THE Vale of Evesham Historical Society bid farewell to a much loved member of the Almonry Heritage Centre staff at a recent get together.

Mari Griffiths, who has been a member of the hard working Almonry staff for more than five years, is leaving the centre to spend more time on her interests in creative artwork and history.

A small group got together to wish her well and for a presentation of thanks for her work.

The society also recently held its annual general meeting, at which the chairman, John Kyte, was unanimously re-elected for another year and he welcomed four new members to the committee, Richard Ball, Gerry Harte, Ivor Martin and Wendy Wagstaff.

In a speech he expressed confidence in the future of the society with its latest developments in working with the Church Conservation Trust, the Worcestershire County Archaeological Department and the continued development of the Almonry museum collection.

The society, which meets on Thursday evening's from 7.30pm at the Almonry, is planning its summer coach outing to Oxford on Thursday, June 12, and tickets costing £15 per person can be booked at the Almonry.

Anyone that would like to join should contact Rachel Knowles on 01386 761 522 or rj.knowles@hotmail.co.uk.