THE first meeting of the year brought news of the annual council meeting in March and the AGM in June.

Our speaker was Neville Land, who gave a most interesting talk on Bromsgrove Workhouse, which was in use until 1946, after which it became All Saints Hospital.

The treatment meted out to the inmates and the near-starvation diet made us realise how lucky we are that poverty is no longer treated as a crime. The vote of thanks was given by Norah Banks.

In contrast, secretary Margaret Smith gave a resum of conclusions reached at a conference with the theme of how older people can live in their own homes, with information of help available.

The winners of last year's competition were announced, with Eileen Harris taking the rose bowl for the second year running for Flower of the Month, and Margaret Smith overall winner of the competition with 19 points.

This month's Flower of the Month was won by Eileen Harris again and the competition by Margaret Smith with Mary Foster second and Jackie Grier third.

Next month will be our 22nd birthday and we shall have musical entertainment. All members, old and new, will be very welcome at the Ecumenical Centre on February 13 at 2pm.