LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY: The Fairground Calendar was the title of an illustrated talk by the society's chairman, Graham Downie. His fascinating presentation gave a pictorial survey of fairs, mops and wakes through the seasons in Britain. He explained how mops, like those at Alcester and Stratford, were once events for employers to recruit staff.

The society's AGM preceded the talk, when the chairman reported that the summer outing was being arranged. In July there will be an evening visit to the village of Feckenham.

The next talk, Steam in Agriculture, will be presented by Warwickshire farmer Peter Noble. His illustrated talk will show the impact that steam-powered cultivation and thrashing had on arable farming during the years 1850-1960. The evening starts at 8pm on Wednesday 8th March at The Greig Centre, Alcester.

Members and visitors are welcome.