WHAT is Conductive Education? Few members and probably few of the public have ever heard about it.

Member Melanie Brown spoke of her job and the meeting was fascinated to hear she lectures nationally and internationally as well as working with the Foundation of Conductive Education at its Birmingham centre.

In this country, we first heard of the work of the Hungarian Dr Peto in the 1960s. He worked with cerebral palsy children and neurologically damaged adults.

His methods were revolutionary and needed one-to-one support for patients. His theory was that everyone can 'learn to learn'.

The Foundation for Conductive Education was set up in Birmingham in 1986 and is a charity.

The staff are dedicated teacher conductors under the guidance of a neuropyschologist, who have studied and worked with the Peto Institute on their specialised training courses.

The presidents of neighbouring clubs at Worcester, Kidderminster and Stourbridge have invited member to a joint social get-together in April. There were also many invitations to other clubs' functions.

California would like penpals with the club and so forge another friendship link.

Plans for the next friendship link with colleagues from Neuss in Germany were discussed and hopefully a theatre visit to London in September is being planned.

The treasurer explained the new subscription arrangement and the AGM is to be held next month and nominations for officers were invited.