TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD: There was a good attendance for the July meeting of the Townswomen's Guild and the chairman began by thanking Mrs Meller for deputising for her at the previous meeting. She reminded members of two forthcoming events - the Golden Jubilee Strawberry Tea on Thursday, July 18 at Springhill, Lower Moor, from 3pm to 5pm and the Fashion Show/Wine and Cheese evening on September 5, at Wychavon Civic Centre, which are in aid of this year's charity.

Mrs Rubbra gave a comprehensive and very interesting report on the recent NCM Conference, held in Cardiff, which she attended with Mrs Lockhart.

A presentation was made to Mrs B Banbury who has retired as conductor of the choir and she was warmly thanked by the chairman for all her hard work during the past five years. Mrs Horstmann was welcomed as the new conductor.

Mrs Ambler gave details of the outing to Broughton Castle, Nr Banbury, on Tuesday, August 6, for which the costs will be about £11.50, but this could be less if 50 people attend. Final numbers must be given to Mrs Ambler by Tuesday, July 23, also choice of lunch. The coach leaves Paddock Close at 10am and Broad Street at 10.10am.

Mrs Loach reported on the Ramblers' June meeting when they walked from Hampton Ferry and along the river at Evesham. They hope to meet again on Tuesday, July 16. Scrabble group will meet on Monday, August 12 and Literary Appreciation group on Monday, September 2.

A new member Mrs M James, was welcomed to the Guild. After coffee, Mrs Kate Fenton gave an instructive and interesting talk on the work of Citizen Advocacy, whose local HQ s based in Worcester. The vote of thanks was given by Mrs J Sitch.

Then the drama group presented a hilarious programme of songs, a short melodrama and readings and their performance was much appreciated. The sales table raised £27.75.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 3, at Wulstan Hall at 10am, when there will be a talk 'Behind the Scenes at BBC Hereford and Worcester'. New members and visitors are always welcome.

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE - U3A: The Pershore U3A next meets on Tuesday, July 16 in the Civic Centre at 2pm. Visitors are welcome to join the members to hear Ms Susan Hawkins give a talk on the 'The Work of the British Red Cross'.

If you are over 50 and not in full-time employment then why not come along and meet a friendly group which provides an opportunity to meet people and to expand your interests?

If you can not make the July meeting but are interested in knowing what the U3A has to offer in Pershore then make a date in your diary for Tuesday, August 20. On that day there will be a U3A 'Registration Day' at the Civic Hall when old and new members can sign up for the next session of activities.