TO round off their March programme, members were entertained with excellent talks given by two of their own members.

Lawrence Threadgold gave a fascinating insight into the world of forensic dentistry.

Dating back to Roman times, he explained how this method of identification has solved many criminal cases over the years.

Teeth, being the last parts of the body to decompose, can give untold information to forensic experts, not only from their shape and colour, but also bite marks shown in certain criminal cases.

The second talk was given by Trevor Ward on the history of his family business which was started by his grandfather in 1911.

He explained how his grandfather began the business from a small shed in his garden, and how it had developed with the help of his father and then himself and brother over the years into one of the largest industrial protective clothing companies in the country, with factories in Stourbridge, Dudley and Bridgnorth.

Employing hundreds of workers, it was a truly family concern with some instances of mother, daughter and grandchildren all working together.

Sadly, this gradually declined during the 1960s and 1970s due to the upsurge of imports from the Far East, making it difficult to compete against the countries with low wage structures.

However, the business is still thriving, albeit in a different form and members are looking forward to part two of this talk in April. At the business meeting that followed, members were reminded that names were being taken for the visit to the Beckford Silk Mill and asparagus lunch on May 3.

Members meet at the Environmental Centre, Pope Iron Road, Worcester, every Thursday and at present are open to new members, please telephone 01905 820460.
R P STEPHENS