The Wyre Forest and District Centre's November speaker at Blakedown Parish Room, was Mark Armstrong, area manager for Warwickshire, North Worcestershire and North Gloucestershire National Trust.

His talk entitled Activities at Warwickshire & Worcestershire National Trust Properties, featured Snowshill Manor, about to undergo refurbishment and properties on the Clent Hills purchased by the trust from the sale of houses bequested.

A grant of $4 million will be used to improve Hidcote Manor Gardens and a legacy has funded work on Baddesley Clinton. For details call Marjorie Fernihough on 01562 883460.