The Wyre Forest and District Centre's February speaker, at Baxter College, Kidderminster, was Bruce Hall, chairman of the Cotswold Canals trust.

The trust began in 1972, being formed to protect and restore the Stroudwater Navigation Canal, also the Thames and Severn Canal.

Stroudwater Navigation Canal opened in 1779, connecting Stroud to the River Severn, and was extended in 1789 to reach the River Thames, by the Thames and Severn Canal.

The latter closed in 1933, while Stroudwater was abandoned in 1954, and much of it filled in.

Lengths of the waterway have been re-opened, with locks and bridges restored.

The continuing restoration programme is expected to take 10 years at a cost of around £82 million, and will include a towpath walk as part of the Thames and Severn Way long-distance footpath.

Mr Hall's illustrated talk was about a journey along the two canals.

Details of the group can be obtained from Marjorie Fernihough, on 01562 883460.