The New Year started with an illustrated talk by Marilyn Ferris on the ‘History of Mary Stevens Park’. This fascinating talk described the many developments that have been made by the successive families that have owned the park and have led to the park as we know it today.

It was very interesting talk about a familiar local amenity and Marilyn answered our member’s questions after her presentation. Many of our members recounted memories and fond experiences of the park.

The February meeting, on the Thursday evening of half-term week, had to be cancelled due to the, unexpectedly, heavy snow that fell on that day.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 18th March and will be talk by Chris King from Trading Standards.

The April meeting will be on Thursday 15th April and will be Caroline Parsons talking about Dudley Zoo.

Preparations for the annual trip are well advanced – the club this year going to Liverpool on Saturday 15th May.

As in previous years the trip is being organised for us by excellent local tour operator Mark Smith and we are all looking forward to, as always, a superb day.

There are a few tickets still available for members, families and friends.

The remaining meetings of the year will be ‘City hopping around Europe’ (May 20th) and ‘Himley Hall, past, present and future’ (June 17th).

The season will end with annual dinner in July. The programme of speakers and events for the new season starting in September will have something for everyone, and as we always say you don’t have to be over fifty to join us!

The meetings take place at Rowley Regis Handicapped Centre, Birmingham Road, Rowley Regis (next to Tesco One Stop), we open the doors at 7.00pm, for a 7.30pm start.

We guarantee new members a very warm welcome.