MEMBERS were given a warm welcome to the first meeting following the summer recess.

A minute's silence was observed for the many lives lost in the recent American tragedy.

Several forthcoming social events were outlined.

Speakers Tracey and Pam Reynolds, representing Pretty Things whose base is at Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre, Wootton Wawen, staged a most attractive display of flower arrangements.

There was also a wide variety of gifts and demonstrations of Christmas arrangements.

On September 27, Chris Jackson talked about Redditch Through the Letterbox

His enthusiasm for his hobby made this a fascinating talk with slides and a display of original letters and envelopes about the postal history of the region, with special emphasis on Redditch.

The earliest letter was dated 1617 sent from Stourport to Blithfield in Staffs.

His earliest letter bearing a postage mark was dated 1676 and the earliest Redditch letter 1795.

Charges for postage began with the Penny Black and was delivered by post boys on horseback.

There were many examples of envelopes showing the advertising logos of local companies.