THE 41st AGM took place on June 4 and was very well attended. Yearly reports were submitted and thanks expressed to the committee and members for all their support.

The committee was re-elected en bloc with the addition of Pat Jones on the social committee.

Following the business, members relaxed listening to favourite music chosen by members.

On June 12, members set off on the annual mystery tour, heading north. The eventual destination was Blakesley Hall in Yardley - one of the last surviving examples of a timber framed farmhouse in Birmingham.

Built in 1590 by Richard Smalbroke, a locally influential member of the rising Tudor class, the house reflects his social aspirations.

The house contains period furnishings and a painted chamber, which is decorated with the only surviving local example of Elizabethan wall paintings.

Set in landscaped grounds including herb gardens, the site has a new visitor centre, complete with tearoom and shop.

The Smalbroke family is commemorated in Birmingham today by the name given to part of the city's ring road - Smallbrook Queensway.

On June 19, speaker Joy Pinder, who prior to her retirement was a dedicated headmistress of a multi-racial school in Birmingham, told of a surprise phone call she received from Buckingham Palace, inviting her to luncheon with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

Her talk "Encounter with Royalty and other invited guests" was most interesting and hilarious and a year later when the Queen distributed Maundy money in Birmingham, Joy arranged for the whole school to meet and entertain Her Majesty at the NEC.

On June 26, members enjoyed an interesting walk around Stourport on Severn organised by secretary Sandra Boreham.