Our July meeting took the form of an evening visit to Henley in Arden, where the Guildhall and the Heritage Centre were specially opened for us.

High Bailiff Alan Robson welcomed us in the Guildhall and talked about the history of the building and of the town.

He spoke too about the activities, past and present, of the town's Court Leet.

From there we took a short stroll to the Heritage Centre where trustees Ray and Ann Holding welcomed us.

After tea and cakes, our large party was divided into groups for a guided tour of the centre.

Our hosts kept us enthralled as they talked us through the history of Henley in Arden - from the longbow to the (previously) unexploded German bomb, which were both on display.

We sat in the schoolroom and heard about famous residents of Henley, past and present.

Much mention was made too of the town's great benefactor, Joe Hardy, of Philadelphia.

He acquired the Lordship of the Manor at a Sotheby's auction in 1990 and his generosity to the town has been remarkable.

It was he who bought and endowed the lovely historic house which is now the Heritage Centre.

By chance it is just next door to the premises thousands of visitors have known for very many years, the Henley Ice Cream shop.

Our thanks go to Ray and Ann and Alan for a wonderful evening, a visit we can recommend to one and all.

Next meeting is on Tuesday, September 16, at Alcester Town Hall from 8pm.

All are welcome. Our speaker will be our chairman, Lord Hertford, who will be talking of his experiences during his two years in Brazil, from where he has but recently returned.