PROBUS CLUB: The speaker at the March meeting was Elaine Wheeler, who lives and works in Luxembourg. She is the daughter-in-law of a member and is a researcher and archivist at the European Parliament.

Elaine traced the history and growth from the early days of the European Assembly in 1950.

ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY: The society met on Tuesday, March 15 at the Townsend Hall for the AGM. Officers were elected, including a new secretary because long-serving secretary Pat had decided to retire. Reports were read, the 2005/6 programme was outlined and members look forward to another successful year.

The society heard Bill Cook of Beckford Silk speak on the process of silk production. The society hopes to follow up the talk with a visit to the mill later in the year.

The speaker for April 19 is a demonstration in oils by artist Lawrence Dingley and on May 17 a talk by Gillian White on Elizabethan Textiles. New members and visitors are welcome.

MUSIC SOCIETY: It was a full house event for members of Shipston Music Society at the meeting on Friday, March 18. The audience enjoyed a return visit of Larry Robson (clarinet) and his wife Rosemary (piano) who were accompanied at the concert the soprano Amanda Middlehurst. This trio of accomplished musicians provided another successful musical evening with a varied programme. Thanks were expressed to the local solicitors Lodders for providing sponsorship for this event.

The next meeting will be on Friday, April 15 at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church for another live concert of traditional music provided by Julia and Shane Day, violin and accordion. Guests and new members are welcome. Contact on 01608 661808.