The January meeting opened with the president wishing everyone a happy New Year. She then introduced the speaker, Mr M Mylechreest, who gave an entertaining and challenging talk entitled gardens in trust. We saw slides of the expected large National Trust and English Heritage gardens, and also those of Kew, Wisley and university botanic gardens.

There were the gardens created by celebrated people, from Gilbert White to Majorie Fish, lovely artefacts such as a gorgeous listed glasshouse from the 1800s, pots, beehive and melon walls, and the provision of shelter and seating.

Mrs Walker thanked the speaker warmly, and tea was taken before the business.

As the December meeting took the form of a luncheon at Webbs there were no minutes.

Thanks were expressed to Mr Jaques for printing the programme cards for 2006. Members then considered forming a craft group to get entries for the spring craft show in May and inquiries are being made to see if a room is available at the Heritage Centre.

Members will be attending the Spring Council in Malvern. The spring group meeting will be on March 22 at Crowle.

The next meeting will be on February 1 when Mrs Taft will review highlights of her year as mayor of Droitwich Spa.