OUR last two meetings have been very enjoyable with congratulations given to Joan Clarence on her birthday and Pam Horsfield on becoming a grandmother to Millie Gwen on February 26.

We had a coffee morning and raised £159 for Alan Peace, who mountain climbs in aid of Cancer Research. He gave us a talk on Kilimanjaro last year and this year he climbed to the summit of Aconcagua in South America which is 23,000ft high. All monies raised go to Cancer Research as he funds all his expenses himself. An excellent speaker.

Our February speaker was Steve Keeling, a Central News reporter who gave us a very lively insight into the pitfalls and highs of live reporting on TV.

Our March speaker was Arthur Casey with a talk on the Bournville Carillon with slides. It was a very interesting talk about the history of the Carillon and of George Cadbury who installed it in 1906.

There is a visitor centre for tours around the Carillon which incorporates a meal in Selly Manor.

For details, call 0121 451 2194. The vote of thanks was given by Margaret Guy.

We are well on the way to organising our afternoon teas for St George's day at Alvechurch Village Hall. This starts at 3pm so why not join us?

The Denman Bursary was drawn and won by Valerie Mercier. We were tempted with many items of food when Sue Brotherton and Eileen Middleton came with their Fairtrade stall during our March meeting.

We meet every second Monday in the month at Alvechurch Village Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors are always made to feel welcome. For more details, call Denise Cashmore on 0121 445 3246.