We met on September 16 after the summer break to hear a most interesting talk by Ian Mackintosh on 400 years in the Stroud Valley Textile Mills. Beginning in the 15th century the waterways of the valley families built small mills in which they wove the wool of Cotswold sheep into fine cloth, known as West of England Cloth, used mainly to make military dress uniforms - scarlet for the Army, navy for the Navy and fine cloths for the wealthy. Mr Arkwright's invention speeded up the process of weaving and gradually took the industry up north and the Stroud Valley mills lost their trade - except for tennis balls for Wimbledon and green baize for snooker which is still made today, and a mill in Filkin making fine tweeds. The Mills area can be visited to learn about the Cotswold Heritage of cloth it provides and the skills it has.

On October 9 Society members had a most enjoyable day away visiting Malmsbury Abbey - the oldest in Britain - and hearing the history of the resting place of the very first King of England King Athelstan. After lunch we travelled to Corsham Court, the home of a famous collection of Old Masters, and listened to the owner detailing their history and then enjoying tea. A very tiring but enjoyable day with much seen and much learned.

Finally on October 21 a completely different event for the Society when Mr Tim Porter spoke on the long history of the Three Choirs who were formed in the 15th century in the cathedrals of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester to present musical concerts, particularly religious and some secular. Mr Porter played snippets of music by Handel, Mozart and Elgar, and several "new" composers of the day. We listened to the music with great pleasure and also to the tales of the cathedrals and the Orders who ran them. A very nice, relaxing evening lecture, presented by an expert raconteur.

After a trip down the canals on November 18 we meet again on January 20 for a Members' Evening when we bring and talk about our hobbies and interests. Do join us you will be very welcome.

JAMES LAW