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SOROPTIMISTS - Following the recent AGM, members welcomed Mrs Shirley Bonas, a local artist, as their new club president. The president elect is now Mrs Linda Cocksedge.

At her first supper meeting, Shirley herself talked about her work as a professional artist and how the phrase "What do we want an artist in here for?" has always been a common phrase in art therapy sessions that she has led in the past. An example of this was in a residents' print and collage that she had led at Littleton House, Frankley - a residential and day care respite centre for the elderly.

A decorated tablecloth had been produced which had later been used as a focal point for meals. Shirley had also produced large oil portraits of the residents, some of whom were suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

The evening concluded with a brief talk by every member in turn to explain their own past or current professions.

For more details regarding the club and its activities and membership please call Mrs Denise Carson, secretary, on 01562 752459.

CYCLING CLUB - There are two rides this Sunday. The A ride starts at 8am and visits Fawley Chapel in the Cotswolds. The B ride starts at 9.30am and visits Kyre Park near Tenbury. Both rides leave from The Green, Blakebrook, opposite the hospital. All cyclists will be welcome and should bring a packed lunch.

On Wednesday evening there is a ride to the Kings Arms in Areley Kings. The ride leaves The Green at 7.00pm. For further details contact John Weston on 01299 401005 or visit the website at www.kidderminsterctc.org.uk WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB - The natural beauty, birdlife and wildlife of three of Brtain's islands were brought to life again during the illustrated talk presented by professional photographer, Mr Mike Wilkes, at the last indoor meeting of the 2007/2008 season.

Indoor meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at St Oswald's Church Centre, Broadwaters at 7.30pm. The new season starts in September.

On Sunday, Mr Gerry Griffiths will lead an early morning walk in the Wyre Forest. The meeting point is in the Dry Mill Lane car park at 6.20am. For further details call 01562 829078.

Anyone interested in wildlife, birdlife and conservation in general is welcome to join our indoor meetings and field trips. For further information visit the WMBC website www.westmidlandsbirdclub.com or contact 01562 67748.

FIELD CLUB - On April 22, the club celebrated its 80th birthday with a celebration lunch at Bodenham Arboretum.

President, Mr George Billinge, welcomed the Mayor, Councillor Mike Shellie, as the club's special guest.

In his speech, Mr Billinge reminded the guests of the club's past presidents, many of whom were significant figures in the public life and commerce of the town. Mrs Heather Hobbs, a member for more than 40 years and a former president, cut the birthday cake.

Before lunch, members walked around the Bodenham estate and later in the day enjoyed a coach tour through Corve Dale and to Titterstone Clee.

The club was formed in 1928 by a small group interested in geology and history. Today it has a large membership. There are monthly talks during the winter months and in the spring and summer outings to places of geological and historical interest. New members always welcome.

ART SOCIETY - The next meeting is on Thursday, May 15 at 7.15pm at Trimpley Village Hall. There will be a talk and demonstration by Christine Adams, a well-known painter of flowers and member of Birmingham Water Colour Society.

Visitors welcome.

On April 24, Hillary Baker, teacher and portrait painter, gave an appraisal of members' work and led a disscussion about future trends in the visual arts.

ROTARY CLUB - Managing local quarrying businesses does have its funny side as well as the chance to rove in high places. Meeting Margaret Thatcher was one of the highlights of Tony Mole's career, who is well known for promoting speedway, first in Wolverhampton and Workington, then at Belle Vue.

At the next meeting on Tuesday, the speaker will be John Hope, investigator extraordinaire.

METHODIST CHURCHES - Pentecost Sunday services: Trinity Methodist Church, Churchfields. Service of Holy Communion, led by Rev Pam Garrud, at 9am; All-Age Worship, led by Julia Pittaway, at 10.30am and evening service, led by Ray Lee, at 6.30pm.There is an informal lunchtime service at Trinity every Thursday at 12.30pm.

Broadwaters Methodist Church, worshipping at St Oswald's Church, a united service of Holy Communion at 9.30am, led by Rev Rose Lawley and Ray Harrowing.

Cookley Methodist Church (worshipping at St Peter's Church) at 11am, led by Dot Tesh.

Foley Park Methodist Church. at 10.30am, All-Age Worship, led by David Skitt, and at 6.30pm, led by Rev Pam Garrud, with the New Life Together Choir.

For details on Trinity or Broadwaters, call Rev Mary Austin on 01562 823300 and for Foley Park, Bewdley or Cookley call Rev Pam Garrud on 01562 742722.

DISTRICT PROBUS - At the April meeting, Lt Cdr A G Thomas gave a talk on Queen Victoria. The Queen was fluent in German, French and Italian, as well as her native English. Lord Melbourne, her first Prime Minister, was her mentor and grandfather figure in the early years of her reign.

Shortly after her accession, the matter of a husband was considered, and on the advice of her Uncle Leopold, King of the Belgians, the Queen accepted his nephew Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg Gotha. He was a good husband and he and Victoria had nine children. Regrettably, he died at 42.

Although the British monarch is above party politics, this did not mean that Queen Victoria was inhibited from making her views known to her ministers. In his vote of thanks, Ivor Quinton said that the talk showed the speaker's deep knowledge of his subject.

Further details about Kidderminster Probus can be obtained from the secretary on 01562 741442.

JUBILEE (ELIM CHURCH) , HOO ROAD - Fellowship meetings are held on Sundays at 10.30am and Wednesdays at 7.45pm. Jubilee Kids clubs meet on Wednesday evenings at Sutton Park and Franche Primary Schools.

Sunday sees the next Wyre Forest Prayer Gathering at Cornerstone Family Church, Stourport at 7pm. For details, call Rev Will O'Leary on 01562 822966 or 07792 806596.

MILTON HALL BAPTIST CHURCH - Residents are welcome to attend Sunday services at the church, in Lorne Street.

The morning service at 11am will be led by Graham Knight. The evening service at 6.30pm will be led by Graham Knight and Liam McMahon. People are welcome to stay for a cuppa and a chat after the morning service.

The monthly free Welcome Wednesday coffee morning will be held on Wednesday between 10am and noon.

Other activities during the school term at the Church include Boys Brigade on Monday at 6pm, Little Stars (mums and tots) on Tuesday between 10am and noon and Girls Brigade on Thursday at 6pm.

For further details, contact Rev Jack Bentham on 01562 632401 or visit the website at www.milton hallbaptistchurch.co.uk

2:53pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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