Older Peoples Forum are holding their next meeting at Wallace House, Oat Street, at 2pm on Tuesday, January 25.

There will be a video on a cruise to Iceland, Faroe Islands and Norway. Everyone is welcome, new and old members.