THE title of the talk on February 8 "Why I Go Topless around Stratford" gave rise to much speculation as to the subject and whether it would be illustrated. I can now reveal that the speaker, Gwen Zanzottera, gave us an entertaining talk about being a guide on the tour buses operating in Stratford, having retired from her job in the town. I think the amount of information she was expected to absorb during six weeks' training and the need to pass an exam surprised many of us. Not content with that, she went on to become a Blue Badge Guide, a professional qualification obtained after three months' training and an onerous exam. The area she covered stretched from Stoke on Trent to Cheltenham.

Her experience of amateur dramatics and singing stood her in good stead during her 25 years as a tour guide, also a good memory and an ability to think on her feet. Perhaps surprisingly, she insisted it was all good fun and we heard very little about any awkward customers. She has written two books on the sayings she has heard over the years. All in all it sounded like a lot of hard work, not what most of us would consider taking on in "retirement".

Our next meeting on February 15 is a Music Quiz and our AGM is on February 22. We meet every Thursday, 10am at The Boathouse, Evesham Rowing Club. Full information can be found on our website http://www.eveshamprobus.co.uk/.

ALAN SMITH