STOURPORT CIVIC SOCIETY: Last Month Ray Sturdy gave an interesting talk on the life of Vesta Tilly the famous Music Hall entertainer. Born in 1864 in Worcester,the second child of a family of thirteen, Vesta first performed on stage at the age of three and a half. She began her act dressed as a boy in order to increase her income. She did one act dressed as a girl and then later appeared as dressed a boy. After her success in Worcester she set her sights on London. Again she soon became the toast of the town and was eventually tempted to the USA. Her performance of "Burlington Bertie" dressed as a toff made her world famous. She never forgot her humble beginning and on retirement in 1920 spent much of her fortune on hospitals and homes for the poor She died in 1952 leaving £10,000 to each of her relatives.

Members were reminded that entries for the "Local History Award" must be submitted by the end of March. An appeal was made for more members to serve on the committee.

At the next meeting on the 10 March David Symons, a specialist from Birmingham Museum, will give a talk on the "Staffordshire Hoard"..

Meetings are held at the Elizabeth Mills Centre, New Street, Stourport, starting at 7.30pm, admission £1.50 members £3 non members.