AT the Fbruary meeting, members tried their hand at dowsing when fellow member Joan Johnson gave a fascinating talk on the subject.

Divining or dowsing rods, usually forked twigs, have been used to find subterranean water and metals since way back in history and still have their uses today.

Joan's obvious enthusiasm for dowsing was stimulated by a recent course she attended at Denman College.

She brought along a collection of equipment she had prepared, including rods made from metal coat hangers, Polo mints on strings, small pendulums and pendant necklaces, as well as traditional Y-shaped twigs.

Members were invited to have a go at detecting metal, water and stones hidden in a variety of containers.

The next meeting at 2pm on March 26 will be members' afternoon. Visitors welcome.