Sentenced in the late eighteenth century to ‘Life beyond the seas’ for minor convictions such as the theft of clothing, eight Worcestershire women were deported to Australia.

In the Business Meeting, Patsy Anderson, the president, announced that Jacki Clark was the winner of the Denman Bursary, following the draw at the Annual New Year Lunch.

Future outings were discussed including local walks being planned by Ann Bailey and Margaret Cook.

The competition for an Interesting Family Heirloom was won by Mary Wehner, with Cherry Greaves and Lin Edwards second and third.

The next meeting will be held at Areley Kings Village Hall 0n Monday, March 9 at 730pm when The National Garden Scheme will be the subject of David Morgan’s talk