THREE rambles and a weekend in the New Forest were enjoyed in the unusually fine March weather.

On March 9, 25 members walked an eight-mile circular from Cookhill, sighting many groups of deer on a beautiful day, led by Jean Field and Gill Hall.

March 23 saw Dave Donavan lead 27 members from Alvechurch to the Lickey Hills Visitor Centre.

From March 28-30 a group of members visited the New Forest for a weekend organised by Jean Nokes.

They enjoyed a 10-mile woodland walk on the Saturday, sighting many wild ponies and viewing the deer at the famous Boldre Wood Deer Sanctuary.

A lovely walk on Sunday started at Bucklers hard and along the river to Beaulieu.

Eleven members who could not go on the weekend instead rambled for eight miles around Belbroughton, braving sunburn while taking in hills, valleys and a string of mill ponds which once powered the scythe making industry.

The leaders were Alex Koscica and Lyn Fraser.

At the monthly social get together, Gabriella Leonowicz entertained with hilarious anecdotes from the life of her Polish immigrant family.

The next walk takes place on April 27 after the Easter break.

It will be six miles starting from Avoncroft Museum car park at 10.30am.

The next social meeting is tomorrow, when member Meriel Hayes will talk about her recently published book Dear Polly.

May will see the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Group on Saturday, May 17, at Alvechurch Village Hall.

Any former members who would like to attend should contact Carol Quick on 524361.

There will be a buffet supper, a photographic exhibition and video plus a souvenir magazine.

New members always welcome. For more details, call Pat Hodgkinson on 402663.