our vice-president, Rae Fowler, who was sitting in for Pearl, wished the members a happy New Year. Then on a sad note, we were told that Wendy Robbins had died suddenly and that any donations should be made to the Primrose Hospice. After that, Rae announced that there were five birthdays in January. She also told us that the Shugborough evening and the Christmas lunch had been most enjoyable.

Dorothy Radford, our secretary, told members that Dympna Moore was now her assistant. Barbara Savage told the members about the theatre and cinema trips on offer, including one to see Joan Collins!

Once the official business was over, our speaker, Bernard Mills, gave a most entertaining and informative talk on Kays of Worcester, the catalogue company, entitled Shopping over 200 years. He told the story about John Scarratt, a clock and watch maker, who in the 1790s moved from London to Worcester to set up business in Goose Lane, which is now called St Swithin's Street. The family business prospered and expanded by moving to larger premises and was eventually bought by Kay & Co Ltd. in 1895.

Audrey Court gave the vote of thanks.

Our next meeting will be held on February 8 at 2.15pm.