MEMBERS of a Bromsgrove and Redditch club for women have marked the group's golden anniversary, with a weekend of special events.

The Soroptomist International of Bromsgrove and Redditch club was first chartered at The Golden Cross Hotel in Bromsgrove on October 25 1966.

Over last weekend, members enjoyed a meal at Mendi's Indian restaurant, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and a visit to Harvington Hall, near Kidderminster.

And among guests at the 50th anniversary dinner on Saturday (Oct 22) at Hillscourt, Rednal, were "sister" Soroptomists from clubs around the Midlands, including Margaret Emsley, president of the Soroptomists' federation.

There were even representatives from further afield, including members of "friendship link" clubs in Burton-upon-Trent and Neuss (correct) in Germany.

Guest speaker Shelagh Snell entertained the gathering with a talk on the evolution of the English language, entitled "English as she is spoke".

Bromsgrove and Redditch club president Margaret Toole said: "During the 50 years of our club’s happy life we have supported many charities both local and international, in raising money and giving service.

"We are very proud to have supported the Worcestershire Breast Cancer Clinic, the Basement Project in Bromsgrove, Nightstop in Redditch, Home-Start North East Worcestershire, Alzheimer’s Support and numerous other local projects.

"We are currently supporting Nightstop, Cherish and the International Project Meru Women’s Gardens.

"Our membership is growing - two new members were enrolled in October and we have prospective new members waiting in the wings."