THURSDAY CLUB: In spite of the wet weather and the petrol crisis, the meeting of the Thursday Club at the Village Hall on September 14 was well attended. Mr J Mole, Club Chairman, welcomed all present, and good wishes were extended to members who were unable to attend through illness. Members enjoyed a musical afternoon given by the Handbell Ringers of Eckington "The Bow Belles", led by Mrs M Bickmore. The nine lady players started their programme with ringing Happy Birthday to members who had recently celebrated the events. The selection of musical bell ringing ranged from a Mexican Clap Dance to Land of Hope and Glory, the Can-Can and Brahms Lullaby. Members enjoyed a sing-along. Mrs Bickmore informed the meeting of the details of the handbells, which numbered 26 and were American. Appreciation was accorded to Mrs Bickmore and the lady "Bow Belles" for a most entertaining afternoon. Names were taken of members wishing to join the Club's outing to Chester on September 29. The coach will leave the village at 9am. Refreshments were organised by Mrs R Andrews and Mrs M Draper, and tea and home-made cakes were served. Raffles were held and raised £27 for Club funds. Winners were Mrs M Bickmore, Mrs M Stephens, Mrs G Allen, Mrs D Singleton, Mrs P Beadle, Mrs J Green, Mrs K Welch and Mrs J Strong. Members were reminded that a Millennium event for the British Legion would be a concert to be held at the village hall on October 20.

WHIST DRIVE: Although many patrons of the whist drive were affected by the petrol crisis, the whist drive held on September 14 was well attended. The event was organised by Mrs B Hodges and Miss F Ricketts to raise funds for the County Air Ambulance. Mr John Chester was MC, Mr C Bromfield, Drawmaster. Whist, raffles and mystery prizes were won by Mrs J Skirten, Mrs E Edwards, Mr P Macarthy, Mrs O Wells, Mrs D Hickmott, Mrs J Jackson, Mr C Skirten, Mrs M Gill, Mrs B Errington, Mrs H Archer, Mrs P Miles, Mrs B Bromfield, Mr C Griffin, Miss F Ricketts and Mr F Jeffreys.