Simon Wood, manager of The Worcestershire Biological Record Centre described the history, record centre, what records are used for and how records are collected and validated.

More information can be found at www.

wbrc.org.uk while Becky Lashley then gave an example of a project base at the centre, “traditional orchards and the wildlife found in them”. She is seeking volunteers to help survey many of these 2,000 orchards in Worcestershire for management and condition and species such as the rare noble chaser beetle, lichen grown, birds and mistletoe. On February 10 Francis Flanagan, Natural England, will speak on Heathland Restoration – Hartlebury Common A Case Study, at 8pm, at Stourport Sports’ Club in Kingswaycost £3. Please note this new accessible venue to which you are most welcome to attend. Contact Dr Joy Rooney on 01299 877275 for further information or www.hartleburycommon.

org.uk HARTLEBURY WI:Lindsey Jones, a Zumba teacher, gave members a taste of how Zumba can get you trim through exercise. Lindsey herself had been very overweight three years ago but Zumba exercises had helped her lose five stone in weight. The president, Pat Jewkes, lead the members through the four resolutions which have been proposed nationally. Members votes will be sent to NFWI who will then make the final decision on which resolution will go forward to the AGM in June. Every year the WI campaigns on issues which are of special interest to women.A visit to Stourbridge Red House Cone takes place on February 9, at 2pm. On March 22 members and friends can visit the back to back houses in Birmingham and on May 17 a full day outing will give members a chance to see red kites and the Pembridge water gardens. More details can be obtained from Dawn Bradley on 250532.

The next meeting is on February 12, at 7.30pm, in the parish hall. The subject is digging for treasure which will be illuminated by Richard Bradley and Lara Bishop. Visitors welcome.