On Tuesday, September 23, at the Swan Hotel Alcester, Sue Summerton - who has been belly dancing for two years - came to talk and demonstrate this ancient form of dance.

Linking women to Mother Earth and Nature, its reason was for calling on the spirits of fertility in rituals but by ancient Egyptian times, it was also for entertainment.

Today, dances from Arabic dancing to flamenco in Spain and the tango in Argentina show the extent to which all parts of the globe have been influenced.

Sue explained and illustrated the various movements and steps that make up belly dancing and then gave a fascinating performance to the beat of authentic Arabic music using a large veil to create more excitement.

Sue went on to explain that she made her own costumes. The one she was wearing, a beautiful vibrant red costume, was decorated with coins and jewellery, which developed out the need for dancers throughout the centuries to carry all their wealth with them at all times for safe keeping.

The Merry Wives were invited to put on some of the other costumes and have a go at flicking their hips and performing the snake movements that Sue had demonstarted with such ease and skill.

Belly dancing lessons are held in Stratford on Tuesday afternoons and Friday evenings. Call the Merry Wives on 01789 488263 for more details if you would like to learn.

The raffle was won by Noreen Dean.

The next meeting will be a talk on Walking the Canals of the Midlands with slide show by Michael Kettle on Tuesday, October 14 at the Swan Hotel.