ON October 9, members and friends made a most interesting trip with Hazel Pond to the tiny island of Bahrain.

Like all good tourists, before our journey began we learnt a few words of greeting and how to pronounce Bahrain correctly - it certainly got the tonsils into action with the guttural sounds.

The six-hour journey from Heathrow took no time at all and we were soon greeted by sheik Mr Pond, well attired in his traditional robes and head scarf.

He and Mrs Pond then proceeded to take us on a journey through this tiny country , 30 miles long and six miles wide, lying off the east coast of Saudi Arabia.

The bottom third of the island is used as a US air base, so no entry.

The countryside is inhospitable, extremely hot and humid, but the friendliness of the people (and the air conditioning) makes life bearable.

Water is more expensive than petrol.

English is the second language as for 100 years the island was a British protectorate, and now English is the language of commerce.

As well as banking, the wealth comes from oil, pearl fishing, spices, and gold and jewellery.

Before returning, Mrs Pond put on her traditional dress and showed how quickly it could be adapted to cover the face if a man other than a male relative appears.

She also pointed out how rude it was to show the tops of one's arms and the soles of your feet.

With a wave of the Bahraini flag, it was back to the village hall.

Some members are going off on travels with WI to Italy and Ireland, with other good offers to go to Canada and Germany.

There was an invite to Hanbury Group Meeting on October 24 and to hear Jennie Bond speak about her experiences in November.

There will be a skittles night at Bradley Green on November 2.

The next meeting is the AGM on November 13.