THE first part of the April meeting, the AGM, was conducted speedily, with all officers of the committee being re-elected for another year.

A token of appreciation was given to the three members who provide refreshments at each meeting.

Special thanks were given to Ann Ray, the meeting secretary, who has provided the society with a splendid and varied selection of speakers over the past year, the popularity of which has been reflected in the greatly increased number of members and visitors.

Members were then treated to a fascinating short talk by Kenneth Hughes called Pub Grub, relating to the origins of three Birmingham firms; Typhoo Tea, HP Sauce and Bird's Custard.

Edwin Samson Moore started with a vinegar factory and then developed HP Sauce from a recipe owned by a customer who owed him money.

He went on to produce Daddies Sauce, as HP was too expensive for the poorer customer.

Tea drinking came to Birmingham in the 1800s during the growth of the Temperance Movement, when publicans opened up their back rooms for tea drinkers.

The analytical chemist Alfred Bird set up his custard factory at the Devonshire works because there were no trade restrictions in Birmingham.

As his wife suffered from indigestion, he researched a baking power that successfully cured her. This was later used by Florence Nightingale for troops during the Crimean War.

The same building, still known as the Custard Factory, is now more akin to Covent Garden with its artistic events and happenings.

The next meeting is at 7.45pm on Thursday, May 10, at Webheath Village Hall, when Mrs Betty Park will give readings from the Berrows Journal. Non members welcome.