President Mrs Prior welcomed us all, including two new members for their second time, and thanked Beattie Denning who had, as usual, made a pretty flower arrangement.

We were reminded that photos of farms in Worcestershire were still required for the 2005 calendar, and that a suggestion had been made for the 2006 calendar - manufacturing in Worcs.

The produce table at Burcot fete had been very successful, as was the boot sale the following week, and all the helpers and donors were thanked for their efforts. We had a beautiful day for our outing to Leamington Spa, the Jephson Gardens were magnificent and the leisurely canal cruise and lunch were well appreciated. Several outings, to the ballet, the cinema for a viewing of Calendar Girls, and a coach trip to Bath, have been arranged to take place in the next few months.

Our speaker was George Hook, sadly not only the last pearl button maker in the country but also the last of his line. He showed us some of his beautiful shells such as oyster, giant turban, trochus, abalone and ormer, many from tropical waters. Mr Hook had brought several examples of his work; besides buttons, plain, coloured and carved, there were buckles (which without the bar and prong, make pretty scarf rings), knife handles and several small spoons, each with a different use. He had also made some of the intricately carved inlay work for furniture and musical instruments. It was a very funny and informative talk, Pearl Prior gave the vote of thanks and we all applauded heartily. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 8, at 2pm in Burcot Village Hall. All visitors will receive a warm welcome.