Maureen Smith, the president, welcomed members to the meeting. Items from the County News letter was read and discussed. Much enthusiasm was shown that Clarissa Dixon-Wright, star of Two Fat Ladies, would be attending the annual council meeting in March 2004. The July birthday girls were given their birthday greetings. Details of forthcoming events were given by Ann Darlow. She was arranging a visit to the Swan Theatre to see Annie, Get Your Gun on July 30, a Ladies Day Luncheon at Royal Doulton on August 12 and a theatre trip to Malvern in November. Business concluded, the speaker, Barbara Maskell, was introduced. She entertained us with a talk about Japan. At times touching, often amusing but always of great interest. Her daughter had married a Japanese man from Tokyo. She told amusing anecdotes of her daughter's courtship and of the problems, which ensued. All ably overcome, of the wedding ceremony in Japan, and the Japanese way of conducting a wedding ceremony. The vote of thanks was given by Catherine Kealey. The competition, "Something Oriental", was won by Chris Pagett. Raffle prizes were won by Chris Paggett, Janet Darres, Sylvia Matthews, Doris Passey and Carol Lawton.