At the July meeting Chairman Mary Jones welcomed 36 members, Speaker Patrick Harley and guest MP for Dudley South Chris Kelly.

Mr Harley described the remarkable life of Frank Sinatra, born in New Jersey in 1915. He was an only child, his mother being involved in the abortion business and the mafia. He was expelled from school for fighting and so at the age of 8 began to sing and by his teens was a popular performer in the clubs. His big break came when he joined the Tommy Dorsey big band and 1939 had 40 hit songs in the first year. However, it was a troubled relationship and so 3 years later the mafia helped him to buy his freedom and in 1940 became the most popular singer in the USA. Unfortunately he was deemed unsuitable to serve in the second world war which made him very unpopular. He married 4 times, the greatest love of his life being Ava Gardner. His acting ability in the blockbuster film "From Here to Eternity" put him back on top and from 1953-60 he was the most popular singer in the world. He gave his final performance in 1995 and died in 1998 but his records are still as popular as ever.

The Kingfisher Hotel is undergoing major refurbishment and both the improvements and the meal proved very popular. There is no luncheon in August but instead members are invited to the home of Ann & Mike Rogers for a coffee morning on August 9 , 10.30/12.30pm The speaker in September is Sue Clegg "The World of Finger Printing" and October the Rev Stephen Buckley "From Stage to Pulpit". Later in the year an outing is booked to Wightwick Manor and the acclaimed Bel Canto Singers will entertain in December.

Meetings are held the second Friday each month 12pm for 12.30pm departing at 3pm. Visitors are most welcome - for more information ring the Secretary on 01902 372984.