Our January Meeting was the time for our end of year elections, reports from Treasurer and general running of the Club throughout the year. As there were not any nominations for Committee or Leadership, the Serving Committee ladies were willing to stand again, and were voted on for another year on bloc .

The Treasurer gave her report, and we were pleased to hear our financial position was in good stead, although we would have to be prepared for further outlay in various sections this coming year, and our subscription charge was increased by 50p  p.a. bearing this in mind.  Her accounts were accepted and a vote of thanks given.

Chair then gave a report, looking back over the years happenings, topics of our monthly meetings, outings, etc.  We supported an appeal for the lorry trek to Rumania, by bringing toiletries as is requested, and some stationary, and were handed to our speakers who are very much involved being local folk; an interesting afternoon with a talk on the working of Milford Day Centre, ended with a number of items being bought, made by Members of the Centre, in the way of glass painting, stationary and other arts and crafts.  We look forward to seeing the youngsters from St. James School during the year, - and we in turn are invited to an Easter and harvest tea, which is much appreciated.

An annual Bring and Buy is stimulating, it brings in finance for us, as does the 'penny bottle' all useful as we are self supporting.

Now to our speaker for the afternoon, and very interesting it was to all. Diane spoke on 'Wild life in my garden' and we were all deeply engrossed to hear about the various birds and animals which visited.  The 'Pecking order' when it comes to food, who has first choice.  The deer which visit (not always a welcome visitor to some folk, as we all know they can be very destructive to flowers and shrubs) .  Then what about our butterflies, Diane had some beautiful drawings of various species for us to look out for, and this of course is more likely if we can turn a bit of our garden over to a patch of wild flowers and bushes.  There are several species of beetle including the 'big bruiser' the Stag Beetles, and what a fight to behold if you have ever set eyes on a fight.  A pond will encourage frogs and toads, and then there is always the slow worm, grass snake, worms and other 'slithery' species of wild life.

There was a time for questions, and we all went away promising to be more vigilant in watching out for God's creatures we have around us in this wonderful world of nature.

We were pleased to welcome one new lady to see whether she would like to join us permanently as a member, as we hope she will.

We remembered past and present members who could not be with us for one reason or another, unwell or in hospital.

Next meeting March 23^rd Bring & Buy.

F. E. Sheppard