ON a cold November evening, a warm welcome was given to Roger Stubbs, Marketing Manager of the Severn Valley Railway.

In 1965 a group of train enthusiasts met to discuss reopening the line for steam engines following its closure in 1963 under the Beeching plan. It is now one of the leading attractions in the Midlands, enjoyed by all age groups.

The trains operate from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth and with the aid of slides, members were able to watch the journey through the beautiful Severn Valley countryside.

On November 22 Barbara Middlemass related the life of a most remarkable man, John Corbett - the 'Salt King' of Droitwich.

John was born in 1817, the eldest of a family of six. He left school at 11 to help his father on the canal boats. In his twenties he obtained an engineering apprenticeship and upon completion with the aid of a loan bought three declining salt factories in Stoke Prior.

It is greatly to his credit that he never tried to conceal his humble origins and he proved a great benefactor in the locality, providing cottages for his workers, schools, hospitals, churches, the Droitwich Brine Baths and he also built the beautiful Chateau Impney.

Members were reminded that as European currency ceases to be legal tender in January 2002, the NCH will be pleased to receive any unwanted coins.