OUR secretary Jean opened the meeting and welcomed members and visitors.

Our speaker for the afternoon was Chris Forrester who told us the history of the Metropolitan Mounted Police.

Now retired after a long career in the force, Chris described how it was set up in the 1700s to protect the public from highway robbers.

Later, they undertook other duties such as despatch riders, pulling prison vans and dealing with the suffragette movement.

He noted the first women were not allowed to join until 1971.

Chris had many stories to tell from when he joined in the 1970s and remembers the protest marches and public demonstrations at that time.

There were birthday flowers for Ann Marshall.

The next meeting will be our AGM on Wednesday, March 11, at 2.15pm. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to know more about us please ring Astrid (711693) or Pauline (710520).