LEARNING is certainly fun when Paul Harding is involved! His topic at our March meeting was WWI Fitness for the Front, and what a fascinating subject it proved to be. There was major overcrowding at the beginning of the war, with people living in poverty. The government couldn't believe the poor health of so many enlisting. They therefore established a regime of three hearty meals a day, and regular exercise in the form of Swedish Drill. A Swedish gymnast, Pehr Henrik Ling, invented this full body workout at the turn of the 19th century as a means of restoring public health. Paul had researched this and demonstrated one or two moves, but fortunately he didn't expect us to have a go!

This training built them up, but warfare destroyed them. Paul talked about the various war efforts on the home front to help keep the soldiers well fed and to boost their morale. Daphne Glover thanked him for a fantastic evening.

After we had all enjoyed a delicious variety of cakes with our tea and coffee, the business meeting was chaired by Helen Roe, vice president,who was pleased to welcome 34 members and 3 guests. The various matters discussed included the competition schedule for the Autumn Council Meeting, outings, skittles, a new ACWW fund raiser and the craft group. The winners of this month's competition were first Janet Cullis, second Christine Daley and third Diana Staines.

Our next meeting is on April 13 when we will have a visit from the Appleyards dance group. We meet at 7.30pm in Wulstan Hall. As always, new members and visitors are very welcome. There is a charge of £4 an evening for non-members.

JEAN BARTON