THE guest speaker in March was Mrs Anne Blick, who for many years worked at Peckham's photography shop in Russell Street,

She presented a slide show of old views in and around Stroud.

Don Wilkins, one of the members, identified himself and his mother outside the former 'AdaM & Eve' public house at Paradise where the family were living at the time.

It is amazing how the landscape has changed over the years, and surprising how quickly the old is forgotten.

Some of the pictures related to a period in the second World War when people joined long queues to obtain bread.

Anne showed a picture of Tom Longs Post on Minchinhampton Common, where although the road junction has changed the finger post remains to this day.

She said the romantic legend behind the naming of this spot is attributed to the grave of a highwayman but in fact it is the last resting place of a destitute weaver who committed suicide.

This was a most interesting evening and the Chairperson, Valerie Fussell thanked Anne on behalf of an appreciative audience.

Anne said all the fees she receives for her talks are divided between the Cotswold Care Hospice and an animal welfare organisation.

There were two competitions judged by Martin and Sue Berry from South Cerney and in the medium sweet rose class, Neil Gow came first with Stan Gudge and Joyce Meadows second and third respectively.

In the white dessert class Valerie Fussell took top spot with Gillian Gay second and Brenda Marlow third.

Both judges were extremely complimentary on the quality of the wines produced.