MEMBERS combined festive greetings with fund-raising during December.

Husbands and friends were invited to the meeting which was the Christmas dinner.

President Ken Smith (Rotarian) lit the Candle of Friendship for Rotary and Inner Wheel the world over.

A raffle greatly enhanced the charity account.

Trevor Genge entertained members with the result of his research into what constitutes Black Country humour.

Mr Genge, a headteacher in the area for many years, relayed tales akin to Enoch and Eli from both pupils and parents.

Mollie Gibbs entertained Mr Genge and everyone else with her vote of thanks.

The Redditch Rotarians reciprocated by inviting members to one of their Monday lunches.

Ken Smith gave a warm welcome, congratulated the turkey that got away and announced roast beef for lunch.

Mr David Chatterley gave a fascinating and enlightening talk on the history of teddy bears and he was inundated with questions at the end of his lecture.

David Hunt, MC for the meeting, gave a vote of thanks and invited Mr Chatterley to draw the raffle, which was won by Basil Gardner.

He went on to draw Rotary's prize draw, which was won by Elsie Haden.

Speaking for Inner Wheel members, President Valerie Pickering thanked Rotarians for their hospitality, especially on behalf of the club's widows.

It was so seldom they were able to meet up with their husbands' past colleagues/friends and recall the happy times they had spent together, she said.

The meeting ended with the Toast Rotary and Inner Wheel the world over, combined with a fervent wish that all nations will soon find a way to live in peace and harmony.