HISTORY SOCIETY AGM: After the chairman's review and secretary's report, members heard from the treasurer that subscriptions would need to rise to cover increased costs. This was agreed. Fred Brush, chairman, Phyl Tyler, secretary, and Audrey Barham, treasurer were re-elected for another year. Mrs Barbara Austin had resigned from the committee and was thanked by the chairman for her work over past years. Peter Peters and Derek Wise were re-elected to the committee with Audrey Medlicott and John Price completing the committee.

After the AGM, Fred Brush gave an illustrated talk about Harry Clifford, the Bourton man who wrote the first history of the village in 1913. This had been made possible by papers about Mr Clifford donated to the society by Mrs. Guthrey, whose husband had collected a wealth of information about Harry Clifford.

Next month's meeting is on November 15 when Professor Michael Oakshott will talk about life in mediaeval South Cerney.

BOURTON VALE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: Bob Brocklehurst, from near Chipping Norton, was the speaker at the October meeting and he spoke on Insects and Plants.

He is a very knowledgeable naturalist who has studied his subject not only in the UK but as far as Africa and Thailand.

He supported his talk with some excellent slides to illustrate the various topics and was thanked for a fascinating evening by John Barham.

Mr Brocklehurst then judged the monthly competition A Flowering Pot Plant which was won by Mrs R Kimpton.

The society's quiz on November 8 has been cancelled as the BBC is recording Gardeners' Question Time, in the Royal British Legion Hall, on November 13.

Tickets will £4 each for the December cheese and wine party when the entertainment will be provided by the Blockley Ladies' Choir and will be available at the question time meeting.

Anyone planning to buy a ticket then is asked to have the correct change in order to save time as it will be a busy evening.

CASH FOR HOSPITAL: Last week's coffee morning in St Lawrence's raised £252 for the St Luke's Hospital for Sick Clergy. Mrs Doris Worth, the organiser, thanks all who contributed to the success of the event.

CHURCH FAIR: The Catholic Churches of Stow and Bourton present their autumn fair, in the Victoria Hall, on Saturday, between 10am and 3pm. Lots of stalls, plus tombola and refreshments.

HALLOWEEN PARTY: On Saturday evening there is a children's Halloween party at the village hall, Upper Rissington, between 7pm and 9.30pm for under 14s. Tickets are £2 which will include a drink and hot dog. There will also be a prize for the best fancy dress.

SATURDAY WALK: Starting at 10am from the Coach and Horses Inn, Fosse Way, a scenic walk along quiet country lanes entitled High plains and a place so rustic - time passed by". Distance 10.5 miles and duration approx. 6.5 hours.

ROADRUNNERS MEETING: On Monday, at 8.30pm, Bourton Roadrunners hold their AGM in the Victoria Hall. All welcome.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: On Monday, from 6.30pm until 9.30pm, and on Tuesday, from 10am until 4pm, there are two grand charity Christmas fairs at Rissington Business Park, Upper Rissington. Lots of stalls and refreshments and proceeds in aid of the Neonatal Unit at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

YOGA CLASSES: Some yoga classes have started in the area, on Mondays, 7.30-9pm, in Notgrove Village Hall, for advanced pupils. Wednesdays, 10-11.30am, beginners, in Cold Aston Village Hall. Wednesdays, beginners, in Naunton Baptist Hall, 7.30-9pm. Details: Gill Rowe on 01242 820213.

TUESDAY WALK: On Tuesday, a walk around Guiting Power, taking in Castlett Wood, starts at 10am from Guiting Power car park. Distance 10 miles, duration approx. six hours.

A VICTORIAN DRAMA: On Wednesday, the Onatti Theatre Company presents Rags and Riches, a Victorian drama, in the Cotswold Heritage Centre, Northleach. Day time performances for schools and an evening family performance. Details: Emma Tarry on 01285 655611.