SHEAR HOUSE WEDNESDAY COFFEE CLUB: The new year got off to a weak start, some members being away for the holiday break, and others poorly with winter colds etc. At the meeting the usual bring and buy monthly stall, done brisk trading after coffee and biscuits were served by Beryl, Daisy and Barbara the sum of £31 was made, proceeds going into club funds. Happy birthday was sang by members for Mike Czaika, also a pot of hyacinth was given to Marion Carr the warden to be given to a Shear House tenant that had been poorly for a number of weeks and this was a token from members wishing her better health. Meetings taken place to arrange outing for 2001.

WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY ELECTION: Following the announcement of Mrs Tricia Birchley leaving the district, the Conservatives have begun the process of picking her successor, for the election on May 3. The division comprises the villages of Broadway, Childswickham, Wickhamford in Mid Worcestershire and Ashton, which is part of the West Worcestershire Parliamentary constituency. Past results have shown that this seat is one of the safest Conservative held in the county. A meeting of the representatives of the various associations will choose the candidate. Amongst the expected nominees are David Folkes, currently the chairman of Wychavon District Council and Mrs Elizabeth Eyre, a Lifford Hall trustee and organiser of the Broadway Wine Club.

GARDEN CLUB: At the November meeting the club enjoyed a lecture on 'Well Dressing in Derbyshire' from a well qualified lecturer, Mr K Orchard Robinson was born in Wirksworth in the heart of the area, but now lives in Childswickham. Well Dressing is a ceremony which is 400 years old. Flowers are extensively used on the Dressings, and help is given by children as well as the elderly experienced. The competition 'Seasonal Table Decoration' was won by the club president David Robinson, Christine Savage was second, whilst Hazel Bartlett was placed third. Earlier in the meeting Christine Savage was declared the winner of the shield for 2000. The first meeting in the New Year will take place next Mondayat the usual time and venue. The speaker will be John Edgeley on the subject 'Fruit in a Small Garden'. The competition is 'Photo of My Favourite Flower'. The subscription of £4 per head will be collected by Patrick Thwaites at the commencement of the meeting.