ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY: The first meeting after the summer break, during which time members enjoyed a trip to Highgrove, was on Tuesday, September 20. Josephine Morgan gave an insight into Chinese brush painting. She started with painting an orchid - the perfect woman model - then bamboo, the male equivalent. Her work accompanied by a commentary with anecdotes of her time in China learning the trade.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18 at 7pm at Townsend Hall when Oliver Lane will give an appreciation of fine art. Visitors are welcome.

MUSIC SOCIETY: Shipston Music Society opened its new season with a presentation by Zachary Taylor entitled A Musical Gateway to the Past. This traced the development of plucked instruments from the sixth to 20th century. Zachary was joined by his soprano wife, Tricia, singing songs appropriate to the times of the instruments demonstrated.

Zachary is a well-known researcher into the origin and making of early stringed instruments and was seen on the Channel 4 Time Team programme.

The next event is a live concert on October 21 at the Methodist Church, given by Hazel Brooks and David Pollock on the baroque violin and harpsichord. This concert is part of the Stratford-on-Avon Music Festival. Guests and new members welcome.