LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY: Rural Industries Before the Railways was the subject of a talk by Richard Churchley. The local historian's research of the years 1660-1860 revealed diverse occupations in the district - many with obscure names, such as putchin-maker and tewgerer (putchin-maker' - a maker of wickerwork for eel traps, tewgerer - a person who splits wood into laths for house-building.).

Almost one-third of non-agricultural labour was employed in needlemaking. Clothing and textiles were other dominant industries in the bustling villages of tradesman and women. The next talk, Alcester War Memorial and those who Served will be presented by Major R. Woodfield at 8pm on Wednesday, November 10 at the Greig Centre. Members and non-members welcome.