Chairman Mary Jones was delighted to welcome 4 visitors and 28 members to an excellent lunch at the Kingfisher Hotel, Wallheath.

The group was gathered to hear speaker Ruth Lowe who not only spoke about the life of fashion icon Mary Quant but arrived in a Mary Quant mini car dressed in her most famous black and white dress, peaked cap and white plastic boots.

Mary was born in 1934 but due to the outbreak of war in 1939 was evacuated and attended 16 different schools.

She became influenced by a young man called Alexander who was different to other men because he dressed in outrageous bright colours.

At this time young people liked to gather in coffee bars and restaurants in the Kings Road where she decided to open her first boutique selling accessories. It was here she designed her first dresses which were snapped up immediately.

In 1963 she moved to Carnaby Street extending her range to underwear and tights with flowers, stripes and diamond patterns in bright colours to accompany her short dresses.

She was the first person to introduce many fashionable items including bright make-up and make-up for men.

Finally members enjoyed the nostalgia of browsing through an exciting selection of Mary Quant dresses and accessories.

Ann Rogers reminded members the coach would leave the Kingfisher at 9.15pm prompt on Tuesday, July 7 for a visit to Moreton in the Marsh and that a Canal trip and cream tea had been arranged on the August 18 departing from the Bonded Warehouse, Stourbridge, at 2pm.

The speaker on July 10 will be Ray Sturdy with a See and Hear Quiz and on August 14, instead of the usual luncheon, members were invited to a coffee morning at the home of Ann and Mike Rogers, 10.30-12.30pm.

This would include a raffle, bring and buy, and refreshments.

The following luncheon will be on September 11 when the speaker will be a Black Country Poet, David Bartley.

Luncheons are held at the Kingfisher Hotel, Wallheath, on the second Friday each month 12 noon for lunch at 12.30 departing at 3pm.

Visitors will receive a warm welcome and can attend three times before deciding to join. For further information ring the secretary on 01902 372984 or Email the Chairman, maryjones30@sky.com.