ON February 25, Ray Sanders-Crook, an ex-Yeoman Warder from the Tower of London gave an extremely entertaining talk with slides on his life as a Beefeater.

After 25 years in the army, he then spent 18 years at the tower, the largest and oldest castle in Europe.

Ray brought his splendid ceremonial uniform, which today costs £12,000.

Made of heavy bright red fabric and decorated with gold and black velvet braiding, this must have been extremely hot to wear.

Ray pointed out that on a daily basis a navy version with contrast braiding was worn and was available in many different weights for each season.

There are no dungeons at the tower and Ray showed slides of prisoners' rooms, painted furnished and relatively comfortable, as long as the prisoner could pay.

The job of a yeoman warder is to protect and police the tower, including looking out for thieves or troublemakers among the many visitors who pass through the gates to see such sights as the Crown Jewels.

There is a curfew of midnight for those who live there, including the Beefeaters and their families.

Every night the Ceremony of the Keys is performed to dutifully lock up and protect Her Majesty's belongings.

Sue Newitt gave the vote of thanks and Brenda Williams won the raffle.

The next meeting will be a skittles evening on Tuesday, March 18 at The Mother Huff Cap, Great Alne.

The next meeting at the Swan Hotel, Alcester will be on April 1, the AGM with buffet and silent auction.