ON a gloomy autumn day, members of the Droitwich Spa branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) were enthralled by the photographs of Andrew Gagg who transported us around the tribes and textiles of India.

These photos were not of the conventional sites which travel companies endeavour to sell us, such as the Taj Mahal and the Golden Triangle.

No, these were vibrant colourful photos from lesser known areas such as Orissa, Gujerat and Kerala showing each areas specialist expertise in cotton, silk, embroidery and coir.

These tribes are a small proportion of the total population of India and although the tribes are shrinking they are still functioning well and producing marvellous textiles.

Andrew and Christine have been travelling to these lesser known areas for 25 years and we were the beneficiaries of their knowledge and wonderful photographs.

The next monthly meeting of the U3A, which will be held on November 18, will feature Bernard Mills talking about shopping over 200 years.

New members are always welcome.

For more information about the group please contact Steve Hawley, the membership secretary, at shawley316@btinternet.

com.