railway ramble starting at Kidderminster Station on the Severn Valley Railway. Those arriving at the given time of 10.15 had a good half hour to visit the station's museum before boarding the restored carriage which had been reserved for the party. The ambience of the station fixtures and fittings enchanted us back in time to the days of steam railways.

It was noticeable in this age of rush-tear that the journey to Hampton Loade was very slow, which gave us chance to stare at the swollen River Severn and see trees pushed over from the recent gales. As we went through the Bewdley tunnel, the lights in the carriage came on and we looked out at the blackness waiting to see "the light at the end of the tunnel". Severn Valley Railway is famous for documentary television and nostalgic film shots. We rode by the West Midlands Safari Park and saw bison feeding and ostriches looking aloof at each other. At about 12.10 we arrived at Hampton Loade and were shepherded by Val Wood, our leader, across the railway track into a wood. We were soon given the option to either walk precariously along the footpath, with the swollen river on our left only inches away, or divert into the parallel wooded area. Back on track we crossed the usual grassy meadows and up through a lovely woodland with rocky waterfalls which would in the hot summertime be music to the ears.

After a break for lunch we stretched our legs again up a lane and down another to a main road before heading down to the Chelmarsh Reservoir. We soon walked over two or three meadows down into the village of Hampton Loade.

ART SOCIETY: The January meeting was well attended to watch Pat Landon demonstrate a method of combining pastel and acrylics in a painting. It proved interesting and will surely inspire some experimentation among the audience. At the February AGM it was unanimously agreed that demonstrations are without doubt our most popular regular activity so we will continue our policy of providing interesting professional demonstrators. Our usual Spring Exhibition in Broadway will be held during the Jubilee weekend. Thanks was expressed to the two retiring members of the committee and the two new members welcomed. This was followed by a social evening with a well-supported fun painting competition Reflections which was judged by vote and won by Roger Turner. Next week's meeting on March 20 will be a practical evening. A model will be provided as well as still life subjects.

Evesham Art Society meets at The Friends Meeting House, Cowl Street, Evesham at 7.15pm for 7.30pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Non-members welcomed - entrance £2 to include coffee and biscuits.

Note: Annual subscription £10 due end March. Membership secretary: Mrs Marion Thompson, telephone 01386 853612. Programme available to members at April meeting.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Next Monday The Vale of Evesham Camera Club will welcome R Underhill ARPS DPAGB to judge the Print and Slide of the Year competition at The Friends Meeting House, Cowl Street, Evesham, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. New members always welcome.

CSRF: The AGM of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship was held in the function room at Evesham Library. The chairman, Mrs Anne Innes, welcomed all present and extended special thanks to committee members and others who worked hard during the year to make the meetings so successful and enjoyable. A special welcome was extended to Mrs Blackford, a new member.

The chairman's address recalled a successful year.

Mrs Brenda Marsh announced her retirement as group secretary and read her final report, which was appreciated by everyone. Mrs Marsh will continue as membership secretary.

The social secretary, Miss Battcher, read her report and confirmed speakers were reserved for the remainder of the year.

Mr C Innes, treasurer, distributed copies of the audited accounts for the year to December 31, which were duly approved. Mr Innes announced his retirement as treasurer and the chairman asked for anyone willing to take over the duties and was pleased to accept Mr Colin Woodman.

Mrs Innes also asked for someone to take over the duties of secretary to complete the required number of committee members and Mrs Jean Toon put her name forward. The remaining committee members continued.

Mrs June Green reported that she was continuing her endeavours to find a venue for the Christmas lunch and asked if the Round of Gras or Norton Grange would be suitable. Both were favourably received and Mrs Green said she would make further enquiries.

The next meeting will be on April 9 in the Function Room, when Mr Tony Deakin will give a talk entitled A Saucy Tale.