THE first meeting of the year got off to an excellent start with Dixie Atkins, who spoke about the six wives of Henry VIII.

Each wife had her own distinct personality.

Catherine of Aragon was originally betrothed to Henry's older brother, Arthur, and was only married for six months when he died of consumption. Henry, now king, married her when he was 18 and she was 24. She bore him a son but he died after 136 days.

Anne Boleyn was a member of the powerful Howard family. It took Henry seven years to get his divorce and by then Anne was pregnant with Elizabeth.

Anne was arrogant and not liked at court. Henry was told of her adultery so she was executed.

Six days later, Henry married Jane Seymour, who produced a son, Edward, but the strain of the celebrations Henry put on made her ill and she died. She was his real love and he was buried beside her on his death.

Anne of Cleeves was from Germany, was big-boned and spoke no English. This was a political marriage - after six weeks Henry sent her away.

Katherine Howard was an old man's fancy but fell in love with one of Henry's noblemen so was sent to the scaffold.

Catherine Parr, who survived him, was chosen because she was a good woman prepared to look after an old sick man. Henry died in her arms.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, May 16, when the speaker will be Mrs Susan Rhodes on The Master's Garden, Lord Leycester Hospital.