THE Breakaway Club held its February meeting in the Cowesfield Room of the new Memorial Centre for the first time.

Due to half-term commitments and illness, numbers were down this month, but those members who were able to attend were treated to a very interesting illustrated talk by Gordon Lewis and his wife about ferrets.

These small furry creatures have had a bad press over the years, with a reputation for nipping and biting, but Gordon assured his audience that if treated well and handled properly they do not bite, although he admitted they don't make good pets for children.

Ferrets belong to the Mustelidae family, which includes otters, badgers, weasels, stoats and ermine.

It is thought the Romans brought them to Britain to catch the rabbits they also imported, but by the 14th century they were being kept as pets.

Elizabeth I had a ferret with a gold collar fashioned like a crown, and Leonardo Da Vinci's painting Lady with Ermine is actually thought to feature a ferret, not an ermine.

Following his talk, Gordon answered many questions and was thanked by Janette Munro.

New members are always welcome.