CIVIC SOCIETY: In his report to the 31st AGM, chairman, Brian Barry hailed the improvements which have been carried out in the town during the past few years and are still ongoing. The Market Square, Bridge Street, Waterside and Abbey Park are just some of the areas that have been transformed, some of them thanks to Evesham having been selected by the Government to benefit from the Market Towns Initiative scheme led by Wychavon District Council, which has brought more money for such schemes. He told members that Wychavon has now been selected by Transport 2000 as one of only seven areas in the country to carry out pilot schemes for ways of making main roads into better places for people living on and using them. As the main traffic route through the town, Evesham High Street is the road for which Wychavon will be producing ideas for environmental improvement for shopping and leisure use whilst maintaining people's safety from the continuing traffic flow.

Brian Barry was re-elected chairman, Pat Rooke vice chairman, David Way secretary and Woolff Wahle treasurer. The chairman paid tribute to Beryl Burton, who retired from the committee after 30 years service, and all remaining committee members were re-elected.

Hamish Dawson gave a talk on the origins and development of canals, or cuts as they were originally known. He set the scene for members who will be visiting the Birmingham Canal basin on one of their summer trips to see the redevelopment of the area which the restoration of some of the system has brought about, and will take a trip on the canal.

The society's programme of events for the New Year includes visits to the Van Kampen gardens at Kidderminster, a day trip to London, evening visits to nearby towns and several interesting talks during winter evenings, plus the annual dinner. Applications are invited for new members, but visitors can join us at these events if places are available. Contact Wolf Wahle on Evesham 443867.

U3A: The next general meeting will be on Thursday, May 1, in the Public Hall, Evesham, at 2pm. As this is the AGM, only members will be admitted. Afternoon tea will be served after the meeting.

New members will be welcome after the AGM is over.