WEDNESDAY CLUB: Variety being as they say, the spice of life, one has to report that the clubs programme for the month, followed the pattern very closely. The first meeting found our scheduled speaker detained through sickness, fortunately permitting ample time to find a replacement. So we were able to welcome one of our own members Mrs Nancy Bowstead, who talked about one of her favourite subjects, Evesham Abbey which she did with enthusiasm and scholarship. She shepherded her audience from 700AD to the ultimate destruction of the Abbey by Cromwells forces, which created large heaps of building stones. This gradually disappeared into the construction of the many farms, new and old, in the immediate area. All that is left now is the imposing Bell Tower and one or two smaller buildings, such as the Almonry. A fortnight later we had a fascinating talk from Mr John Stroud from Redditch whose working life and interest, was bound up in the world of sound reproduction. Beginning with wax cylinders, phonographs, progressing to gramophones, not only does he talk about them, he collects them, including the old 78 records, some of which he played to us. At the beginning of October the club made one of its luncheon trips into the heart of the Cotswolds, including a meal at the splendid hostelry in Ampney Crucis - The Crown of Crucis, most satisfying. Afterwards a short run to Fairford to visit the parish church of St Marys and marvel at its vast treasure of medieval painted glass of 28 windows.

GARDENING CLUB: The October meeting took the form of Gardener's Question Time. The hall was full and Ann Wall gave a warm welcome to visitors from Blockley, Bretforton, Longborough, Ebrington and Bidford Gardening clubs. Brian Cook and Geoff Rees from Moreton Morrell answered questions sent in by all the clubs present and accompanied their answers with slides. It was suggested that bulbs should be planted in pots and transferred when in flower in order to choose the best position in the garden and suitable plants were suggested for conservatories. Other questions included - which rose to choose for a wall with a big drop; do plants grow better in plastic or terracotta pots; should changes be made in choice of plants to take into account climatic changes. John Atherton gave the vote of thanks commenting on the marvellous audience and saying that Gardening Question Time is one of the highlights of the year. The next meeting on November 21 will be the AGM followed by a talk entitled 'Nature Around Your Village' by Gordon Ottewell which promises to be another good evening.

KING GEORGE'S HALL: At a committee meeting held on October 16 various items came up for discussion including better disabled access. Two members had attended a village halls forum in Cold Aston. The trees and bushes around the hall had been pruned at the end of September. A quiz is planned for November 10 to raise funds for the hall. A new bookings clerk/treasurer is urgently needed and advertisements will be placed around the village.