PRESIDENT Joan welcomed the ladies present for our first meeting of the new year and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

The new committee members were introduced to the ladies present.

Ladies were reminded that subscriptions were due to be paid by next month.

Correspondence was read and then displayed for the members to read.

Bring and Buy will be every two months, the book stall every month.

A delegate is required for the G.F.W.I. Annual Council meeting on March 18, 2015.

There were three birthdays this month and President Joan presented each lady with a birthday card, we then sang Happy Birthday.

A volunteer is needed for members' birthday flowers, as Maureen Tempest would like to finish; having presented birthday flowers for a long time, a big thank you to Maureen for her beautiful birthday flowers.

Suggestions are needed for our August outing, please place any suggestions in the box provided, one suggestion is to hold a competition every month.

A vote was then taken for the forthcoming resolutions at the Annual Meeting at the Albert Hall.

At this point President Joan introduced our Speaker Lorraine Parsloe.

We had a very entertaining talk on her 15 years as a TV and Film extra, (correct name Supporting Artist), Lorraine studied Drama and Film.

To enter the world of TV an equity card had to be obtained, after several auditions she obtained an opening as a TV extra.

Extras had to move silently, blend into the background and never speak.

She wore many varied costumes which had to be authentic, for period dramas a very tight corset had to be worn which made breathing very difficult.

During her time as an extra she met many famous stars, her favourite being Dame Judi Dench.

She retired as an extra after the birth of her children, Lorraine then did voices for children's TV.

A vote of thanks was given for a fascinating insight into the world of TV extras and I'm sure we will all pay more attention to the people in the background when we watch a drama on TV and film.

We then enjoyed a social chat with our coffee and tea.

Visitors are always welcome, our meetings are held the second Wednesday morning of every month (except August), at 10.30 am, at The Congregation Hall, Bedford Street, Stroud, Glos.

We would love to see you.