Our March activities started on Tuesday 2 March with a most enjoyable social outing to Chateau Impney near Droitwich. Despite the Chateau’s current uncertain financial circumstances our social secretary Norman Bryson was able to arrange this visit at short notice. We were given an interesting introductory talk on the history of the chateau followed by a guided tour of some of the rooms, the conference centre and the gardens. The afternoon concluded with a splendid afternoon tea in the grand dining room.

The monthly lunch meeting was held at Stourbridge Rugby club on Tuesday 16 March. Members welcomed back our president, Nigel Perry who had been travelling for the last two months. Our guest speaker was David Hickman, a former head librarian in Stourbridge library. He gave a fascinating talk on the diaries of Parson James Woodforde who had been rector of the parish of Weston Longville near Norwich in the late 18th century. His diaries provide a daily record of parish life from 1758 until he died in 1803. David’s selected readings gave a humorous insight into social, political and national affairs of the time as well as Woodforde’s own extravagances in food, drink and hospitality. Having just endured the coldest winter for 30 years we were interested to hear about the hardships of a much colder period in February 1785. After a lively discussion the vote of thanks was given by Joe Gaunt.

Visiting guests are invited to join our lunchtime meetings which are held at Stourbridge Rugby Club at 1.00 pm on the third Tuesday of each month - contact Andrew Scudamore on 01384 376314 for further details.