MARY Fairbairn welcomed members to our March meeting. Vice secretary Anne Lowe read the minutes of the last meeting, which reflected the many and varied activities in which members are involved including: April 27 - resolutions briefing session lead by Greta Mitchell; April 30 - Malvern Festival Theatre Visit for Noises Off; May 15 - Bromsgrove Operatic Society Guys and Dolls.

There was an amount of lively discussion regarding the format of the July meeting - traditionally a Garden Party focus. This year members have agreed to visit a local garden centre then return to the village hall for supper.

The speaker for the evening, Alan Craske, gave a lively and entertaining talk on The Maze and Gardens of Castle Bromwich. He related that 15 years ago the National Trust had set up the renovation of the gardens and to date £4million had been spent on the project!

Shirley Walker thanked Alan for a very entertaining talk. Alan then judged the competition "Your Favourite Pot Plant". The winner was Ellen Crawford, second was Jan Lea and third was Sheila Morris.

The next meeting is today (Wednesday) when the speaker will be Ed Shore "Taking my Car and Caravan to India". Members and visitors please do come along.