CSRF: The meeting was opened by Anne Innes, chairman, with the sad news of the death of one of the group's valued members and friend to many, Lily Mundy. In her memory a minute's silence was observed after which Eric Mundy thanked everyone for their sympathy and support which he greatly appreciated.

Members were all interested in the talk given by the speaker, Miss Jill Wilson, on Historic Campden, accompanied by slides of various noteworthy parts of the area.

The next meeting will be on June 10 at 10.30am in Evesham Library when the speaker will be Mrs Chris Sheldon on The History or Timekeeping at the Royal Observatory. Members old and new are welcome.

RAMBLERS: Undaunted by weather and distance, 26 ramblers turned up at the Rose and Crown at Ashbury for what was a memorable walk in pastures new. From the village we wound our way up onto the Ridgeway, a gradual and undemanding climb, skirting a row of mature beech trees. Getting into our stride, Waylands Smithy was almost overlooked, a 5,500 year old burial mound whose secrets were unearthed around 1920. Coffee/tea break was taken at White Horse Hill in the prehistoric earthworks sheltered from the wind of Uffington Castle overlooking the Bronze Age white horse and the 20th century M4 in the distance. Downhill all the way now via D'Arcy Dalton Way to Compton Beauchamp. The Norman church renovated by Samuel Gurney (Anglo-Catholic) was admired by all. The last pre-lunchtime stretch was through dairy countryside, a complete contrast to earlier in the day.

After a good lunch, enjoying the open countryside we passed Alfrick Castle 871AD, a domestic settlement and by complete contrast the 17th Century Ashdown House, former home of the Earl of Craven and now National Trust. It was a bonus to see 23 deer on Weathercock Hill.