TIM Smith opened the meeting in the absence of Bob Britton who unfortunately had suffered a DVD while on holiday in the Lake District. Bob has been moved to Gloucester Hospital and it is hoped will return home in a few days time.

We all send our best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.

Tim asked members who wished to go on the trip to Bristol Harbour, to pay their £25 to the Treasurer.

He then introduced Rachel Roberts who was the speaker for the evening and gave a most interesting insight in her work in charge of the archives at Cheltenham Ladies College.

Her talk was entitled 'The Early History of the Cheltenham Ladies College and its Arts and Crafts Treasures' and was a tribute to Dorothea Beale, former Headmistress of the college.

Although most of us have passed by and marvelled at the architecture not many of us knew how the College came about and of the wonders inside.

No wonder Dorothea called in the 'School Beautiful' as we were shown the many features inside the College, including the Daisy emblem. She was definitely a lady before her time and was instrumental in girls having the same education as boys.

We were surprised to learn that she had also funded St Hilda's College at Oxford.

Rachel's talk and presentation was much enjoyed and some of us hope to join one of the Heritage Tours at the College on 12th and 13th September.

The evening ended with as usual a well laden table and a buzz of conversation.

Next meeting is on April 30 when Fiona Warin will talk on The History of the Land Girls.