THE October meeting started on a high note as four new members were welcomed and hopefully there will be another three next month at the AGM.

Pam Horsfield and Chris Gray both had coffee mornings and raised £272 for Alan Peace, who will be mountain climbing in Argentina in aid of Cancer Research at the end of the year.

Members were reminded of the fund-raising Christmas Fair at Alvechurch Village Hall on Saturday, November 6, and that there was a need to supply refreshments.

The Christmas party will be on December 13, starting at 7pm.

The entertainment for the evening was Ashqui, an Arabian belly dancing troupe who whirled and twirled in colourful costumes.

Belly dancing is now recognised as a good form of exercise and some members did attempt the Dance of the Seven Veils.

They were not quite up to the standard of the dance troupe but are on a substitute bench for future performances!

Meetings are held every second Monday in the month at Alvechurch Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Visitors welcome. Call Denise Cashmore on 0121 445 3246 for more details.