KIDDERMINSTER ROTARY CLUB: What a turn-up for the books when past president Mervyn Silcox stepped into the ring to stand in another man’s shoes and take the bull by the horns enabling members to bone up on the derivation of long established English expressions and clichés.

No one felt he should put a sock in it, keeping attention riveted until the bitter end of his talk. Paul Frizzelle was as pleased as punch to propose a vote of thanks, reminding us of the idiom there is no such thing as a free lunch which Mervyn could have mentioned as the flavour of the month.

If you are fascinated by such speakers or interested in supporting the work of Rotary International, go to kidderminsterrotary.moonfruit.co.uk; and approach the president to come to the regular meetings on Tuesday lunchtimes.