AT the meeting on February 12 the society learnt about the history of Earlswood and its lakes.

The speaker was Mrs Val Tonks, curator of Earlswood Village Museum and author of a book on the history of the area.

Originally an area of common land, the three lakes were built in 1823 as a feeder reservoir for the nearby Stratford-upon-Avon canal.

The huge causeways dividing the lakes were built of puddled clay, and the original builders used flocks of sheep to do this for them.

The nearby Lakes Station meant that the people of Birmingham took advantage of the walks and fishing provided in these man made attractions, not to mention the numerous public houses in the area.

Stories abounded of the drunken behaviour of these visitors, including an early streaker, but the local policeman was apparently quite capable of arresting three drunks at a time to lock up to cool off over night.

Others had holiday chalets in the country, some of which became permanent homes.

There has been considerable housing development in the area and Mrs Tonks described organising aerial photography with the aid of her bed sheets to record the appearance of a moated site before it was lost forever under the new estate.

She is now developing the displays in the village museum, much of it based on photographs from the beginning of the last century given by local people.

The museum is open on the first Saturday in the month and also for the Heritage Weekend in September.

Like all true enthusiasts, Mrs Tonks' talk encouraged members to visit and explore her local area.

The next meeting is on Thursday, March 13 at 7.45pm in Webheath Village Hall, when John Poynton will talk on Local Railways of Worcestershire.