ON October 5, the group met at the Baptist Church Hall, Alvechurch, for a members' photographic slide ''knockout'' competition.

The entry rules were simple - the slides must have been taken during the 12 months prior to the competition.

In all, 64 slides were entered, ranging from the romantic to the ridiculous and two projects were set up for members to pick which one of two random presented slides should go through to the next round.

The eventual winner was Mary McCormack, who has been a member of the group for more years than she cares to remember.

She was delighted to have her name engraved on the competition cup for 2000, so much so that she bought a round of drinks afterwards.

The first walk of the month was on Sunday, October 8, when 38 members assembled at Forge Mill Museum for the second stage of the group's millennium project - The Arrow Valley Way.

Founder member and local historian Ian Hayes gave an interesting talk on the history of Forge Mill, Abbey meadows and the uses made of the river by monks and various downstream mills which severely altered the course of the river over the years.

The walkers continued their route through Arrow Valley Park, calling at the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre for refreshments, following as close as possible the course of the river through Studley, Spernall and finally to Coughton Court, where a coach was waiting to take the walkers back to the starting point.

The group's AGM took place on Thursday, October 19, at the Baptist Church Hall, Alvechurch.

Members voted for the following committee representatives for the next 12 months: Brian Michie, chairman; Sylvia Nokes, secretary; Lyn Fraser, treasurer; Jean Nokes, rambles secretary; and committee members Carol Quick, Gerda Michie, Pat and Ken Hodgkinson.

A lively discussion took place on projects for the next year, plans for increased profile of the group and accounts and finance which resulted in a rise in subscription to £10 per annum.

A short walk of six miles took place on October 22 when 16 members enjoyed a walk starting from the Dolphin Inn, Bishampton, through the Lenches on a typical autumn day. Mavis Booker and Carol Quick led the ramble.

The final stage of the group's millennium project took place on Sunday, October 29, when 27 members continued tracing the course of the River Arrow.

The walk started at Coughton Court (weather good), continued through Alcester, Wixford and Broom (weather deteriorating) on to Bidford (weather diabolical) and finally on to the confluence of the Arrow and Avon near Salford Priors.

The rainswept, windswept group then staggered back to Bidford to change into dry clothes.

But all was not lost because there was a celebration meal where a happy, refreshed group thanked Gill Hitchcock and Jean Nokes for organising such a worthwhile project. The group intends to write up this interesting walk, ''The Arrow and its Valley from source to Avon''.

For membership details, call 870708.