Frank Townsend was the December guest speaker, talking about "Cards and Christmas customs". His talk included a potted history of the Royal Mail.

A visit was organised to Aston Hall "by candlelight" on December 10.

The annual dinner will be held in Chaddesley village hall on January 29.

Holidays and trips organised for 2005 include visits to Llanberis and north Wales, Ladies Day at Royal Ascot York, and holidays at Oban, Vienna, and Prague.

The next meeting will be on January 5, when Graham Wren will talk about a summer in the Farne Islands, illustrating his talk with slides of wildlife and scenery.

The meeting will be held in the village hall and will start at 7.30pm.