ROYAL BRITISH LEGION: The millennium year party for the Eckington branch was held last month and attended by 63 members and friends.

Mr J Mole was MC for the evening, and ladies of the British Legion provided the buffet at the village hall.

The entertainer "Fergus" provided the evening's highspot with his banjo and kept the party spirit going with his Irish songs and comic anecdotes, which was greatly appreciated by all present.

Mr and Mrs A Cooper, organised raffles, which were won by Mrs A Mole, Mr R Dyson, Mr J Godfrey, Mrs B White, Mrs P Bloomfield, Mrs G Bullock, Mrs V Calder, Mr Calder and Mrs J Crowley.

The evening raised £100 for Royal British Legion local funds.

THURSDAY CLUB: Mr J Mole, chairman, welcomed members on a very wet day and extended a welcome, to new member Mrs I Davey.

Good wishes were sent to Mrs J Green and Mrs C Haynes, who were in hospital. Names were taken of members wishing to join the Christmas shopping outing to Hereford on November 16.

The ladies of the club's catering committee organised names of members wishing to donate "eats" for the club's Christmas tea in the village hall, on November 30. Members were reminded of the Armistice service on Sunday.

Mr L Wager of Eckington then presented the talk and musical entertainment. His wonderful collection of 78s was his Musical Scrapbook. Starting with Down on the Farm, the montage of insect songs, animal pieces, drinking songs, snippets of World War II radio voices, Pam Ayres and ending with a selection of 'banned songs' were a joy to listen to.

WHIST DRIVE: In spite of the wet weather and recent river flooding the air ambulance whist drive, in the village hall, was well attended. John Chester was MC, drawmaster, Mr C Bromfield.

Refreshments were organised during the evening.