THE June meeting began with the planting of a black pear tree to commemorate the millennium - better late than never!

Historian Mrs Cooper then talked about the Remarkable Women of Worcestershire.

The best known was Vesta Tally, born in 1872, the daughter of a Worcester porcelain worker who also did a music hall act.

Vesta went along too and performed at the tender age of five. At six she was earning £5 per week and made her debut on the London stage at nine, becoming known as the darling of the Victorian music hall.

Hannah Snell, born some 30 years earlier, left for London at the age of 17, married but was then deserted at 22, after which she took the name James Grey.

She joined the army and went on a march to track Bonnie Prince Charlie.

This was followed by a period in the marines, fighting against the French.

At 27 she returned to the stage, impersonating men, from which she made a successful career.

The last years of her life were spent as a Chelsea pensioner.

Very well known at the time for her poetry was Frances Ridley Havergill but she is best remembered for the hymns she wrote, Take My Life And Let It Be and Who Will Be On The Lord's Side?

She was also a mountaineer, climbing the Alps three times.

Martha Sherwood, a rector's daughter born in 1775, wrote the Little Henry books which sold in their thousands.

Another author was Mrs Henry Wood, her most famous book being East Lynn, bringing her fame and wealth and still in print today.

The July outing is to Hampton Charles, a plant lover's garden at Tenbury Wells.

The next meeting at the village hall is on September 10 when Mr Maskell will talk on the History of WH Smith.

New members welcome.