OUTINGS arranged for the coming year include a new speakers day today, the Lucy Hingley lecture on March 17, and the resolutions conference on April 10.

Skittles matches are also being arranged - the team would welcome supporters. A trip to the Rose Theatre, Kidderminster, will be arranged in April.

It is hoped to organise informal craft afternoons, and a visit to Areley Arboretum is also planned. Names have been taken for the lunch on Wednesday at The Granary.

The first speaker of the year was Mrs Hardy, who gave an account of the build-up to her daughter, Lucy, taking part in the 2004 Olympics.

She told of the years of dedicated preparation, culminating in her participation in the sprint canoe event, where she finished seventh.

The 40th annual meeting will be held on Thursday, March 2 at 7.30pm in St John's Church Hall, Kidderminster.

Members are requested to take a glass.