The guest speaker on March 3 was Pauline Slater, who talked about her life in the Sultanate of Oman.

She lived there during the 70s, 80s and 90s, and told about changes in social, economic and industrial conditions in that time.

The changes were due to Sultan Qaboos who decreed that all the money made from oil should go to the people.

This meant they had schools, hospitals, transport and water - the latter being especially important as previously the people had to rely on rainfall.

Now the water comes mainly from desalination plants.

Mrs Slater set out displays of souvenirs from Oman, including a set of photographs, a collection of gold and silver sea shells, and samples of carpets made from goat and camel hair.

The competition for a spring flower arrangement was won by Joan Loftus.

The next meeting will be held at the Oaks Community Hall, Harvington, at 7.30pm, on Monday, April 7.