THURSDAY CLUB: The annual Christmas lunch was held at the Anchor Inn.

Grace was said by Mrs M Charles. Seasonal gifts were presented to, Mr J Mole, Mrs A Mole, and Mr R Berwick to acknowledge all the work they had done for the club in 2000.

Members formed an impromptu choir, and entertained members with songs and carols.

Mrs G Allen, organised a Christmas raffle, for club funds, and raised £58.50.

Winners included, Mrs P Beadle, Mrs M Berwick, Mrs P Henry, Mrs B Ross, Mrs V Mills, Mr J Mole, Mrs M Stephens, Mrs J Perrett, Mrs K Welch, Mrs D Hickmott, Mrs D Edwards, Mr C Hunt, Mrs M Bush and others.

Mr J Mole, club chairman, expressed appreciation to members for seasonal gifts, to the staff, the host and to all who made the lunch a success.

The club will meet again in the village hall in January.

WHIST DRIVE: Eleven tables were in play in the drive organised by Mrs B Hodges and Miss F Ricketts for the County Air Ambulance. Mr John Chester was MC, Mr C Bromfield, drawmaster. Whist, raffle and mystery prizes were won by, Mrs O Wells, Mr J Skirten, Mrs C Evans, Mrs B Bromfield, Mrs R Sowerbutts, Mrs M Greaves, Mrs P Macarthy, Mrs B Hodges, Mr C Bromfield, Mrs E Warner, Mrs M Gill, Miss F Ricketts, Mrs P Miles, Mr B Jones, Mrs D Yarwood, Mr J Chester, Mrs J Rose, Mr D Crook, Mrs M Halling, Mrs J Crowley, Mr C Griffin, Mrs C Skirten, Mr F Jeffreys, Mrs T Stamp, Mrs D Yarwood, and Mrs J Bunn.

Mr Chester reminded members that the Christmas whist drive would be held today (Thursday).

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION AGM: Plans were made for events during 2001.

The poppy day collections were very good in spite of unfriendly weather on all 15 days this year.

Patron of the Eckington and District Royal British Legion, Major H Porter, chairman, Captain G James, vice-chairman, Mr J Mole, treasurer, Mr R Berwick, secretary, Mrs M Stephens.

There are 41 members and three new members have recently joined. More ex-service personnel and associate members would be most welcome to join.

The Eckington and district branch of the legion, including Birlingham, Defford-cum-Besford and Strensham collected £5,378.63 for poppy day.

Appreciation was expressed to the Strensham Motorway Services and to all who collected in spite of floods and inclement weather.