THE day the village midwife delivered a baby on a bale of straw is one of the memories of rural life recorded in a new book out this month.

A total of 12 members of the Thursday Ladies Group, based in Abberley, have told their stories to amateur historian and author Ann Marriott.

Ann, whose hobby has earned her the nickname of the "history woman", has written the book called Abberley Remembered.

She said: "It was tremendous fun and some lovely memories came from the ladies who are in their 80s and 90s."

Ann, who comes from Upper Sapey, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"Until now, I have recorded many individual life stories but have never spoken to a group of women in this way."

The book will be launched in Abberley Lodge, Abberley, on Thursday, May 17, and copies cost £4.

They will be available by post and anyone interested in ordering a copy can contact Jill Smith on 01299 896894.